'Refusing to let functionality get in the way of exploration,' these shoe designs are more about artistic expression than they are about real life footwear -- they've even been displayed in museums. What do you think, a beautiful form of creative expression or ridiculous design that's trying too hard to be different?
Swiss cigar manufacturer Oettinger Davidoff has announced their latest creation, a cigar named after the famous Sir Winston Churchill. The Churchill Millenium Blend is set apart from many of Davidoff's other cigars in a couple of ways, including the fact that it's quite a bit stronger in flavor and is wrapped in a rare variety of tobacco leaf that leaves it with a darker than average appearance. The Churchill range of cigars will be made of tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic, Peru, Nicaragua and Ecuador.
The Flowerpower fan has been around for awhile now but for people who like a little floral energy indoors to help deal with the heat of the summer there's a new addition to the Flowerpower family: the Flowerpower desk fan. Modern, whimsical, and funky, with a definite hippie vibe, the Flowerpower fan design is safe for kids (blunt blades and a safety switch that shuts it off when an obstruction is detected) and features a motor that's both especially powerful and especially quiet. The floor version of the Flowerpower fan is available in several color options but the latest limited edition desk fan only comes in black. £205
Apparently there's a Macbook in there somewhere, believe it or not. We've covered blinged up laptops before but this one is dolled up as a workstation, not a glitzy fashion accessory. Munk Bogballe has taken a basic Apple Macbook and added an anodized aluminum surface on the top and a European aniline leather underside, plus a sophisticatedly simple (but expensive) leather case to put it in. The 2.4Ghz Macbook underneath stays pretty much factory spec, plus 4GB of RAM and Windows XP pre-installed. £3,500
Lotus Flower Chandeliers are created by artisans combining hundreds of hand-cut capiz shells edged in metal together into large pearl and smoke colored spheres. When lit from within the pendants shimmer and shine like stained glass and look equally impressive hanging alone or in a grouping. Two sizes (13" and 21" diameters) are available from Viva Terra for $329 and $629, and in keeping with their eco-friendly and sustainable stance as many supplies as possible are recycled and reclaimed in the manufacturing of the product -- plus the company recommends using an energy saving light bulb to illuminate your new purchase.
I've never been a big fan of fake fruit as decor but these fruit sculptures of glass by Anthony Biancaniello are really beautiful. Each of Biancaniello's designs have a common theme, be it a uniform shape or color scheme, used throughout and he usually works with pairs or groups of objects to create the desired artistic effect. He also, apparently, really likes fruit.
These sculptures are a great way to have the classic beauty of a fruit still life in your home without the often associated tackiness. Prices range from $245 to $1150.
Gallery: Art Glass Sculptures by Anthony Biancaniello
Sometimes I like a bag more for the name than anything else, and although this Zac Posen Patent Apple Clutch is certainly cute I think this is one of the those times -- "patent apple clutch" is just such a fun sounding title! Anyway, getting to the bag itself it's another patent leather variety but the glam of the shine is toned down somewhat by the earthiness of the poppy and midnight blue color options. Features include a kiss lock closure and suede lining, plus the front flap opens to reveal an extra pocket. $795
Suitable for either indoor or outdoor use, the Gownchair takes its inspiration from both the fashion are art worlds. It has a sweeping flowy shape that has it looking just as much a sculpture as a chair. Certain to be one of the boldest items in any room, the Gownchair is bright red with an eye catching glossy finish and it's made 100% of fiberglass that is painted using the same technology used in the automotive industry to paint cars. Available in limited edition (each is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity) only 2 remain for $2,105 each.
The Fleur de Lys restaurant in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay may serve French cuisine but that hasn't stopped them from adapting their own version of an American classic: the hamburger. Called the "Fleurburger 5000" it's no Plain Jane either, featuring a juicy Kobe beef patty topped with a rich truffle sauce and served on a brioche truffle bun. And this burger comes with its own beverage, a bottle of 1990 Chateau Petrus, that is served in Ichendorf Brunello stemware that you get to keep.
It sounds (and looks) delicious -- as well it should for the whopping price tag of $5000. And if you do decide to indulge no worries about bragging rights: you can bring a friend (they get a free burger when you order yours) and you'll also get a certificate in the mail (along with your keepsake glass) so you'll have both a witness and paper proof.
Drawbridge is an organization based in California that provides an art program for homeless and otherwise vulnerable children to promote joy, creativity, and exuberance. Through their art programs Drawbridge also works to build healthier families by culturing a supportive community and teaching children to have an attitude of helping others.
Drawbridge was founded in 1991 and currently covers 6 counties in California, with plans in 2008 to expand to two new locations. You can participate in any number of ways, including hosting their traveling art exhibit called "Through Our Eyes."
Gallery: Through Our Eyes: Artwork by Homeless Children
The Celine Nautil bag is about both bold bright fashion and practical functionality. Available in classic ruby red or crisp bright white, the Nautil is made of crinkled patent leather so it shines (but doesn't blind!). It also features contoured top seams, polished silver hardware, handles attached with clasps (8" drop), and my favorite handbag quality: a flat base so it sits upright. And the brand logo is everywhere on this bag: engraved onto the medallion on the front and on the studs used throughout, embossed on a leather tag inside, and incorporated into the pattern of the interior textile lining. $850
Formerly a "British Designer of the Year" and always an Egyptian native, Azza Fahmy has been working diligently with her two daughters to market her unique jewelry designs far from home in Western markets (due to Middle Eastern tastes leaning more towards karat weights and grams of gold than art and creative design). Western shoppers are eating up the beautiful jewelry, no matter the expensive prices ($250 and up), and Fahmy hopes that popularity in the West will lead to better business in the East.
There's always a balance to be had, of course, but I have to say I'm happy to be part of a culture that values art and design over cold hard cash value. She's got some really beautiful pieces, especially the necklace above!
Attention mandolin lovers! Gibson has introduced a limited edition Victorian F-style Mandolin and there are only 15 available worldwide. The mandolin features many Victorian Era details, including the back side accented with a Victorian Red Sunburst finish, a "double flower pot" inlay featured on the peghead face (a pattern that hasn't been used since the end of the pre-truss era), an ebony fingerboard, and a period correct black face top, to name just a few. Each of the mandolins comes with a vintage oblong hardshell case and a certificate of authenticity.
Just this past weekend a boutique opened in an upscale fashion neighborhood in London with an unlikely name: Oxfam. Most commonly recognized for slightly battered or worn vintage and retro secondhand clothing pieces, Oxfam is revamping their image and looking to become a more fashion-conscious name. They've hired Jane Shepherdson (formly of Topshop) and recruited students from the London College of Fashion along with several British designers to overhaul donated clothes into trendier more upscale items. This new boutique is just one of three planned total, with the other two scheduled to open later this summer.
