Cool Hunting
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ExIT Shoes
(29 October 2009) - by Adrienne So Jeff Mandel owns a one-man shoe shop in Portland, OR called ExIT Shoes. After learning his craft in the Netherlands, he set up shop where he emphasizes the importance of making shoes that fit feet, with the best materials possible. No pair of feet is the same‚ Mandel says on his site. Even your left foot measures different than your right. Finding...
(29 October 2009) - by Adrienne So Jeff Mandel owns a one-man shoe shop in Portland, OR called ExIT Shoes. After learning his craft in the Netherlands, he set up shop where he emphasizes the importance of making shoes that fit feet, with the best materials possible. No pair of feet is the same‚ Mandel says on his site. Even your left foot measures different than your right. Finding...
Shwood Sunglasses: The Govy
(27 October 2009) - by Adrienne So Shwood, the new Portland label making classic frames out of wood, recently launched their latest model, the Govy (pictured above). Refining the retro looks of the Canby (below), their first pair, this new edition has a lighter, slimmer silhouette and comes in zebrawood. The Canby, which debuted in July 2009, is available in zebrawood, maple or wenge (a dark tropical hardwood). Each...
(27 October 2009) - by Adrienne So Shwood, the new Portland label making classic frames out of wood, recently launched their latest model, the Govy (pictured above). Refining the retro looks of the Canby (below), their first pair, this new edition has a lighter, slimmer silhouette and comes in zebrawood. The Canby, which debuted in July 2009, is available in zebrawood, maple or wenge (a dark tropical hardwood). Each...
Blamo Toys
(22 October 2009) - by Julie Wolfson From monsters with solid brass mouths to three headed shark-man-bunny creatures, the handmade creations of Blamo mix elements of designer toys, art and craft. San Francisco-based designer Spencer Hansen, forms Blamo toys from cast solid brass, leather, hand carved solid sugar wood and hand-painted resin. In October and November, several new characters will make their Blamoville debut. Hansen made only twelve of...
(22 October 2009) - by Julie Wolfson From monsters with solid brass mouths to three headed shark-man-bunny creatures, the handmade creations of Blamo mix elements of designer toys, art and craft. San Francisco-based designer Spencer Hansen, forms Blamo toys from cast solid brass, leather, hand carved solid sugar wood and hand-painted resin. In October and November, several new characters will make their Blamoville debut. Hansen made only twelve of...
Noörsea Industries Weekend Bags
(21 October 2009) - The Reise weekend bags from Nörsea Industries take their inspiration from the rugged North England coastline from where the label hails. Reworking traditional fabrics from the remote region, they feature hand-trimmed leather handles and use authentic silversmithing techniques. Ideal for travel during the impending holiday season, the roomy bags hold an array of essentials without the unnecessary weight of traditional carry-on suitcases. Available in...
(21 October 2009) - The Reise weekend bags from Nörsea Industries take their inspiration from the rugged North England coastline from where the label hails. Reworking traditional fabrics from the remote region, they feature hand-trimmed leather handles and use authentic silversmithing techniques. Ideal for travel during the impending holiday season, the roomy bags hold an array of essentials without the unnecessary weight of traditional carry-on suitcases. Available in...
Guy Chanel Leather Accessories
(15 October 2009) - by Zeva Bellel A one-man luxury brand, Guy Chanel works alone out of his atelier on the outskirts of Paris handcrafting a variety of one-of-a-kind designs out of leather, crocodile, ostrich and other fine skins. From saddles, handbags and wallets to belts, armchairs and even lamps, Chanel makes every creation to measure, building them by hand using artisanal tools and techniques. By keeping production slow...
(15 October 2009) - by Zeva Bellel A one-man luxury brand, Guy Chanel works alone out of his atelier on the outskirts of Paris handcrafting a variety of one-of-a-kind designs out of leather, crocodile, ostrich and other fine skins. From saddles, handbags and wallets to belts, armchairs and even lamps, Chanel makes every creation to measure, building them by hand using artisanal tools and techniques. By keeping production slow...
Ken Diamond Moccasins and Leather Goods
(07 October 2009) - Run by partners Ken and Jolene out of their East Vancouver studio, their brand Ken Diamond stays true to the roots of leather craft. Using extremely high-quality materials, minimal die-cutting and hand stitching, the duo create tailor-made leather moccasins, messenger bags and other limited run leather goods. Available online and through select retailers, the collection is a testament to doing things right, constantly striving...
(07 October 2009) - Run by partners Ken and Jolene out of their East Vancouver studio, their brand Ken Diamond stays true to the roots of leather craft. Using extremely high-quality materials, minimal die-cutting and hand stitching, the duo create tailor-made leather moccasins, messenger bags and other limited run leather goods. Available online and through select retailers, the collection is a testament to doing things right, constantly striving...
Cool Hunting Video Presents: The World's Largest Lemonade Stand
(04 October 2009) - by Matthew MarshallDocumenting construction of a NYC water tower used as a giant lemonade stand, this video visits the workshop of Rosenwach Tanks and gets a few words on it from fourth-generation owner Andy Rosenwach. The project celebrates the opening of the High Line, NYC's newest beloved park, so we visit the festivities too and see the lemonade stand in action....
(04 October 2009) - by Matthew MarshallDocumenting construction of a NYC water tower used as a giant lemonade stand, this video visits the workshop of Rosenwach Tanks and gets a few words on it from fourth-generation owner Andy Rosenwach. The project celebrates the opening of the High Line, NYC's newest beloved park, so we visit the festivities too and see the lemonade stand in action....
Erik Halley Accessories
(02 October 2009) - by Zeva Bellel For fifteen years Erik Halley has been handcrafting one-off pieces—triple-tiered shoulder pads encrusted with rhinestones and metal-spiked headphones—in his Parisian atelier for the best names in fashion, e.g. Lagerfeld, Yohji, Givenchy, Mugler, Dior, to name but a few. His mischievously extravagant designs (headbands with doll faces painted like Kiss for example) blur the boundaries between accessories and art. Halley’s big break came...
(02 October 2009) - by Zeva Bellel For fifteen years Erik Halley has been handcrafting one-off pieces—triple-tiered shoulder pads encrusted with rhinestones and metal-spiked headphones—in his Parisian atelier for the best names in fashion, e.g. Lagerfeld, Yohji, Givenchy, Mugler, Dior, to name but a few. His mischievously extravagant designs (headbands with doll faces painted like Kiss for example) blur the boundaries between accessories and art. Halley’s big break came...
Base-V: Box 3 Art Prints
(02 October 2009) - Kicking any hint of soccer rivalry far aside, Sao Paulo's Base-V art collective got together with their compatriots south of the border to release a super-limited-edition set of 25 color prints showcasing São Paulo and Buenos Aires artists. Called "Box 3: Especial São Paulo Buenos Aires" collection, each of the 75 boxes contains highly imaginative, hand made screens by some of the most exciting...
(02 October 2009) - Kicking any hint of soccer rivalry far aside, Sao Paulo's Base-V art collective got together with their compatriots south of the border to release a super-limited-edition set of 25 color prints showcasing São Paulo and Buenos Aires artists. Called "Box 3: Especial São Paulo Buenos Aires" collection, each of the 75 boxes contains highly imaginative, hand made screens by some of the most exciting...
Pointer Footwear
(30 September 2009) - During a recent visit to the Shoreditch area of London, I had the chance to drop in on the five-year-old brand Pointer Footwear. Housed in a space with both Edwin and Carhartt, founder Gareth Skewis—a well-connected professional that started his career skating in the streets of Johannesburg—now helms the growing label. His office, cluttered (in the best sense) with original artworks, Pointer samples, skateboards...
(30 September 2009) - During a recent visit to the Shoreditch area of London, I had the chance to drop in on the five-year-old brand Pointer Footwear. Housed in a space with both Edwin and Carhartt, founder Gareth Skewis—a well-connected professional that started his career skating in the streets of Johannesburg—now helms the growing label. His office, cluttered (in the best sense) with original artworks, Pointer samples, skateboards...
Paperfinger Calligraphy and Hand-Drawn Design
(29 September 2009) - Breathing new life into the time-honored art of calligraphy, Paperfinger, a new hand-drawn design company, brings a personalized, human quality to everything from wedding announcements to logo designs. The truly homegrown business started in founder Bryn Chernoff's living room in October '08 when she decided to stray from her background in computer science to pursue her longtime love of the decidedly analog world of...
(29 September 2009) - Breathing new life into the time-honored art of calligraphy, Paperfinger, a new hand-drawn design company, brings a personalized, human quality to everything from wedding announcements to logo designs. The truly homegrown business started in founder Bryn Chernoff's living room in October '08 when she decided to stray from her background in computer science to pursue her longtime love of the decidedly analog world of...
Evisu's Comeback: Interview with CEO Scott Morrison
(25 September 2009) - Media coverage touting Evisu's first collection designed by their new CEO and creative director Scott Morrison has been hard to miss. Looking back to the pre-WWII selvedge Levi's and Hidehiko Yamane's obsession with them that originally inspired him to found the brand in 1991, the widely-circulated story is the good ol' brand heritage angle—one that boils down to Morrison's return to a less embellished...
(25 September 2009) - Media coverage touting Evisu's first collection designed by their new CEO and creative director Scott Morrison has been hard to miss. Looking back to the pre-WWII selvedge Levi's and Hidehiko Yamane's obsession with them that originally inspired him to found the brand in 1991, the widely-circulated story is the good ol' brand heritage angle—one that boils down to Morrison's return to a less embellished...
Esquivel Handmade Shoes
(27 August 2009) - by Zeva Bellel Eliminating the need to jet to Europe for a pair of gorgeous, handmade shoes, the new destination for custom soles isn't in Paris, London or Milan but in a back alley, by-appointment-shop in Los Angeles. Over the last fifteen years, Southern California native Georges Esquivel (recently announced as a 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist) has built a mini shoe empire to rival...
(27 August 2009) - by Zeva Bellel Eliminating the need to jet to Europe for a pair of gorgeous, handmade shoes, the new destination for custom soles isn't in Paris, London or Milan but in a back alley, by-appointment-shop in Los Angeles. Over the last fifteen years, Southern California native Georges Esquivel (recently announced as a 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist) has built a mini shoe empire to rival...
Marianne Batlle
(24 August 2009) - Of the many subversive crafts we've seen over the years—crocheted cupcakes, cameras and hamburgers come to mind—Marianne Batlle's handmade mix of sex and fashion takes the concept to a decidedly more edgy level. The Paris-based artist crochets penises in a range of fanciful materials and colors, incorporating silks and bows, as well as fuzzy angora threads, pearls, sequins and more, to lend personality to...
(24 August 2009) - Of the many subversive crafts we've seen over the years—crocheted cupcakes, cameras and hamburgers come to mind—Marianne Batlle's handmade mix of sex and fashion takes the concept to a decidedly more edgy level. The Paris-based artist crochets penises in a range of fanciful materials and colors, incorporating silks and bows, as well as fuzzy angora threads, pearls, sequins and more, to lend personality to...
Six Handbuilt Bikes
(21 August 2009) - Thanks to the ever-rising global trend, we're seeing more and more custom-made, one-off or otherwise tricked-out bikes. For those who want a bike with a unique story behind it, we rounded up a few covetable rides. Renovo Wooden Bikes Smooth and stiff, the hollowed-out these hardwood bikes' high-tech capabilities are as remarkable as their elegant appearance. Portland-based Renovo uses computer-aided machines to create the sustainable...
(21 August 2009) - Thanks to the ever-rising global trend, we're seeing more and more custom-made, one-off or otherwise tricked-out bikes. For those who want a bike with a unique story behind it, we rounded up a few covetable rides. Renovo Wooden Bikes Smooth and stiff, the hollowed-out these hardwood bikes' high-tech capabilities are as remarkable as their elegant appearance. Portland-based Renovo uses computer-aided machines to create the sustainable...
Lineaus Athletic Company
(14 August 2009) - Lineaus Athletic Company, based out of the artist's enclave of Marfa, Texas, makes old world-style leather sporting equipment. Handmade by Lineaus himself using the best materials, his beautiful work will last a lifetime. To test their durability Lineaus puts his work up to the trials of prison life. For the first medicine bag he made (pictured below), he explains, "I gave it to the...
(14 August 2009) - Lineaus Athletic Company, based out of the artist's enclave of Marfa, Texas, makes old world-style leather sporting equipment. Handmade by Lineaus himself using the best materials, his beautiful work will last a lifetime. To test their durability Lineaus puts his work up to the trials of prison life. For the first medicine bag he made (pictured below), he explains, "I gave it to the...
Kraus Custom Motorcycles and Choppers
(14 August 2009) - Whether making birthday cakes or a 600-pound motorcycle, working from scratch like Kraus Motor Co. makes it better. Nestled among the towering redwood trees in rain-soaked northern California, this young upstart brings an independent-minded approach and incorporates skills like sculpting and gunsmithing into the five models featured on its website. But it's clear that these craftsmen—who start in the perfect realm of ideas and...
(14 August 2009) - Whether making birthday cakes or a 600-pound motorcycle, working from scratch like Kraus Motor Co. makes it better. Nestled among the towering redwood trees in rain-soaked northern California, this young upstart brings an independent-minded approach and incorporates skills like sculpting and gunsmithing into the five models featured on its website. But it's clear that these craftsmen—who start in the perfect realm of ideas and...
Pijama Cases
(28 July 2009) - by Paolo Ferrarini of Future Concept Lab Pijama, a small company embodying the luxury trademark phrase "Made in Italy"—represents good design, deep research, fine materials and a handmade process. This time, rather than designating shoes or clothing with the highly-regarded label, instead it applies to a fashionable and sturdy case for electronic devices. The project began in 2006 when Monica Battistella (fashion and web...
(28 July 2009) - by Paolo Ferrarini of Future Concept Lab Pijama, a small company embodying the luxury trademark phrase "Made in Italy"—represents good design, deep research, fine materials and a handmade process. This time, rather than designating shoes or clothing with the highly-regarded label, instead it applies to a fashionable and sturdy case for electronic devices. The project began in 2006 when Monica Battistella (fashion and web...
Leigh-Anne Mullock: Needlepoint Jane Austen Book Covers
(15 July 2009) - by Laura Neilson Channeling Jane Austen's characters by imagining their creative leanings in needlepoint, graphic designer Leigh-Anne Mullock's conceptual cover illustrations offer winsome and eye-catching alternative to the traditional oil-painting portraits found on the jackets of so many literary greats. As a self-declared "dorky Jane Austen fan," Mullock felt that the various imagery currently gracing Austen's novels didn't serve justice to the wit and charm...
(15 July 2009) - by Laura Neilson Channeling Jane Austen's characters by imagining their creative leanings in needlepoint, graphic designer Leigh-Anne Mullock's conceptual cover illustrations offer winsome and eye-catching alternative to the traditional oil-painting portraits found on the jackets of so many literary greats. As a self-declared "dorky Jane Austen fan," Mullock felt that the various imagery currently gracing Austen's novels didn't serve justice to the wit and charm...
Anima D'Acciaio Trailer
(14 July 2009) - An exclusive first peek, this trailer for Daniel Leeb's portrait of Italian bike frame-builder Giovanni Pelizzoli, aka "Ciocc," celebrates the renowned artisan and his work. The short film, called "Anima D'Acciaio" (Soul of Steel), documents Ciocc's expertise as he makes a new fixed gear frame by hand, sharing his insights into the craft and his life along the way. With commentary by other Italian...
(14 July 2009) - An exclusive first peek, this trailer for Daniel Leeb's portrait of Italian bike frame-builder Giovanni Pelizzoli, aka "Ciocc," celebrates the renowned artisan and his work. The short film, called "Anima D'Acciaio" (Soul of Steel), documents Ciocc's expertise as he makes a new fixed gear frame by hand, sharing his insights into the craft and his life along the way. With commentary by other Italian...
Exovault iPhone Case
(14 July 2009) - A master at combining aesthetics and mechanics, artist Jonathan Schipper recently joined forces with fellow artist Amelia Biewald to create a stunning metal iPhone case that they've dubbed Exovault. Made from solid aluminum, brass or titanium, the handcrafted cases lend a steampunk look to the device—a big step up from the plastic varieties that house most iPhones today. Over time, the lustrous surface will...
(14 July 2009) - A master at combining aesthetics and mechanics, artist Jonathan Schipper recently joined forces with fellow artist Amelia Biewald to create a stunning metal iPhone case that they've dubbed Exovault. Made from solid aluminum, brass or titanium, the handcrafted cases lend a steampunk look to the device—a big step up from the plastic varieties that house most iPhones today. Over time, the lustrous surface will...
Lisa Sitko's Ceramic Apple Pipes
(02 July 2009) - An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but Lisa Sitko's ceramic apple pipe will likely do more for relieving built-up stress—as much for the way it riffs off the adolescent stand-in as for its actual purpose. The L.A.-based artist sculpts and glazes the one-offs by hand, creating an unusual and charming device for smoking or just a lovely addition to any bookshelf....
(02 July 2009) - An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but Lisa Sitko's ceramic apple pipe will likely do more for relieving built-up stress—as much for the way it riffs off the adolescent stand-in as for its actual purpose. The L.A.-based artist sculpts and glazes the one-offs by hand, creating an unusual and charming device for smoking or just a lovely addition to any bookshelf....
Free Bird Boots
(10 June 2009) - Free Bird is a handmade line of customized military boots applying recycling to fashion in a new way. Created by young New York-based designer, Stacey Howard, the boots were originally collected from military bases in the South. As Howard says, "It felt most natural to my aesthetic to use vintage native American garments and paint to refabricate the boots. Using a soldier's boot and...
(10 June 2009) - Free Bird is a handmade line of customized military boots applying recycling to fashion in a new way. Created by young New York-based designer, Stacey Howard, the boots were originally collected from military bases in the South. As Howard says, "It felt most natural to my aesthetic to use vintage native American garments and paint to refabricate the boots. Using a soldier's boot and...
Bonobos Pants and Shorts
(22 May 2009) - Known for their awesome-fitting trousers, Bonobos is applying the same tactic to their line of shorts, available in a variety of fresh styles, colors and patterns. While women have a multitude of options for style and fit, men generally have to choose between sleek, high-end pants designed for the runway or baggy, mostly-boring trousers created for the masses. Frustrated with such a limited choice,...
(22 May 2009) - Known for their awesome-fitting trousers, Bonobos is applying the same tactic to their line of shorts, available in a variety of fresh styles, colors and patterns. While women have a multitude of options for style and fit, men generally have to choose between sleek, high-end pants designed for the runway or baggy, mostly-boring trousers created for the masses. Frustrated with such a limited choice,...
Recover Your Thoughts Recycled Notebooks
(08 April 2009) - Recover Your Thoughts recycled notebooks are made in San Francisco by Doug, who removes the hard-bound covers of discarded library books and fills them with scrap paper from local printers and binds them. The notebooks are quirky and one-of-a-kind, and sometimes have artifacts like the used check out stub as seen in the book on the right, below. The notebooks are available at several...
(08 April 2009) - Recover Your Thoughts recycled notebooks are made in San Francisco by Doug, who removes the hard-bound covers of discarded library books and fills them with scrap paper from local printers and binds them. The notebooks are quirky and one-of-a-kind, and sometimes have artifacts like the used check out stub as seen in the book on the right, below. The notebooks are available at several...
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