Birch Coat Hangers



Loving these birch coat hangers discovered on a very sweet blog called slumberdesigns ... how stylishly greener can you get!

More @ http://slumberdesigns.blogspot.com/

David Hotson's loft





Our SF architect friend Cary Bernstein tipped us off to the work of her Yale School of Architecture classmate David Hotson. Hotson has worked on projects with Maya Lin and has an impressive portfolio, including this Greenwich Village loft. See more of the firm's work at hotson.net

This post via http://www.remodelista.com/

Sheila Narusawa's loft


Boston-based Sheila Narusawa designed this city dwelling: a loft in Chelsea that is admirably streamlined and exhibits the same ineffably Asian/Scandinavian restraint as Narusawa's summer houses.

This post via http://www.remodelista.com/

Karen Arm - Untitled (Incense #2)



Going through the P.P.O.W. Gallery roster of artist's work, I fell in love with this piece from Karen Arm entitled Untitled (Incense #2).

More @ http://www.ppowgallery.com/

Bill Smith




Works by artist Bill Smith at the PPOW Gallery in New York City . The sculptures presented explore natural systems of order and how they can be translated three dimensionally. The works are meticulously created out of various industrial materials.

This post via http://mooonriver.blogspot.com/

I.M.Pei


Oldie but goodie, I seem to fall in love with I.M. Pei's vision and philosophy every time I see/hear him speak about his work and architecture as a whole.

Peonies







Peonies is another one of my favorite flowers. Fragile, not easily available, and expensive, they feel a little decadent. Thank God for pictures ... almost as pleasing as the real thing (not really, but it will have to do).

"Peony or paeony is a name for plants in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America. Boundaries between species are not clear and estimates of the number of species range from 25 [1] to 40.[2]. Most are herbaceous perennial plants 0.5–1.5 meters tall, but some are woody shrubs up to 1.5–3 meters tall. They have compound, deeply lobed leaves, and large, often fragrant flowers, ranging from red to white or yellow, in late spring and early summer."

More @ Wikipedia

Ina Garten - Barefoot Contessa




I absolutely adore Ina Garten's style: the house, the way she cooks, her presentation, the food itself ... simple, luscious and delicious. Watching her cook, the aesthetic of her 'domain' and the cinematography of her show make her cooking show a yummy treat for the senses.

Labeling Labels







"Traditionally, labels on clothes have indicated the brand and a garment size, and tags have usually had similar information along with price and other details. Some designers, however, seem to put more emphasis on these small details, as well as on packaging and product presentation. Those who are superficial about the retail market might say these details play no role when selling or buying clothing, but some may disagree.

Take for example the Belgian designer Martin Margiela, whose white, nameless label filled with seemingly meaningless numbers is quite anonymous, and revealing at the same time. The numbers on the label, which is attached to garments with four white, clearly visible stitches, symbolize the different clothing and accessory lines produced by Margiela, -the one to which the garment belongs to is circled. To some, the label won’t make much sense, but to others it will make the garment recognizable by just the 4 stitches in the back of the neck and tell absolutely everything.

Brands such as Label Under Construction, by former Carpe Diem designer Luca Laurini, have taken labeling to the next level. The garments themselves might not have even the smallest care tag on them, but can be recognized by a signature knit hole situated in the back of a shirt. Not only will the hole have people telling you about a flaw in your sweater, but it also serves a purpose. The tag, which consists of long, papery strips with printed text, is attached to the small hole with a piece of metal wire held in place by two ferrules. In a way, this makes the tag a part of the garment itself. In addition, LUC supplies select retailers with display supplies; metal hook springs from which the garments can be hung in a very peculiar and intentionally careless way. To further elaborate the interesting choices on display, garments have sometimes been placed in metal buckets at the labels buying event.

Packaging is something that has gotten more attention from designers recently. Traditionally, garments went from brown delivery boxes to hangers on the store’s racks and into the customer’s bag, but nowadays customers can occasionally receive products in various kinds of packages. Visvim, the Japanese streetwear label known for very high-quality footwear, is easily recognizable for its all white cardboard boxes and paper packs. In addition to shoes, some smaller products such as wallets and belts come in similar small white boxes equipped with a very traditional string enclosure; clothes are contained in matching foldable paper envelopes. Another brand focusing on this is Wings+Horns; their s/s08 products come in stylish black hardcover boxes.

Amadei is known for his artisanal skills in garment making and leather work, which he has also applied to the packaging
One of the most interesting packaging concepts comes from m.a+. Pronounced m.a. cross, the Italian label is designed by Maurizio Amadei, another ex-Carpe Diem designer. Amadei is known for his artisanal skills in garment making and leather work, which he has also applied to the packaging of m.a+. All items come in folded envelope-like canvas pouches secured by a long elastic string. Like some of his garments, the packaging is also made from a single piece of fabric and the emphasis is put on texture and pattern.

This brings us to the question; why do some designers put this much emphasis into details that are quite insignificant when thinking about the actual product? Sure, a nice box can always be used for storage, but maybe it can be considered a further display of a designer’s creativity and emphasize the thought put into the product. In some cases packaging and tags can follow the design of the garment or even be considered to be an integral part of it. Much like with m.a+, some Carpe Diem clothes have come in a canvas tube with a shoulder strap that could be used to carry or pack the item. In many cases, details such as these can make the garment feel special.

Perhaps this feeling of getting something special also explains why paying $500 for one thing might not seem much while in other cases it might seem crazy, but that’s a whole other story…"

This article by by A.M. with contribution by Eugene Rabkin

Via http://www.scoute.org/issue/june/labels/
Via http://www.notcouture.com/page/46/

Sandra Blacklund - Sculptural Knits





Sandra Blacklund never stops to amaze me with her lovely and unconventional knits. The current collection is filled with black and voluminous shapes. I appreciate the fact that she lets herself be guided by her inspiration and doesn't worry too much about the practicality of her garments.

This post via http://mafrangine.blogspot.com/

http://www.sandrabacklund.com/

James Perse Furniture







Love the simple lines of James Perse's furniture collection. I know, I know .... it's too cold outside to even think about summer and outdoors furniture, but I only post if/when I come across something I like, hence the irregularity of the posts.

The James Perse Furniture collection is a seamless extension of the brand. It embodies the same philosophy as the clothing; classic, simple, and timeless, the essence of a casual way of living. The furniture appeals to a broad cross-section of homes from traditional to modern. The collection is not limited to only the indoors as it also extends to outdoor environments. Currently, four collections define the James Perse Furniture Line.

Malibu Collection - Classic outdoor pieces that have been updated and refined. Included in the collection are the Director's chair, Colony Chair, Chaise and side tables. All of these pieces are made of top quality Teak, grown in an environmentally safe and friendly farm, and are upholstered with Sunbrella fabrics ensuring they're sustainable for lasting outdoor use.

Los Angeles Collection - Inspired from true craftsmanship, this collection has a rustic feel while maintaining clean lines. These pieces are available in Yellow Balau for the outdoors and Rough Sawn White Oak for the indoors.

Nor Cal Collection - These upholstered pieces embody the refined yet relaxed feeling of the James Perse aesthetic; modern yet timeless. Fabrics are a cotton and linen blend, made of fine Belgium linens and Italian basket weave. These pieces express a casual lived in and laundered look.

Brentwood Collection - Includes a dining room table, desk and console. Different dimensions are available for a custom fit. The collection is sleek and sophisticated lending itself to limitless décors. It is classic yet mixes well with casual environments.

The James Perse Furniture Collection is made in the USA and is sold exclusively at James Perse Boutiques

This post via http://www.jamesperse.com/furniture/

Fannie Schiavoni chainmail steel Cleopatra necklace



Designed by Fannie Schiavoni, this total show-stopper of a necklace deserves its Cleopatra name. The multiple 'chainmail' chains layer closely at the neck to about mid-bust height. The necklace closes with multiple hooks in the neck.

Found on the London-based online shopping boutique Nino and Lola.

http://www.ninaandlola.com/
http://fannieschiavoni.com/

Jayson Home & Garden - Factory Light Sculptures


Adrift Mobiles





Loving these veneer mobiles by Adrift Mobiles ... I own one and I never tire of looking at it. Above a bed, in a bland corner, or in the most unexpected place, these mobiles bring fun and grace to any room.