the function key

Hostem

Kirin_Rinehart — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:13:54 +0000

If you make it to the UK this year, check out the East London menswear boutique, Hostem. Proprietor James Brown opened the location in efforts to “marry his favorite… sartorial aesthetics under one roof”. I can’t stop staring at the “rustic-luxe” interiors. The re-worked lamps, mirrors and screens serve as the backdrop for a truly high-end shopping experience. Consisting of three conjoining rooms that showcase brands like Ana Demeulemeester and Adam Kimmel, this is one London stop you can’t miss.

Photos courtesy of JC Report.

paper birds by anna-wili highfield.

kimberly phillips — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:12:05 +0000

Do you watch Man Shops Globe on The Sundance Channel? If not, you’re only missing out on a peek into the coolest job ever. Keith Johnson works as the buyer-at-large for Anthropologie, which means it’s his job to trek across the globe and acquire objects and one-of-a-kind pieces for the bobo retailer. Personally, I’m not crazy about Anthropolgie’s merchandise. Sure, it’s a great place to shop for gifts — lots of yummy candles and cool jewlery — and I do love its shoe selection, but they’re ridiculously marked up and so never make it to my feet. However its in-store displays are pretty amazing, and that’s usually why I stop in — to check out their seasonal installations. Anyway, last night I was watching Keith’s shopping trip to Australia, where he came across artist Anna-Wili Highfield.

Anna constructs animal sculptures out of archival paper, ink, watercolor, thread, and copper pipe, and the results are incredible. She’s made barn owls, horses, and even cows, but I’m a fan of her series of birds native to Australia, like the Black Fronted Dotterell and the Superb Fairy Wren — great name.

Black Fronted Dotterel
2010
16cm x 20cm x 9cm
Ink, water colour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

Superb Fairy Wren
2010
13cmx 12cm x 5cm
ink, water colour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

White Breasted Robin
13cm x 13cm x 6cm
Ink, watercolour, archival cotton paper, cotton thread, brass rod, timber block

Here’s your ticket to SnappyTuna.

kimberly phillips — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:20:33 +0000

What’s even better than cooking with snazzy kitchen utensils? Not having to pay full price to do it! I’m extending an invitation to all of our readers (click on this link to register: http://snappytuna.com/invite/kimberlygarvey) to SnappyTuna, a new sample sale site that specializes in kitchen utensils and tableware, so you too can partake in deep discounts on design concious kitchenware. Here’s a sampling of today’s sales:

From left: Barware by Outset, tableware by Rosanna, espresso machines by Espressione.

Enjoy!!

five vintage phones that’ll make you wish you still had a landline.

kimberly phillips — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:46:39 +0000

I’ve always been a little bit obsessed with phones – but I come by it honestly, my grandfather and my uncle both worked for Bell Atlantic at one point in their lives (I think my aunt might have even worked as an old-fashioned phone operator, too). Growing up I somehow convinced my parents that it would behoove their own phone usage to invest in a private phone line for me. And they did! And it had call waiting! Over the next several years, I had a multitude of different phones, but none of them were ever as cool as these beauties . . .

Sculptura phone.

Mint green

Vintage 1970s contemporary phone

Cherry red.

Yellow Bell Telephone refurb by FishboneDecor

furntiure trend spotlight: cane-backed chairs.

kimberly phillips — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:06:21 +0000

MF5, Branco & Preto, 1953

The evolution of design aesthetic is a funny thing. There is a natural time table for revitilization, an internal clock of sorts, that dictates when an old trend can possibly survive in a new and modern environment.

This year, while walking around ICFF, it was quite clear that the 1950s have found relevance again with today’s designers. We’ve already seen its resurgence through the popularity of AMC’s Mad Men and fashion trends. The September issue of W – and for that matter Fall 2010 looks – is heavily influenced by the 1950s. Whether it’s through reproduction, inspiration, recreation, or in spirit, evidence of post-WWII homestead feels right, right now — funny that it’s coinciding with the US troop removal from Iraq.

Some of my favorite pieces from the 1950s are cane-backed armchairs. Sure they’re gorgeous and absolutely 50s, but personally, I have a nostalgic, familial connection to the designs — they make me think of my grandparents house growing up. I think we’re going to start seeing a resurgence of woven cane-backed furniture – think more Brasilia mid century not so much traditional British Colonial — which means, now’s the time to snatch up the thrift store and antique market selection. Once it hits the tipping point, it’ll be impossible to acquire at a reasonable price. Here are some of my favorite inspirations . . .

1960s, John Graz, 1960

Cosme Velho, Claudia Moreira Salles, 2003

Oscar, Sergio Rodrigues, 1956

snog

Erin_Goldberger — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:52:48 +0000

Ever since My Fair Lady, I’ve been semi-obsessed with British slang. So, last weekend when I ended up at the Brooklyn Flea, these immediately caught my eye in the A.S.I.S booth.

spare part art.

Allie_Kushnir — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:36:52 +0000

James Corbett, a sculptor from Ningi, Queensland, Australia first discovered his talent while working at an auto recycling business in Brisbane. Using antique car parts, Corbett now creates fascinating large-scale sculptures that sell for thousands and thousands of dollars…and understandably so! The complexity and originality behind these pieces is quite astounding.

post-WWII industrial design catalogs from itis edition.

kimberly phillips — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:43:52 +0000

Lovers of vintage books, prints, and posters; purveyors of bygone eras; and collectors of rarities will drop to their knees over Itis Edition. The Taiwan-based shop sells gently aged post-WWII industrial design books, catalogs, magazines, card sets, and manuals that also happen to be graphic design eye candy. These are my favorites . . .

Above: The 35th Annual of Advertising and Editorial Art and Design, 1958

Above: Industrial Design 18/7, 1971

Above: Industrial Design 21/5, 1974

Above: Mr. Angelo by Marjory Schwalje, illustrations by Abner Graboff

Above: WWII navy flag cards, set of 27

extreme luxury: the fur hammock by BLESS.

kimberly phillips — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:10:39 +0000

Above: Fur Hammock by BLESS — $ 12350.00

Yes, I realize the use of fur for commercial purposes is frowned upon. But it’s also a personal choice, and I’m not about to criticize. The unfortunate reality is that animal fur is undeniably tactile and warm, and I can’t help but look at this fur hammock by BLESS and imagine the softest and coziest nap of my life — albeit at the expense of a pack of coyotes and one’s wallet.

missing missy: lost in translation.

kimberly phillips — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:27:19 +0000

If you have any sort of appreciation for passive aggressive humor, then you’ll enjoy this hilarious email chain between two coworkers. And a big thank you to Ryan for sharing it with me! Enjoy!

And so it begins . . .

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence (read it in order) . . .

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don’t like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It’s a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don’t come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don’t have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend’s cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says “I haven’t seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?” you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

Poor girl. Wonder if she found her cat?

Peeped here.