The Porsche Pepita Edition by Vitra represents a masterful integration of automotive heritage and contemporary design, where each piece fulfills a functional role and also carries a legacy of innovation and timeless design as it finds a place in homes and offices. Vitra’s limited release of iconic chairs, such as the ‘Eames Plastic Side Chair,’ ‘ID Trim L,’ and ‘Petit Repos,’ show the synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. This houndstooth pattern, a long-standing feature in Porsche interiors since 1965, symbolizes a tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic finesse.
Designer: Porsche x Vitra Collab
First introduced in the interiors of Porsche vehicles in the 1960s, the Pepita fabric is a distinctive duotone checkered pattern that resembles abstract four-pointed shapes. It is often rendered in black and white, though it can be incorporated through a specific weaving process that interlaces two contrasting colors to create a visually striking and uniquely recognizable broken check pattern. Pepita fabric has become synonymous with high quality and sophisticated taste.
Initially featured as upholstery in the iconic Porsche 911 models, the rarity of Pepita fabric has increased as fewer manufacturers choose to undertake the labor-intensive production of true houndstooth weaves. This scarcity has made genuine Pepita a coveted element in both the automotive and interior design sectors. Vitra’s reintroduction of this fabric through limited edition pieces revives a classic style and maintains its exclusivity, making it highly treasured among collectors. The combination of its limited availability, storied heritage, and intricate aesthetics solidifies Pepita fabric’s status as a rare and distinctive feature across design and automotive history.
In the 1960s, the introduction of the iconic 911, launched in 1963, exemplified Porsche’s commitment to combining performance with sophisticated comfort. The interior design focused on functionality and luxury, resonating with discerning customers through the use of durable and tactile materials like leather and the stylish Pepita fabric for seat coverings. The clean and driver-oriented dashboard design emphasized ease of use and clear visibility of essential instruments, with the tachometer centrally positioned to align with Porsche’s performance-driven philosophy. Subdued color schemes of blacks, greys, and browns dominated, though brighter colors were also available, reflecting personal preferences and the vibrant styles of the 60s.
The unveiling at the ‘The Art of Dreams’ event in Milan highlights the seamless integration of innovation and design excellence between Vitra and Porsche. The collection prioritizes exclusivity, mirroring significant Porsche models and milestones, such as the ‘Eames Plastic Side Chair Pepita Edition’, limited to 1,963 pieces to commemorate the year Porsche introduced the Pepita option in its 911 model. These chairs are more than functional items; they are collector’s pieces that echo the narratives of their creators and pivotal moments in both design and automotive history, celebrating a rich heritage and the evolution of design.
There are pieces of furniture that serve their purpose in your living space even if they’re not always that well-designed. Then there are those that you don’t really understand what they’re for but they’re just so pretty or fits into your aesthetic that you just know you need to have them. Of course if those pieces are also sustainable and eco-friendly, that’s a great bonus. Well, it would also be great if they can actually do what they’re supposed to do while looking pretty and saving the earth.
Designer: Nendo for Paola Lenti
Italian furniture brand Paola Lenti unveiled their collaboration with Japanese design firm Nendo at the Milan Design Week. The Hanara-shi series of furnishings and complements look like art pieces at first glance. Their shapes and designs are inspired by Japanese culture of course, specifically the cherry trees that are starting to be in full bloom in Japan right now. There’s also some inspiration from ancient samurai armours if you look closely at the fabrics and patterns.
While their colors are really attractive and eye-catching, I couldn’t figure out at first what they were supposed to be. But upon closer inspection (of the photos and the website), there are suspended lamps, baskets, floor lamps, armchairs, and poufs/ottomans included in the collection. The fabric used is Maris mesh which is recyclable and made from 100% polypropylene waterproof material. Unlike other furniture which starts from the design, this one started from showing the fabric that they will be designing and that’s when the ideas started to flow.
Since the material is rigid, marbled in colour but textured, flexible, and malleable, they were able to fold and wrap them on themselves to create this line of products. There are of course welded elements to put them all together but the main star of this Hanara-shi series is definitely the fabric and how they designed it to create these pieces of furniture. The upholstery and inlays used are also recovered cutoffs from previous processes so you can say that not only are they beautiful but they’re also friendly to the earth.
The eagerly anticipated moment has arrived, and the designated color of the year for 2024 by Pantone is PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz. Amid worldwide conflicts, climate change, and multiple sources of stress, Peach Fuzz is a “velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches heart, mind, and body,” Laurie Pressman, Vice President, Pantone Color Institute said. This soft and comforting peach shade evokes a sense of warmth and gentleness, conveying a message of kindness, tenderness, communal spirit, and cooperation.
What Is the Pantone Color of the Year and Why Is It Important?
Annually, during the initial days of December, The Pantone Color Institute headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey reveals the latest Color of the coming Year. Recognized globally as a leading source of color expertise, the Pantone Color Institute tracks yearly color trends, considering diverse societal aspects like fashion, marketing, social media, and politics to determine the influential Color of the Year, impacting design and brand marketing.
Peach is a great color for making us feel calm and positive. It shields us from negative emotions like sadness and disappointment, encouraging us to be our best selves even in tough times. Peach is widely appreciated as an excellent color for communication and instilling a sense of calm and courtesy. This color radiates positivity and consistently revitalizes us, especially during challenging moments.
Which colors complement Peach Fuzz?
Peach is a warm hue between pink and orange on the color wheel, distinct from orange and terra cotta.
Explore the vibrant and lively color combinations that emerge when peach is paired with various hues applied to these functional and aesthetically pleasing home décor products.
You can combine peach with lively colors such as blue, yellow, orange, grey, white, and green—pair peach with white, grey, and black for a modern aesthetic.
Explore the mood boards through product design, highlighting colors that pair well with peach, along with innovative products and ideas.
Do you want to embrace the essence of sophisticated minimalism.
How to introduce Peach Fuzz into your interiors?
Peach color can refresh the look of the décor and create a lively ambiance. If you’re seeking to bring a touch of this peachy color into your space, here are tips to get you going.
1. Home Décor
A fantastic way to introduce Peach Fuzz into your living space is by incorporating it into the items adorning your shelves. This subtle tone makes a soothing impact, so consider starting with vases, sculptures, or floral arrangements that can be layered to subtly infuse this lively shade. If you’re still craving more of this color, you can enhance the vibrancy in your home with peach color lighting, such as candles and lampshades, or make a bold statement with a couch or accent chair.
The Nyx Candleholder by Villa Arev x French Cliché is a limited edition, playful twist on traditional candleholders, made of glazed earthenware—a colorful tribute to grand candelabras.
Textiles provide an excellent means to harmonize this peach hue with a touch of added softness. Drape a woven magenta blanket over your couch or bed to introduce a cozy texture and a personal touch to the décor. Enhance comfort by layering vibrant accent pillows on your bed, couch, or outdoor furniture, and by incorporating peach-hued towels into your bathroom, or incorporate this color with flowing curtains that filter sunlight through the windows.
This Peach All Season Comfort Luxurious Soft Comforter brings a modern aesthetic to a neutral-toned bedroom and adds a pop of color.
The Aram rug by Hands captivates with its distinctive shape and layered design inspired by sandstone formations. It showcases a spiral pattern reminiscent of the gradual erosion seen in sedimentary rocks, echoing the natural formations shaped by shifting sand dunes over countless millennia.
The circular patterns of the Bloom Rug draws inspiration from the dry gardens or karesansui gardens of Japan. Adding a touch of uniqueness and chic style to your home, this rug is hand-tufted and meticulously hand-trimmed to replicate the aesthetic of Japanese gardens.
3. Create an Accent Wall
If you want to fully embrace the peach fuzz aesthetic, contemplate incorporating it into your space through an accent wall, capturing the soothing hue. Begin by selecting a focal point in your home—whether it’s the wall behind your bed or TV, or the wall along your staircase, and introduce the accent color with wall paint or textured paint. For a less permanent burst of color, consider using tapestries or peel-and-stick wallpaper as an ideal temporary solution.
Choose a soft floral wallpaper with peach blooms or go for bold patterns with Blossom Peach Chinoiserie Wallpaper for a touch of intricate style.
This orange and peach wallpaper showcases the gradual transition from one hue to another, typically progressing from lighter to darker tints and shades.
4. Create a Gallery Wall
Creating a gallery wall is an excellent method of incorporating this color into your home décor. Use peach-colored prints or peach-colored frames against a neutral backdrop, such as beige, white, or grey walls.
The inspiration for the Desert Gallery Wall comes from journeys to Saguaro National Park in Arizona.
5. Beautify with Accent Pieces
How about bringing in the beauty of Peach Fuzz via accent pieces?
The Chhau Donna Cabinet features beautiful colors, a nautical resin head in gold, two drawers, and ample shelves. Its timeless design and superior craftsmanship make it a standout in your space, offering a captivating experience every day! The cabinet boasts two drawers and ample shelves for practical storage.
The Hullabaloo is a unique standalone bookshelf with a twisting design created from four cuboidal quadrants forming a circle. Functionality is achieved by opening each quadrant, and a translucent back adds mystery. Its shape, requiring multiple glances, blends aesthetics seamlessly with function in a compact yet captivating design.
The Marigold One Arm Sofa designed by Fleur Delesalle features a beautifully rounded bench-like design, showcasing exquisite details from every angle—front, side, and back. This sofa serves as an ideal room divider. Its distinctive armrest also functions as a comfortable headrest, making it perfect for a relaxing break.
6. Design the Tablescape
Revitalize your dining area with Peach Fuzz by creatively using your tablescape to mix and match plates, cups, bowls, napkins, and more. For a subtle nod to the color, consider placing a beautiful bouquet of peach flowers on your dining table or incorporating peach hand towels in your kitchen. For a more complete embrace of the color, introduce a Peach Fuzz table runner or placemats to rejuvenate your dining space, infusing new life into gatherings with family and friends.
Soirée8’s collection is both eccentric and subtle, bold yet minimal, seamlessly blending vintage and modern elements.
Have you ever wished your mood or thoughts could be broadcasted to the world and people just understood you without you having to say a word? The T-Shirt TV is here to turn that imaginative concept into a stylish reality, making it a groundbreaking upgrade for introverts and expressive individuals alike. Move over plain white tees; this wearable tech isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a dynamic canvas that transforms your clothing into a medium of expression.
The T-Shirt TV takes the ordinary and turns it extraordinary with a sleek, 10-inch HD screen seamlessly integrated into the fabric. This high-tech addition is not only lightweight but also unobtrusive, ensuring that your fashion-forward look is not compromised. The result? Your outfit becomes a moving, talking spectacle, delivering a visual narrative that transcends traditional clothing.
With the T-Shirt TV, you have the power to showcase anything from art and activism to personal branding and entertainment. The 10-inch screen allows for stunning clarity, turning your tee into a portable canvas for your chosen visuals. Imagine carrying your message, digital creations, or even your favorite sports team’s highlights with you wherever you go.
Uploading content is a breeze; simply connect a USB to transform your tee into a looping showcase of videos, images, and audio. The T-shirt comes equipped with 2 GB of storage and a battery life of two to four hours, extendable with an extra battery. This ensures that your dynamic display keeps going as long as you do.
The T-Shirt TV is not just a party accessory; it’s a powerful medium for creatives and communicators of all kinds. Artists can display their digital creations, activists can amplify their messages, and sports enthusiasts can flaunt their team spirit. In essence, it’s a mobile billboard, a personal gallery, and a conversation starter—all wrapped up in a stylish package with sleeves.
Once reserved for media giants like 20th Century Fox and CNN for promotions and events, the T-shirt TV is now democratizing expression. Through a new Kickstarter campaign, this innovative wearable is being offered to anyone with a vision to share. Now, individuals from all walks of life can embrace this wearable canvas and make their statements heard, seen, and experienced.
Fashion has always been a powerful means of self-expression, allowing us to convey our moods, emotions, and individuality to the world. But what if fashion could go beyond mere aesthetics and help us communicate the complex state of our minds? Anouk Wipprecht, a visionary Dutch designer, has embarked on an intriguing journey to merge fashion and technology, resulting in an innovative creation known as the ScreenDress. This avant-garde white dress adorned with peculiar “eyeballs” promises to revolutionize how we express and perceive our cognitive load throughout the day.
The concept of “cognitive load” refers to the mental effort required for processing information and managing tasks at any given moment. In our modern lives, we are bombarded with a ceaseless stream of distractions, from smartphone notifications to background chatter, creating a constant mental juggling act. This overload of information often leads to stress, fatigue, and frustration, and yet, many of us remain blissfully unaware of our cognitive loads.
Wipprecht recognized this prevalent issue and saw an opportunity for fashion to provide a solution. As she puts it, “Fashion can help the wearer communicate with other people about what is going on inside their own bodies.” The ScreenDress is her groundbreaking attempt to make this idea a reality.
The ScreenDress is not your average piece of clothing. It features a striking neckpiece adorned with six round displays that resemble eyes, complete with an iris and a pupil. This neckpiece is intricately connected to a headband worn by the user, which, astonishingly, tracks brain waves. Developed by technology firm G.Tec, this headband uses brainwave data to estimate the wearer’s cognitive load, and this information is then visually conveyed on the displays.
The innovation lies in how the dress visually represents cognitive load. As the wearer’s mental burden increases, the pupils in the eye-like displays dilate wider and wider. Conversely, when cognitive load lessens, the pupils constrict. This visual metaphor is not only creative but also incredibly intuitive. Humans instinctively look at one another’s eyes to gauge their emotions, making this choice of representation particularly effective.4
Wipprecht’s ambition didn’t stop at creating a fashion statement; she employed cutting-edge technology in the dress’s construction as well. Collaborating with HP, the gown was 3D printed using a specialized form of nylon. This material, while lightweight, possesses the strength necessary to support the embedded electronic components, ensuring that the dress is not just visually impressive but also functional.
As of now, the ScreenDress remains a conceptual creation and a form of performance art. However, Wipprecht’s vision extends beyond the realm of avant-garde fashion. She envisions a world where fashion can play a role in helping us navigate the stresses of everyday life. If our garments could reflect our cognitive load to those around us, it might foster better understanding and empathy.
Imagine your partner recognizing your heavy mental workload and choosing to defer a difficult conversation to a more suitable time. Picture your colleagues at work discerning your overload and deciding to wait for a more opportune moment to share their experiences. In a world grappling with a mental health crisis, Wipprecht’s innovation challenges us to rethink how we deal with stress. Rather than hiding it, what if we could express it, allowing the world to adapt to our mental states?
The ScreenDress is poised to address those all-too-familiar moments when we’re drained and someone asks, “Are you okay?” This innovative creation has the potential to act as a preemptive buffer against emotional breakdowns, offering a new way to bridge the gap between our inner worlds and external interactions.
In a society where mental health awareness is more critical than ever, Anouk Wipprecht’s ScreenDress reminds us that fashion is not just about looking good; it can also be a powerful medium for understanding, empathy, and, ultimately, a more harmonious coexistence. The future of fashion may well be one where our clothes speak not just of our style but of our minds.
Rugs and carpets infuse color, texture, and softness and quickly transform any space. In addition, they play a functional role, like offering protection to the flooring, sound absorption, and insulation. Rugs and carpets are available in modern, transitional, and traditional designs and different weaving styles like hand-knotted, hand-tufted, flat weave, and handloom. One can pick from various colors, patterns, shapes, textures, weave types, and materials.
When buying a rug, one must consider its material because it determines the look, durability, softness, and ideal placement area. Note that rugs with a flatter pile height or thickness are more durable, easier to maintain, and clean than thicker rugs that provide a cozier underfoot. There are two categories of rug materials like natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Learn about the individual characteristics of each material and choose the one that is best suited for your space.
Natural Carpet Fiber
1. Wool
Wool is a warm, luxurious material with soft piles and rich fibers that provide excellent comfort. It is ultra-durable and springs back when compressed. In addition, wool is flame, stain, and crush-resistant, which makes it suitable for homes with kids and pets. Since sheep’s natural oils are resistant to dust and dirt, wool rugs will always be thick and colorful. As a precaution, avoid using wool rugs in damp and moist areas, as it tends to absorb moisture and is susceptible to mold and mildew. Wool carpets are available in beautiful colors in hand-knotted and hand-tufted varieties. It has excellent sound absorption and insulating properties and provides a cozy underfoot. However, one drawback of wool is that it tends to shed for a few months but eventually settles down. These rugs suit high-traffic areas like the entryways and the living room.
Cotton is a versatile material that is used for making soft-weave rugs that provide a relaxed, natural look alongside a soft underfoot. These rugs are affordable, durable, and easy to clean and are also available in reversible designs that can renew the look of the space. Cotton can absorb colors and dyes well but is highly absorbent and has a shorter lifespan. Use these in areas like the kitchen, children’s room, and casual spaces, as these rugs are prone to staining and fading but can be easily cleaned in the washing machine.
Silk is one of the most expensive rug materials that fuses elegant shimmer and luxurious softness — and looks nothing less than a work of art. These rugs have more knots per square inch, resulting in beautiful intricate details that look glamorous. It is soft and delicate but has low durability and requires high maintenance. Silk can permanently stain, so it should be cleaned professionally.
One can combine silk and wool fibers to achieve the look of silk with more durability, making it easier to maintain. Bamboo silk is an alternative to silk rugs and is best suited for the bedroom and low-traffic areas as its delicate fibers are prone to wear and tear.
Invite nature and a sense of calm into your home with natural rustic rugs like jute and sisal. These rugs are textured, affordable, and can be dyed in earth tones. They are hand woven by local weavers, are extremely durable, and have a prickly texture that can massage the barefoot. The organic weave rugs have a rope-like construction, so it does not hold allergens. Alongside, the material is extremely durable and adds an earthy vibe to the space. Jute is not recommended for the outdoors as it can get wet, may result in mold growth, and does not do well with direct sunlight.
Seagrass rugs are durable, resistant to stains, fade-resistant, and available in limited color options as they do not dye well. As seagrass grows in water, it is resistant to moisture and is suitable for the outdoors and medium-traffic areas.
Hemp is resistant to dirt, water, and allergens, making them perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. These rugs have a muted, lustrous sheen and are hand-woven or loomed to give them a coarse texture.
The organic texture and timeless elegance of leather add richness to a traditional, transitional, and modern décor. Hides like leather and sheepskin are soft, durable, and easy to clean but unsuitable for damp and humid areas. These rugs look best when layered with other rugs and make a refined addition in bedrooms, offices, dens, and entertainment areas. It is commonly used as a throw on a sofa or chair for extra warmth and comfort.
Sheepskin rugs are expensive and suitable for low-traffic areas as they have an organic outline and a long plush pile.
Synthetic materials are affordable; they mimic the look and feel of natural rug materials and are woven on a machine loom. These rugs are affordable, easy to clean, and stain resistant but may not be eco-friendly. One can introduce these rugs in the hallway, high-traffic areas, and the outdoors, like pool areas, patios, and basements. Note that synthetic fibers do not fade in sunlight, but one drawback is that oil stains are difficult to clean.
1. Viscose
Viscose is also known as rayon. It mimics the smooth texture and low silk pile and has an exquisite sheen. However, it is delicate and needs careful cleaning, as it is prone to shedding, especially if it comes in contact with water.
Nylon offers a soft touch. It is high-performance and one of the most forgiving rug materials. These carpets are affordable, durable, and stain and abrasion resistant. In addition, it has elasticity, does not lose shape, and can hold heavy weight. Since it dries quickly, it is perfect for the bathroom and outdoor areas.
Designer: RugSmith
3. Polyester
Polyester is woven in a loop or cut loop and is not elastic like other synthetic rug materials. It is soft, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant, but the biggest drawback is that it can flatten if heavy furniture is placed on it.
Also known as olefin, polypropylene fibers mimic the look of wool and are resistant to mold and mildew. This material is highly durable, water resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand indoor and outdoor weathering. However, one disadvantage is that it is highly flammable and should not be used in areas like the kitchen. Polypropylene rugs are available in bold and trendy patterns, are affordable, and are perfect for creating a cozy, bright, and stylish space.
If you love fur rugs but don’t want to use real animal hide, then acrylic rugs are a guilt and cruelty-free alternative to leather rugs. In addition, these rugs add warmth, look sophisticated, are stain-resistant and moisture-resistant, and are highly recommended for cold climates or the winter season.
Designer: Everything Beautiful Store
5. Recycled Rugs
The eco-friendly rugs are made from yarn that is spun from recycled plastic. These hand-woven rugs are stain-resistant, hard-wearing, and perfect for high-traffic areas.
It may now be a common sight on jeans, jackets, and even some bags, but there was a point in history when denim was considered revolutionary and cool. It has been and still is plastered on billboards and advertisements for casual wear, but denim was once a symbol of the American dream. From miners to cowboys to blue-collar workers, denim jeans have been worn by people from all walks of life, striving to make a living and establish a home for their families. The way we live today is drastically different from those times, yet denim remains a staple of clothing, and this almost eccentric collection of homeware and other projects pay tribute to the material in a way that reflects how much has changed over the decades.
As a material, denim is known for its rugged looks and properties that have made it favorable in certain rough conditions. Of course, denim clothing today has more or less become a staple of casual wear all over the world, but for a very long time, it has been a classic American symbol that was associated with workers and the middle class. Times have changed, and so have the way we live and work, and these denim-clad products convey that fact in an interesting new way.
The pieces are already unique and distinctive on their own. After all, who would have dreamed up gym equipment covered in this blue fabric? A relatively soft DJ booth is also a bit ironic when you think about it, and a denim wall paneling almost makes you want to run into it for fun. Other objects are a bit more understandable, like tables and chairs that give off a sense of comfort even just by looking at them.
The collection, however, seems to also make a statement about the modern lifestyle, especially where “home” has become as much a place of activity as it is of rest. The denim pool bed set, for example, seems to embrace anything and everything that you do at home, whether it’s sleeping, eating, working, or connecting with family and friends. It is the extreme manifestation of our hybrid work life after the COVID-19 pandemic, where borders and divisions are torn down, for better or for worse.
Denim today has become a part of both everyday wear as well as the haute-couture world, but it also once symbolized the American dream. It has left an indelible mark on human culture, and this odd yet beautiful selection of furniture and products for the home honors that history while also emphasizing how much denim is part of everyday life, at home, at work, and work-from-home.
It’s easy to take sleep for granted for the sake of productivity, at least until we come to the rather painful realization that sleep is actually critical for that very purpose. Getting a good night’s sleep, or any kind of sleep at all, sounds trivial, but there are many factors that can actually keep us from getting a well-deserved and restful slumber. One of the biggest factors is actually your body temperature, which can be too high or too low for ideal sleeping conditions. Blankets might be fine for cold nights, but they’ll make you even more uncomfortable during warmer seasons. Wouldn’t it be grand if you could have a single blanket for both occasions? That’s exactly what this innovative blanket promises, providing you with a smarter and more comfortable way to sleep so that you will have the energy you need to face the day anew.
HILU graphene-made blanket adjusts to your body temperature so you can sleep all night comfortably, regardless the season.
Our bodies need to be in a certain state to be able to truly sleep well, which is easier said than done. Memory foam pillows and advanced mattresses can only do so much in supporting a proper sleeping posture, but all those are for naught if your body is too cold or too hot. People typically use blankets to keep warm on cold nights but have fewer solutions for warmer ones. Additionally, not all blankets are comfortable in the first place, especially for people with more sensitive skin.
HILU is an innovative blanket that harnesses the power of a material famed for its temperature-regulating capabilities: graphene. By turning graphite into graphene fibers through wet spinning and then weaving these fibers into a whole blanket using Adaptex Technology, HILU is able to keep your body temperature at its best, regardless of the room’s temperature. It cools your body down when it’s too hot or keeps you warm when it’s too cold, paving the way for a perfect trip to dreamland.
Made of genuine graphene fibers, HILU blankets are the strongest and most durable in the market.
Thanks to those graphene fibers, HILU blankets are able to provide all-year-round comfort in bed. When you’re cold, the fibers absorb that coldness and let warm air out to keep you toasty. When you’re hot, on the other hand, it absorbs your body heat and dissipates it within the fiber, preventing the build-up of humidity, and keeping you dry and sweat-free all night long. It’s the perfect snuggle partner for anyone who just wants a comfy body temperature, including some of your furry friends at home.
HILU’s superpower doesn’t stop there, though. It’s gentle on the skin and has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties that keep you comfortable and safe at the same time. And when it does get dirty, all you need is to wash it on gentle with cold water and then let it line dry or tumble dry on low. You won’t have to worry about being too rough with it either since the genuine graphene fibers create a fabric that’s almost as strong as steel.
Get that rejuvenating sleep you so rightly deserve with a blanket that adjusts to your body, not the other way around. For only $175, you can get a queen-size HILU blanket that will put your body temperature in that perfect state for sleeping, making those restless nights feel like a fading dream.
Blankets are pretty much the universal metaphor for comfort and security, which is why it’s often used as a prop for people, especially kids, to hide under when they’re scared. Adults might not want to admit it, but they’re also just as dependent on blankets for both physiological and psychological reasons. Many would wrap themselves up in a blanket while binging videos on a cold night, while others can’t even sleep without a blanket covering their bodies. Unfortunately, the comfort of blankets often drops when the temperature rises, particularly because they aren’t meant to be used during warm days and nights. Not unless they’re made with an innovative fabric like Casamera’s cozy blanket that will tempt you to never leave the confines of your bed, day or night, all year round.
There is quite a variety of blankets made using different materials, but most of them fall in one of two extremes. On the one hand, there are light and durable microfiber blankets that are unfortunately also too thin and can get very warm. On the other hand, there are weighted blankets that give a bit more fluffy comfort but are also hot and hard to carry around, especially when traveling. Neither type is designed to be usable in hot weather and is most often made in ways that are harmful to the environment.
Casamera’s One Blanket challenges the status quo with a unique material that is comfortable and usable no matter the season or time of day. An open waffle-weave fabric produces a blanket that is breathable and thermoregulating so that it won’t add too much warmth on an already warm day or night. The fabric is also soft, plush, bouncy, and perfectly weighted, delivering that familiar feeling of security and comfort from your favorite blankets of ages past.
These desirable properties make the Blanket perfect for any situation anywhere, whether you’re sleeping comfortably in bed or cuddling with your partner on the couch. It’s so lightweight and durable that you easily roll or fold it up to bring with you wherever you go so that you’re never really far from it. It will be your new best friend and cuddle partner that you can take with you anywhere to help improve your sleep and lift up your mood.
To round up the perfect self-care package, Casamera also has The Slippers to hug your feet with the same level of comfort that the rest of your body gets. In addition to the same breathable open waffle-weave fabric, the slippers’ suede soles give you a soft but tasty bounce with each step you take. It might even coax you off your bed and walk around the house to enjoy that cozy feeling.
The cherry on top is that The Blanket and The Slippers aren’t just good for humans but also good for the planet. Made from eco-friendly materials and with sustainable processes, these comfort accessories are designed to last a very long time to help prevent waste. For just $90 for a super comfy One Blanket and $30 for cozy Slippers, you can enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling every day of the year while also enjoying the knowledge that you’ll be helping get more trees planted as well.
Our civilization now relies heavily on all sorts of computers, but these products are sadly also killing of our planet in the process. From their production to their daily use to their disposal, desktops and laptops contribute to the sad state of our planet. Even worse, we tend to buy accessories for these devices that themselves create more problems for our environment. Fortunately, designers and brands have started to become more conscious of how even small things like accessory can pile up to become a sustainability disaster and are taking steps to minimize their negative impact on the environment. This laptop case, for example, is made from leftover fabric to become something fashionable that also shows a bit of university spirit, too.
It’s easy to take for granted how clothes can be harmful to the environment because they seem biodegradable enough. While some textile and dyes aren’t exactly sustainable, those aren’t the only environmental problems they cause. The fashion industry alone is responsible for million tons of textile waste every year for leftover scraps and wasted fabric. This waste that would have otherwise piled up on landfills are the very source materials that Shelly Xu Design (SXD) uses to create masterpieces that make a statement in more ways than one.
It’s that kind of boldness that SXD is bringing to an industry outside fashion, with a laptop case that similarly uses those wasted fabric to produce something that will keep your laptop safe and snug while you go about your business in school or in the office. The main bag is made from white neoprene taken from scuba diving sets while the red handle and pockets are source from leftover polo shirt materials. The entire bag is made waterproof using ecorepel which biomimics how waterfowl feathers are able to repel water, hence the name.
This zero-waste “ILab Bag” is simple yet fashionable while also being functional. The bag is reversible, so you can choose between a plain white appearance or accented red. The red cloth parts also function as pockets and handles, going beyond mere embellishments. And when the laptop bag is fully unfolded, that side forms a red “H” on white, a nod to Harvard’s name and colors.
The SXD zero-waste laptop case might not be extraordinary in terms of form and function, but that isn’t its primary objective anyway. Instead, it tries to serve as an inspiration and model for how recycled waste materials can be transformed into high-quality, beautiful products. If more companies start producing swag these way, it could eventually lead to a transformation of an industry that often doesn’t give a second thought to its long-term effects on the only planet that we have.
