Archive for November, 2009

Formed in 2004, Loyal Loot Collective is comprised of Doha Chebib, Carmen Douville, Dara Humniski and Anna Thomas. The members share a common dedication to creating enduring objects.

1. Monsieur Dressup Crafted in maple and designed by Anna Thomas // 2. Log Bowls Designed by Doha Chebib, each bowl is handmade using locally reclaimed trees. The trees are hand selected, gathered, turned, finished with acrylic paint and water-based gloss.

|| Loyal Loot ||

Have a yummy Thanksgiving!

Photography by Anita Calero.

Not gilt-free.

1. Marni hits a sweet spot. Parisian pâtisserie Ladurée’s love for fashion results in a collaboration with fashion house Marni. Incorporated into the box design are some of Marni’s signature elements — polka dots and a [gold] flower. In response, Ladurée’s pastry chef, Philippe Andrieu, baked up coordinating chocolate macarons covered in gold leaf // 2. Cushy cash cow. Gold-painted cowhair cushion by Maison de Vacances, available at Via Maris NYC.

Drawing from its history, footwear brand Cole Haan spins its design archives into Cole, Rood & Haan. The sub-brand is named after the originators of the company, Trafton Cole, William Rood & Eddie Haan. As a tribute to the three craftsmen of fine shoes in 1920’s Chicago, the line of handmade shoes are inspired by vintage designs.

The great gallery of photos which can be found on the brand’s website are by Todd Selby of The Selby blog.

Retailing between $225 and $425, the handmade brogues and boots are available on the Cole, Rood & Haan site, as well as select NYC shops.

|| Images via Cole Rood & Haan | The Selby ||

When polka dots are tone on tone or, as in the case of Ferm-Living’s wall graphics, organic in treatment, they remain playful yet have a decidedly grown-up look.

1. Comme des Garçons polka dot embossed leather wallet, available at Opening Ceremony // 2. While George Nelson’s quirky Marshmallow sofa isn’t one of my personal favorites, it remains one of the most iconic pieces in modern design, Circa 50 // 3. Ferm Living’s Waldots wallpaper // 4. Nicolas Ghesquiere sent models down the runway in polka dotted, sheer tights for Balenciaga’s F/W ‘09 collection. Similar tights can be had from Walford, at Neiman Marcus // 5. Inhabit’s Braille Wall Flat is a customizable wall hanging made with 100% bamboo pulp.

The Beholder is an online gallery devoted to showing and promoting emerging, contemporary artists. Dedicated to using the internet to attract a wider audience for artists, The Beholder started in 2005 with 15 artists. The site now has over 70.

One of my favorite artists from the online gallery is Berkeley-based photographer Aya Brackett.

Formerly a photo editor at Dwell Magazine, Brackett’s says her love of design continues to inform her photography.

C-prints of Aya Brackett’s work are available via The Beholder.

Engraved brass necklaces by In God We Trust, available at Spartan. My personal faves are the “really fuckin’ cute“, “let’s make out” and “bless this mess.”

My sister once said that my spirit name should be Travels With Chocolate. I don’t know about that, but I do love good chocolate. Great chocolate in good packaging design is even better.

Kshocolât has the prerequisite unusual flavor pairings and well-executed, understated packaging design. Of the few I’ve tried, my favorite flavor is the Honeycomb & Vanilla.

1. Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Chair, at Knoll // 2. TenOverSix document clutch, hand-dipped in paint // 3. Brian Atwood patent leather platform pumps, image via Style Accessory Report // 4. Quilted clutch by Givenchy, available at Barneys // 5. Preen for Topshop pumps with quilted heel // 6. TenOverSix hand-painted quilted leather Speedy Bag // 7. I’ve had an unrequited love affair with the classic Florence Knoll settee forever. Available at Highbrow Furniture.

Photographer Massimo Gammacurta’s Sweet Fashion lollipops; Chanel luscious lilac; YSL caramel; Gucci pomegranate; Louis Vuitton watermelon slice. You know the label whore in you wants to lick it up.

|| Via High Sobriety ||