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Highlights from Alessi’s New Collection

Published by designy things

The Italian accessories brand Alessi has brought together a range of collaborators — from star architects to new talent — for their Spring/Summer 2017 collection of tabletop products. Below are a few of my favorites from the new collection.

Forma Grater by Zaha Hadid

The Forma Grater was the late Iraqi architect’s final project for Alessi. Like many of her works, its shape was inspired by organic, natural forms that have been smoothed over time by water and wind. It consists of two elements: a sculptural black melamine base holding a mirror-polished stainless steel grater. $80

Va Bene by Miriam Mirri

The Va Bene cooking utensil for testing pasta, vegetables, and other hot foods is produced via a complex sheet metal processing technique of molding, cutting, and welding to create a form that recalls part of a musical instrument. $45

T-Timepiece by Titus Wybenga

Inspired by the shape of an antique pocket watch, this infuser was a result of the “Life in Transition” workshop organized in collaboration with Dutch University TU Delft, with a mission of analyzing symbolic objects of daily life. I see it as a reminder to take the time to enjoy a cup of tea once in a while. $45

Virgula Divina by Frédéric Gooris

Named after the Latin term for a Y-shaped rod or “water diviner” used to find underground sources of water, this bottle opener offers a comfortable grip for those folks looking to quench their thirst. $40

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Water Tower by Daniel Libeskind

Inspired by the legacy of Aldo Rossi, Libeskind has created a miniature work of architecture for the table that is an interpretation of the iconic American water tanks seen on New York City rooftops. The Water Tower’s mirror-finished cylinder of stainless steel sits atop a lattice-structure base, capped by a pointed lid. It can be used to store sugar cubes at the table, or other items on the nightstand or desktop. $210 (black base); $265 (all stainless steel)

Pizzico by Busetti, Garuti and Redaelli

This salt castor features a silicone body that allows the user to pinch the container and crush the salt crystals without making contact with the salt itself. The pliable material allows for easy control of flow without clogging. It’s offered in black, gray, light green (shown) and white, with a stainless steel base. $29

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All images courtesy of Alessi.

DIY Shark and Diver Models

Published by designy things

The accessories brand Kontextür has introduced two new model kits created by the Brooklyn-based designer Matt Cavanaugh. Shark and Diver feature flat pieces of vinyl and plastic screws that come in an accordian-style package with graphic step-by-step assembly instructions. So will you be the shark or the diver? ($39.50 each or $79 for the set)

Images courtesy of Kontextür.

Paul Smith Edition Three Lamp by Anglepoise

Published by designy things

The British lighting brand Anglepoise and renowned British designer Paul Smith have collaborated on a third edition of the Type 75 Desk Lamp that evokes the primary colors of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s De Stijl style. The lamp has been launched to coincide with the run up to next year’s De Stijl centennial.

The lamp has had quite a history. Designed by Sir Kenneth Grange in 2004, the Type 75 lamp is inspired by a 1970’s version of the Anglepoise Model 90, which was in turn inspired by the Original 1227 design launched in the 1930’s.

The lamp features a matte paint or brushed aluminum finish with an aluminum shade and utilizes Anglepoise’s constant tension spring technology. The UL-listed lamp is wired for the U.S. and is supplied with a 13-watt, E26 CFL bulb. $240.

All images courtey of Anglepoise. Photos by Jake Curtis and Styling by Despina Curtis. Images shot on location at Paul Smith Westbourne House.

Béton Brut Concrete Jewelry

Published by designy things

Industrial designer Amanda Nogier creates Béton Brut concrete jewelry in a process similar to the forming of architectural terrazzo. These one-of-a-kind pieces use locally-sourced concrete and a selection of aggregates, concrete pigments, and other additives like semi-precious stones and brass flakes to create surfaces that resemble little moons or planets. The concrete is prepped in small batches and poured into handmade molds, after which they are hand-polished and sealed with wax. $30-$115

All images courtesy of Béton Brut Jewelry.

Little Free Library Design Competition

Published by designy things

A competition to design a new version of the Little Free Library touches on two of my favorite things in the world — product design and books. If you aren’t familiar with Little Free Libraries, they are small containers that are installed in front yards, community centers, and public spaces all over to world to help people exchange books for free. There are nearly 40,000 of these structures worldwide, and Chronicle Books. Little Free Library, and AIA SF are inviting architects and designers to rethink the structure and solve some problems cited by users in the field. Challenges that the new design should try to overcome include keeping the doors shut, making it accessible at night, keeping it water-tight and heatproof, and perhaps my favorite, serving small children and tall adults alike.

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The jury includes architects, editors, and designers, and the prizes include an architecture library from Chronicle Books and other goodies.

If I designed one, I’d love a little solar panel on top that lights it up at night when the door opens and a way for folks using the library to exchange reviews and book suggestions. But I’m no designer, so you can totally steal that.

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The deadline for designs is November 11th! For more info, visit http://www.littlefreelibrarydesign.com/

Back-to-School Gift Ideas from Kikkerland

Published by designy things

Labor Day has come and gone which means it’s back to school – a bummer for most kids but a massive relief for most parents. Kikkerland, known for their quirky gift designs, has put together a round-up of some of the best new products for making back-to-school a little more joyful, including a range of fun options for lunch time. Here are a few of my favorites:

Metal lunch boxes are available in either a vintage radio or TV design. $18

These clever stand-up zipper bags mimic mason jars. Available in 5 oz./150 ml, 17 oz./600 ml, and 32 oz/1 lt sizes. $5.

Perfect for tight backpacks, the Slim Bottle keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. It comes in blue, green, and white and has a capacity of 8 oz/250 ml. $20.

This Color-Your-Own Washi tape can be used for gift wrapping or other decorations (put some on paper lunch bags and throw in a few pencils). Five assorted styles available. $7.50.