Cool Hunting

hoLAnda 2005
It might seem like the current focus of everyone's attention is on Art Basel, but across the Atlantic, the second bi-annual exhibition of Latin American design, hoLAnda, runs through 4 December in Amsterdam. Held in the restored Posthoorn church and organized by the Amsterdam-based Latin American Design Foundation the main event includes premiere designers like Mexico-based Bala Studio's Jetson-esque funerary urn (pictured, above right)...

Shoebaloo Shop
Heading to Amsterdam? Got a shoe fetish? Perhaps even with an inclination towards the extraterrestrial? Well, then check out the Shoebaloo store located at PC Hooftstraat 80. The interior of this designer footwear boutique was created by Meyer En Van Schooten. It's scifi interior not only looks the part, but also functions as such as well. The shop entrance is hidden behind mirrored doors...

Volkswagen CC
A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to check out the new Volkswagen CC, the German auto maker's foray into the entry-level luxury market. Having been the passionate owner of two Volkwagens already, I was more than thrilled at the prospect of test driving this introduction on the highways and byways of the Windy City. Over the years, Volkswagen had managed to...

Muji's Message
As longtime Muji fans, we were pleasantly surprised on a recent visit to see they've updated the site with a message expressing their tenets of true design. For a retailer that normally keeps to themselves, allowing their simply classic products to speak volumes in place of flashy marketing campaigns, it's a thoughtful marketing change. We're happy to see they haven't altered their philosophy, as this...

Final Wooden House
Blurring the lines between what is a floor and what is a ceiling, the Jenga-like structure of Final Wooden House allows its occupiers to decide how to use the space according to their position. Comprised completely of wood, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto wanted to express the versatility of lumber by creating one structure that embodies all of the typical functions normally carried out by...

Middle Colors Humidifier
With winter just around the corner, it's time to pack away your air conditioner and bust out the humidifier. Luckily, the Japanese seem to have a small obsession with moisture and have produced several devices we wouldn't mind keeping out all year. The latest to join this lineup is the Middle Colors humidifier, which is not only attractive and available in a range of...