May 27, 2008
is-ness × sceptre "Scale Head Gear"
Awesome summer accessory.
Posted by Charlie at 01:43 PM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2008
Draft #1
Eric and I are starting on a joint vanity art project of sorts. I can't reveal too much at the moment, but let's just say you'll be seeing a lot us in the next weeks if you live in Manhattan. Here's an outtake from yesterday's photo session:
Posted by Charlie at 09:25 PM | Comments (0)
January 07, 2008
My Eye Wear Collection Continues to Grow
Introducing the Alain Mikli A0785.
Posted by Charlie at 06:56 PM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2007
Zipper Necklace
From designers Frans van Nieuwenborg and Martijn Wegman comes the Zipper Necklace. It still looks fresh today as it did when it first came out 30 years ago.
Posted by Charlie at 11:49 AM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2007
Maison Martin Margiela Sunglasses
Very pretty and fashion forward. Perfect for male porn stars in Japan who want to hide their identity but still look stylish.
Posted by Charlie at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2007
Muji Soho
MUJI opened its doors for the first time today in Soho, and after waiting in line for thirty minutes we got a glimpse of what the super Japanese chain had in mind for North American shoppers. Many pedestrians, unaware of this momentous occasion, would go up to the one token white guy in line and ask him what the hell was going on. He would describe MUJI as being "the Japanese version of IKEA," which is kind of true I guess. The store itself is smaller than what I would have liked it to be, and the layout doesn't really permit having a ton of people in at one time, so I think I'm gonna wait for the hype to die down a bit before I make my way over to MUJI again.
Posted by Charlie at 01:56 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2007
Purdy Shoes
Courtesy of Prada.
Posted by Charlie at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2007
Style Wars
Posted by Charlie at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
Bilbao Bag
Issey Miyake and Frank Gehry in one awe-inspiring design? Where do I sign up to get one these?!
Posted by Charlie at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2007
Image Change
Posted by Charlie at 06:26 PM
July 12, 2007
TOYPOGRAPHY
In the very unlikely event that I settle down with a nice somebody and become a stroller-pushing father, I would want my little gaggle of giggles to be multilingual like myself. And what better way of them being so by combining two of my favorite subjects – linguistics and typography – into one extremely cute and adorable toy?
Sexy stationery and furniture company Kokuyo has come out with a wonderfully clever toy for kids of all ages: Toypography, toy blocks that spell out an animal in English and, when taken apart and rearranged, will spell out representative Kanji and pictorial interpretations.
So very cute, and the perfect toy/present for that type lover.
Posted by Charlie at 11:39 AM | Comments (1)
June 25, 2007
EVA Solo Grill Table
The season for outdoor picnics and grilling is upon us, and after several barbecues with friends and witnessing their somewhat feeble attempt at lugging large grills around the park, I stumbled upon the cutest grill I have ever seen: The EVA Solo Grill Table. Its modest footprint only allows it to be enjoyed by a small party, yet what it lacks in size it makes up in portability and looks. Perfect for urban dwellers wanting to host a rooftop soirée.
Posted by Charlie at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2007
Kate Moss: The Font
Oh, lookie here: Kate Moss has her own font! "Kate Moss" was designed by Peter Saville and Paul Barnes (the guy who also created signage for Bjork), and while this cute font will most likely not have a long shelf life like Helvetica does, it's definitely well-suited for its intended audience.
Posted by Charlie at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2007
Happy Birthday, Helvetica
Happy 50th Birthday, Helvetica. You've come a long way, haven't you? You've graced more corporate logos than one can shake a stick at; you've been voted the best typeface of all time. Although I'm pretty impartial to you – I prefer Meta as my personal favorite sans-serif – your contributions to graphic design have been more than paramount. My hat's off to you. Here's to another 50 years. Or at least until FF Unit takes over your title.
Posted by Charlie at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2007
Jas M.B.
I don't know how this went past my radar, but my favorite bag company, Jas M.B., finally has their bags up for online ordering. Of course, you can get them at Barneys here in New York, but you can get them for a little less from their online store.
Posted by Charlie at 12:43 AM | Comments (1)
April 06, 2007
A Black Tie Affair
Anyone out there know of any good names in tuxedo design, and what the current style trend of tuxes are these days? I'm going to my first black tie in like forever and I don't think the tuxedo I have from my prepubescent days is going to fit me. Some names I can think up of include Prada, Zegna and Dior.
Posted by Charlie at 11:13 AM | Comments (1)
April 02, 2007
AdamFrank's Reveal
AdamFrank, a company whose Lumen projector I've profiled in the past, has just come up with an amazing new lighting product, Reveal:
It's a projector that, well, projects soft light onto a wall, creating an impression of sunlight streaming through a paned window as trees appear to sway in a light breeze. I can see myself hosting an ambient dinner party for four with a few of these babies creating the impression that we were dining outside under the moonlight. Simply wonderful.
Posted by Charlie at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2007
Black Whale
There's a Black Whale in the Middle of the Sea and It's All For Me.
Posted by Charlie at 11:42 PM | Comments (1)
March 13, 2007
I'm an A+ Student
Thanks to daylight savings, my insomnia came back at full force last night; I didn't go to sleep until 4 this morning. In in an effort to keep myself occupied before retiring to bed during those wee hours in the morning, I've started doing these mini-exercises in which I play with Photoshop for exactly 15 minutes and see what I can come up with. I start a timer and 15 minutes later I publish it on this site, whether or not I'm finished with it. Here's one I did this morning... it's the beginning of a personal examination on the evolution of one's use with typography in creating a visual statement...
Posted by Charlie at 11:36 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2007
Ripple Chair
Oh my god, Ripple Chair, designed by Ron Arad in 2005, where have you been all my life? How come I've never seen you around these parts? I think I love you. Can I take you home? How about 8 of you?
Posted by Charlie at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
NYC Condoms
Take that, San Francisco: you are not the most progressive city in the country anymore! New York recently launched a massive campaign to get its residents to get started having sex more responsibly, and is doing so by distributing over 18million subway-branded condoms over the course of the year. Every major city should start a campaign like this. Not only will they be promoting safe sex and branding of a city, the condoms can become like an adult's version of the baseball trading card — collectible and swappable — and will therefore encourage a new subset of tourists interested primarily in gathering them.
"I'll trade you five Tokyos for two Londons and a Vancouver."
Posted by Charlie at 01:48 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2007
My Little Dead Dick
"Ecstatically happy," claims one of our editors, in describing the work of Patrick Tsai, a Taiwanese-American photographer now living the Pan-Asian experience somewhere in China with his girlfriend, whom he met over the internet and fell in love. It's a sweet, romantic story of two fun individuals coming together and adventuring into the great unknown, head-on and in anticipation. Their photos very much convey a sense of "ecstatic happiness" — it makes this viewer want to leave the confines of routine and security and go out and have an adventure of his own. Check out My Little Dead Dick and be prepared to envy their carefree, unconventional lives.
Posted by Charlie at 03:50 PM | Comments (2)
January 23, 2007
Design Fetish: Teak
My parents are very proud of their vintage teak dining table set, a wedding present from a distant relative I never met. Although they have since replaced it with a gaudy modern glass table, the table continues to live out its golden years at our house in Ocean Shores, looking as fab as ever. One day I will own that table. As my design aesthetic slowly moves away from the modern, I am finding a re-surging of interest in all things wood - from molded plywood veneers to bamboo flooring on the ceilings to Nakashima-esque woodworking. The colors and textures go amazingly well with my current furniture. My dream home will one day contain all of these elements.
Posted by Charlie at 12:47 PM
December 27, 2006
Panton Junior
Vitra recently introduced a line of Verner Panton's S Chair in a smaller size, suitable for young, aspiring design enthusiasts. If you want to educate your growing clan on the history and significance of modern furniture design than this is a good piece to start with. This chair almost makes me wish I was ten again!
Posted by Charlie at 05:35 PM
December 16, 2006
Paul Smith Toothbrush
Do you have guests frequently sleeping over your apartment? Or how about one guest in particular, your last attempt this year at starting something special? Want to impress them or turn them off with your knack of designer superficialities? If so, go right now to a Paul Smith store and get yourself a few of his toothbrushes. They're sleek, stylish, expensive, and will set you apart from the typical tooth-brushing crowd. Branding at its finest.
Posted by Charlie at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
November 25, 2006
Kid Robot
This is totally outside the conventions of my design aesthetic, so caulk it up to this boy I dated eons ago, but I've been hankering for a vinyl figure to service as a centerpiece for our dining table. I think with all of this high-brow furniture (IKEA, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond) around us, having something as urban and eclectic as a piece from a place like Kid Robot will definitely humble the mood set upon this apartment.
Posted by Charlie at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2006
Muro Media Storage
The Muro Media Storage is perfect for those, like me, who are bored with typical media storage systems. The unfinished MDF version allows you to paint or wallpaper the unit so it compliments the decor of your space. It almost makes me want to get a flat panel TV for my tiny apartment.
Posted by Charlie at 01:58 PM | Comments (1)
November 07, 2006
Noodlesoup
RUG STAR is a German company that specializes in what they like to call 'floorware,' and their hand-knotted Tibetan rugs are among the most beautiful I've come across. Their NOODLESOUP collection in particular is a standout: graphic renderings of Chinese dragons against a patterned background, a nice contemporary update of an ancient icon. If your furniture is especially minimalist and modern, the NOODLESOUP rugs can make your decor a lot less boring. Just be patient, however. The production time for one of these babies is four months.
Posted by Charlie at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2006
Tord Boontje and Target
He's created furniture worth tens of thousands of dollars and crystal chandeliers worth twice as much, but Tord Boontje's line of ridiculously affordable dinnerware from Target will finally place this product designer on the mainstream success track. Just in time for the holiday entertaining season, these festive plates, cups and bowls will add a distinct whimsical quality to your dinner parties. Boontje's trademarks are all here: playful patterns coupled with practical Dutch design. You can only get these online however, so start shopping now and stock up! This collection is sure to be a collector's item in the future.
Posted by Charlie at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2006
Maracas Salt & Pepper Shakers
These maracas salt and pepper shakers from ±0 (Plus Minus Zero) are as humorous as they are entertaining while in action.
Posted by Charlie at 08:21 PM | Comments (1)
September 25, 2006
Brocade Home
Baroque is back, and with a vengeance. After decades of hiding behind mid-century modernism and the IKEA-ification of the contemporary home, the disenchanted and jaded (like myself) are setting their sights on crystal chandeliers, crushed velvet, baroque mirrors, tufted headboards, scalloped edges and ruffles. A weird fusion of Rococo and minimalism is taking place today. Jacquards and paisleys appear alongside clean lines. It's all very romantic, and what better company than Brocade Home to help usher in this as-of-yet-unnamed design movement? A new company started by none other than Lisa Versacio, Brocade Home has been getting a lot of warm reception. Like Versacio's first baby, West Elm, Brocade Home's prices are surprisingly reasonable and within reach. This is a brand to look out for.
Posted by Charlie at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
Studio Hunting
I have an itch. An itch to return to my pre-graphic design days of painting, sketching, and creating sculptures out of molded plastic. I don't know how this came about, but I am feeling a resurgence in creativity and I need an outlet for this.
Posted by Charlie at 04:31 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2006
Pro Design
I am on an eyewear-buying frenzy. Living in Chinatown means having quick access to many competing eyeglass companies, all of whom carry designer frames at prices so low they can be categorized in the impulse purchase category. I myself got some Easee frames from Mikli last week, and once my paychecks come in (if they ever do) this beautiful number from Pro Design is next.
Posted by Charlie at 11:22 AM
August 25, 2006
Verner Panton Stacking Chair
In the dining room:
What is probably his most recognizable creation, Verner Panton's S Chair has remained strikingly fresh in design in over the 40-plus years it has been in production. I am going to pair a couple of these puppies with a dining bench—quite possibly another Nelson Bench with seat cushions—to create a nice modern dining environment.
Posted by Charlie at 12:20 PM
August 21, 2006
Ingo Maurer's Blushing Zettel'z
On the ceiling:
In the world of innovative residential lighting no one does it better than Ingo Maurer. Besides the Blushing Zettel'z, my favorite pieces from them include Hi, Bruce, a custom chandelier of layered, twisted neon tubes, and Fly Candle Fly!, a wax candle held by suspension wire to make it look like it's floating in midair.
Posted by Charlie at 11:15 AM | Comments (1)
August 18, 2006
George Nelson Platform Bench
At the foot of my bed:
"The single common element in all man-made things is that they are designed." ~George Nelson
Posted by Charlie at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2006
Eyes
Posted by Charlie at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2006
Designlush Table
I am by no means a traditionalist when it comes to art and design. I like to look forward and embrace artists who experiment with the latest in technology and philosophy. This coffee table by John Houshmand for DESIGNLUSH may be traditional in construction, but is very experimental in execution. The visual contrast set by the clean-cut block of wooden base, sleek glass pane and the organic shape of the tabletop is subtle and delicate, yet striking in appearance. This table will be perfect when set upon an off-white area rug with deep pile.
Posted by Charlie at 09:50 AM | Comments (1)
July 28, 2006
John Houshmand
This utterly scrumptious folding screen by John Houshmand has Nakashima written all over it. In an apartment world filled with polypropylene and aluminum mid-century modern furniture, having something as organic and individually unique as this will definitely balance the visual impact of the home. Sexy.
Posted by Charlie at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2006
Dune
Clean, simple lines are the behind the aesthetic philosophy of DUNE, a furniture company based here in New York City. Drawing inspiration from mid-century design and contemporary-day technology, DUNE doesn't mass-produce their lines, preferring instead to work closely with the designers in preserving the quality and integrity of their work. I am in love with the L.E.M. sofa by Nick Dine, a deep, thin upholstered shell sitting on a skinny steel base. Karim Rashid would be proud.
Posted by Charlie at 03:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2006
Signage Play
Posted by Charlie at 06:59 PM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2006
Ego Feeding
Hey, lookie here! Who's that? Why, it's me!
Some select pages from our latest issue. I mostly took photographs of pages that had nice pictures and not a lot of text for pure visual entertainment.
Good photography makes even the most boring composition stick out. I'm just glad I had a lot of images to play with, seeing as any form of typographic experimentation was not allowed.
One of the best highs I get from doing print is holding the finished product in your hand after spending several weeks tinkering away on the computer. I love the weight, the tactile quality. It makes your work real, complete.
Hopefully I'm around for another several issues. I don't want to be bogged down by feeling like I'm regurgitating the design again and again.
Posted by Charlie at 11:24 AM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2006
Kravet Fabrics
When I was younger I remember watching my parents one day as they took off the fabrics of our dining room chairs and reupholstered them with new fabric that they had measured, sewn, and cut. I was very disinterested in the entire affair back then, but now I'm kicking my self in the ass for not learning from them because as my gay genes start dominating every aspect of my personality I begin to realize just how much stuff like this makes me happy.
The fabrics from Kravet, with lines by designers Alexa Hampton and Barbara Barry (my personal favorite designer), are luxurious and are best used sparingly. I want to outfit my next apartment windows with several layers of white sheers and patterns from these guys.
I can't wait for September.
Posted by Charlie at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Scope
Normally I am not so vocal about revealing my fashion secrets because I really hate it when people go out and copy statements that they hear from friends or read in magazines. The way I dress is constitutes one of the most important facets of my personality, and while that statement may come off as superficial and surface, there's a much deeper sentiment behind it which I'll probably address at a later date. Anyway, I have to write about this find because I'm gonna spend my lunch break today to go purchase it.
One of the best things about working for an interior design magazine is the amount of design eye candy that you're exposed to every day (and there's a lot of the OTHER kind of eye candy here in the office as well, if you know what I mean). Saying this, my heart almost stopped whilst perusing the Moss site. I came across what will be my Next Bag. It's the Scope duffle bag by designer Marc Newson for Samsonite. It's so deliciously beautiful and functional. Comes in four colors: blue, orange, yellow and gray. I'm opting for the blue one.
My day's off to a nice start.
Posted by Charlie at 11:01 AM
June 19, 2006
Sapporo Shelving
I love the Sapporo Shelving System by Jesús Gasca. It drips with Japanese minimalism, is flexible in its modularity, and has a back that is finished completely in white, doubling its duty as a room divider. Depending on what kind of place I get next time I move, I think I'm going to get a few of these babies.
Posted by Charlie at 11:14 AM | Comments (2)
June 09, 2006
Zaha Hadid
An exhibition on Zaha Hadid is on display at the Guggenheim until October 25th. I'm drooling as I type this.
Posted by Charlie at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
Wallcoverings
Here is a sample of some of the hottest companies in wallcoverings today:
Timorous Beasties.
Blik.
Circa.
Tracy Kendall.
Posted by Charlie at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2006
ToFu Lamp
The ToFu Lamp by Tokujin Yoshioka.
Posted by Charlie at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2006
Niche Modern
Some sexy hand-blown glass pendants from Niche Modern.
Posted by Charlie at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Post-ICFF High
Task lighting from Bestlite. Scandinavian-inspired design.
Fabricius & Kastholm's sexy buffet table/media storage unit.
Tord Boontje's Mini Blossom for Swarovski, made of LED lights and crystals. Perfect for the dining table or bathroom.
Multi-function tables from NONdesigns, able to hold plants or fruits or whatever storage needs you need fulfilled.
A cooking unit from Tikappa, perfect for that small apartment or a second kitchen.
The Salon Chair from Wittmann is curvacious and sexy.
Marimekko's 2006 collection.
Modular shelving and storage units from Estoli.
Posted by Charlie at 12:13 PM
May 22, 2006
An ICFF Weekend Indeedy
Capping off what will forever be one of the weirdest and most random weekends of my life was a day trip to ICFF, or the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, also known as the Let's-Just-Toss-Charlie-a-Few-Hundred-Orgasms-
and-Make-Him-Cum-So-Hard-He-Becomes-Blind Fair. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of products, from bathtubs to beds to chairs to sofas to lighting. Holy shit, where does one start?
From big-name companies like Herman Miller and Kartell to smaller, independent studios like Shinma and Chilewich, design innovation was abound and aplenty. The tiled carpeting trend, jump-started by FLOR, has gained competition from new companies hoping to carve a name for themselves in the field. LED lighting had a quiet but significant start with Yves Behar's Leaf Lamp for Herman Miller, as well as the beautiful Tord Boontje 'Blossom' chandelier, a 200-LED light sensation fashioned from Swaroski crystals into the shape of a Japanese cherry branch. My new favorite wallpaper company Timorous Beasties was also there, showcasing their latest line of wall coverings. I spotted Kanye West making a purchase at an Italian sofa maker; he has really nice skin.
There was way too much to take in. I was a little surprised at the underrepresentation of Japanese design this year; only a handful of booths were from Tokyo. Also notably absent was China, a country that has made many design innovations in the past several years.
We ran through the aisles with fervor, picking up brochures here and there, and after a few hours we were done. There was a stationary convention happening on the top floor of the convention center, and after a quick run-through of that entire visual explosion I was ready to return to ICFF where the people were thirty pounds lighter and better dressed.
Posted by Charlie at 01:10 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
Faces On The Moon
Stress-relief balls designed by Yoshida Makiko.
Posted by Charlie at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2006
Steven Klein + Madonna
Posted by Charlie at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2006
Alu Bedside Table
A nice bedside table from Alu to go along with my bed...
Posted by Charlie at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2006
Marc Quinn
British sculptor Marc Quinn is perhaps best known for his statue of a pregnant Alison Lapper. A beautiful and controversal piece in its own right, it is destined to be upstaged in a few weeks when the Mary Boone Gallery unveils his latest piece, Sphinx. "She is a contemporary version of the Sphinx. A mystery. There must be something about her that has clicked with the collective unconscious to make her so ubiquitous, so spirit of the age," says the artist. The 'She' Quinn is referring to is none other than model Kate Moss, whose recent tabloid shenanigans and career rebirth have made her a revered cultural pop icon, and whose likeness Quinn used for his latest piece. This is one gallery event to watch out for. Check it out.
Posted by Charlie at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
Joan Miro
Happy Birthday, Joan Miro.
Posted by Charlie at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2006
Parts of a Rainbow
The blocky forms of Parts of a Rainbow are open on one side so that any number of chairs can slide into one another to save space or create a sturdy bench. Christian Flindt designed the chairs--the world's first side-stacking version, he claims--which won the Design Prize 2005 at Copenhagen, in joyful colors that, when linked, change hue as if paints overlapping on an artist's palette.
Posted by Charlie at 10:35 AM
April 06, 2006
Rodger Stevens
Brooklyn-based Rodger Stevens's sculptures are delightful, almost Pop abtractions created entirely out of wire. His career began while working at Sotheby's, when an art specialist walked by one day and asked if she could purchase one of his wire sculptures sitting on his work desk. Soon after he pursued a full-time career out of making these sculptures, and in 1996 he got his big break with a Fifth Avenue window for Tiffany. Since then, he's done a wide range of store display work, including windows for Todd Oldham and wall installations for Yohji Yamamoto. Prices range from $200 for miniatures to $5000-$10,000 for the most intricate pieces.
Posted by Charlie at 11:54 AM
April 04, 2006
Blackstock Leather
"Stephen Manchee is a leather legacy. His father, Charles, owned his own leather company, Spinneybeck, for more than two decades, and today, the younger’s firm, Blackstock Leather, is headquartered in the schoolhouse that faces his childhood farm. Blackstock sells leather tiles in a wide variety of stock and custom sizes and colors. They can be used on floors, walls and ceilings; the material is an excellent acoustic dampener and is naturally stain-resistant. Manchee is currently developing a system of leather tiles with magnetic backing for portability and easy reconfiguring—or as he puts it, 'so it’s yours, not the floor’s.'"
Posted by Charlie at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)
Paul Smith Swirl Rug
In the living room: a Paul Smith Swirl Rug to set the defining theme of the space, with cocoa walls and neutral-colored seating throughout.
Posted by Charlie at 12:12 PM | Comments (1)
Jocelyn Warner
The secret to the alluring, velvet-like surface of Jocelyn Warner’s gilded wallpapers is a flatbed scanner and the matte sealant the London-based designer skims atop the metal leaf. Laid out on this sumptuous field and printed in gray, garden-variety leaves have the detailed authority of an X-ray and scribbles leap from the page.
This is totally going up in my next bedroom along with Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray paint.
Posted by Charlie at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2006
XL
It's been over a year since I've last visited XL, but I can always appreciate the video projection setup that have going. The room is filled with puffy clouds, and with the curved ceiling one can really feel like they're outside, provided that they have enough alcohol and drugs in their system. I'm a big fan of video installations like the ones at XL, and have been creating several cycling movies that would be perfect to project onto a white wall to create that perfect ambient dinner party atmosphere.
Posted by Charlie at 12:04 AM
March 09, 2006
Green Eyes
Posted by Charlie at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2006
Guido Mocafico: Venenum
New Yorkers will attend a book party at the drop of a hat. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the book or know anything about the author; the book party is high society's version of a fraternity mixer. Last night's book party was a little more glamourous than most, however. Swiss-born photographer Guido Mocafico had a soiree at Bergdorf's for his new photo book Venenum, a series of photographs of venomous creatures ranging from snakes to spiders to jellyfish. Great colors and composition, but ultimately boring work. Not that this mattered anyway, to the wealthy and beautiful people who attended. The drinks were strong and free, the hors d'oeuvres delicious, and the eye-candy plentiful. I would say out of the 400 socialites, magazine editors, artists, stylists, and celebrities that came to this thing, maybe 30 of them actually knew who the photographer was. People were there just to have a good time, socialize, and network; I finally got to meet some of the people I've heard so much gossip about. There was this 8-foot drag queen who looked like s/he leapt out of the pages of a Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, and s/he was chatting away with a certain famous magazine editor. Such an abnormal sight, only to be witnessed at the phenomenon known as the book party.
Posted by Charlie at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
March 01, 2006
Wassup Pussy
This picture brings back memories.
Posted by Charlie at 02:23 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2006
Sofa Hunting
I'd like something understated, something that doesn't pop out at you when you walk into a room, but is inviting all the same. Clean lines, steel frame, steel legs. That's all I want.
The Ondo by Rene Holten, 2003.
The Isobel by Michiel van der Kley, 2003.
The Bono by Diplomat UK, 2004
Posted by Charlie at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2006
Designer Dumbbells
Wanna work out in style? For those who are truly design-conscious, Henriette Melchiorsen's one-kilo dumbbell keeps your body as well as your design palate fit and healthy. Looks good during a workout as well as on a coffee table.
Posted by Charlie at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2006
Pillow Talk
Posted by Charlie at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2006
Alain Mikli
Purdy Alain Mikli eyeglasses. I'm getting tired of my current half-rimmed frames... maybe it's time for a change?
Posted by Charlie at 02:38 PM | Comments (1)
The Paul Smith Way
Do you know why I'm smiling so much today? Do you? It's because I just found out that you can order Paul Smith fabric from Maharam. I can see several new pillows and possible a reupholstered couch entering my life in the foreseeable future.
Posted by Charlie at 01:20 PM | Comments (1)
Heart Design
I have an amazing amount of respect for industrial designers/companies who put a lot of care and attention in the products that they bring to the marketplace. And while the posting of all these entries on things that I find pretty might come off as materialistic, I think Barbara Barry said it best when she "lives unabashedly for beauty and finds it (good design)a powerful and healing force." It's amazing how just the little things--by painting your bedroom two coats darker, or by using a wooden spatula instead of a plastic one, or by changing the slip cover of your sofa from cotton to wool--how these little minute details can do wonders to your overall state of being. It's not quantifiable, but it's there.
Posted by Charlie at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2006
Hiropon
Awwww... shiiet. I just found out that I live about ten minutes away from Hiropon. Time to put on my stalking boots.
Posted by Charlie at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2006
Alu Bed
In a bid to further settle myself upon this crazy city I'm finally going to purchase a bed. I hadn't gotten one before now--mainly due to laziness and the fact that I was hardly ever sleeping here--and now that I have incentive (and a sizable budget), I can rest a little easier tonight knowing that soon I will be sleeping in modern luxury. The bed in mind is the Alu by designer Luciano Bertoncini. It's low-slung, streamlined and, best of all, unlike the Twilight Sleep Sofa it ships flat for those moving-across-the-city times.
Posted by Charlie at 09:35 AM | Comments (2)
January 17, 2006
Paula Scher Maps
Paula Scher, more known in the graphic design field for her Broadway posters, CitiBank redesign, and ripping off old Swiss design pieces, has an exhibition going on right now in Chelsea's Maya Stendhal Gallery. Her paintings of large, colorful maps are filled with text ranging from ZIP codes to voting stats. If you like type, maps, and Paula Scher, this is definitely the place to check out.
Posted by Charlie at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2006
Monacca
For those looking for a unique way of housing your brand-new MacBook Pros, Shimamura Takumi has designed this beautiful Monacca bag using thinned Japanese cedar from Umaji village in Kochi Prefecture. It's absolutely beautiful, not outrageously expensive, and will perfectly compliment your Offi furniture.
Posted by Charlie at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2006
MUJI Home
This is so old news, but my heart just stopped for a bit when I came across MUJI+Infill, a fully customizable house by MUJI that is available for purchase. Holy fuckin' shit. I've been waiting my whole life for something like this: my life as designed by MUJI.
Posted by Charlie at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2005
Line Series #1
Posted by Charlie at 06:26 PM | Comments (2)
December 21, 2005
Bambi Eyes, Anyone?
1-Day Acuvue Define is the "first daily disposable contact lens designed to enhance the beauty of eyes in a subtle and natural way." Aimed at the East Asian market, they make the eyes look bigger and brighter by darkening and enlarging the radius of the iris.
Hmmm... I'm still processing as to what I feel about this.
Posted by Charlie at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)
December 16, 2005
More Cool Gift Ideas
Some cool gift ideas from Alessi:
The Alessi Pisellino Cotton Bud Holder is just way too cute for words.
Phillipe Starck's take for the tradtional citrus juicer is iconic in utilitarian design.
How 'bout a nice Anna G. corkscrew for those entertaining times? Playful design in many flavors.
Posted by Charlie at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2005
Meet Mickey & Candy
Posted by Charlie at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2005
Pablo Bel 'Occhio Lamp
Take a gander at this!
Bel'Occhio is both multipositional spotlight and ambient table lamp combined. The spherical acrylic shell is gently cradled in it's base allowing infinite adjustments with a touch of the hand. The outer shade is available in clear with two inner cylinder shade colors, white or orange. Light intensity is controlled with a full range dimmer.
Sexy! Sexy! Sexy!
Posted by Charlie at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2005
Bo Concept
Sure, it's usually customary to give home furnishings as gifts during housewarming occasions, but who wouldn't want an extra chaise or sidebar for the holidays? Bo Concept is aggressively priced for the IKEA-buying crowd, yet with slightly more sophisticated design. Nothing too ostentatious here, just clean, modern lines.
Posted by Charlie at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2005
Some Cool Gift Ideas
Looking for a cool, unconventional gift for a friend of loved one? Strapped for cash? All of the following goodies can be purchased at Generate.
This light bulb requires no electrical power; it's solar-charged so it recharges its energy during the day and functions as a post-modern, Jeff Koons-inspired nightlight at night. I wonder if it's waterproof...
I love shapes of shadows created from flickering flames. This lamp holder plays on that by projecting an image of a tree on the wall. As the flame flickers, the tree moves too. Put several of them in your room and you can have a makeshift forest complete with a campfire! Sexy.
Say goodbye to coffee rings--say hello to coffee floral patterns. Having mugs that leave marks like this makes me wanna drink more coffee in the mornings.
Tord Boontje is everywhere it seems, and his Garland Light is one of the many reasons why he is so popular right now. Using laser cutting technology, Boontje has created brass garlands that conform to the desired shapes of the owner. A nice blend of the whimsy and traditional.
Posted by Charlie at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2005
Crystal Chandeliers
After my sister bought her first house (at the age of 22 no less) last summer, my family helped pitch in with the renovation and redecorating. Among the things that were lost in the reinvention process was a really cute crystal chandelier from the dining room, a mid-1970's kitschy piece that would've totally looked cool in a present-day bathroom. It didn't really fit my sister's style, so it had to go. But I totally think that fake-crystal chandeliers are in right now, at least in terms of interior design trends. Urban Outfitters is selling some really inexpensive chandeliers of the faux-crystal kind, and they're priced just low enough to be somewhat of an impulse purchase. Rockin',
Posted by Charlie at 09:35 PM
November 13, 2005
Random Subway Sign
Posted by Charlie at 06:26 PM | Comments (3)
October 27, 2005
Moma Walk
Went to the Moma the other day. The new building is fantastic: very Japanese and simple, and a great backdrop to all of the amazing pieces that were exhibited there. Imagine my surprise when the coat checker said that cameras were allowed inside! I was snapping away like crazy. There was an amazing Elizabeth Murray exhibition, as well as a Odilon Redon showing. Yikes! I'm gonna have to get myself a membership there, seeing as I'll probably be lost their halls every other weekend.
Posted by Charlie at 06:55 PM | Comments (2)
October 17, 2005
Need I Say More???
Posted by Charlie at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2005
Golden Rain
What I wouldn't give to live in the late 50s.
Posted by Charlie at 03:12 PM | Comments (1)
October 12, 2005
The Winning Team
Batman and Robin are sure on the winning team, no doubt.
Posted by Charlie at 02:39 AM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2005
Twilight Sleep Sofa
I think I was a little overreaching when lusting over the Leggero Bed. My small studio apartment in New York would not be able to accommodate such a huge bed (assuming I ever get there... everything is in question now), and thus my eye has been wandering to more unconventional methods of practicality and sleeping comfort. I've had my eye on the Twilight Sleep Sofa for a while now, and it seems like a perfect combination for what I need: a large sofa for entertaining guests by day, and a large bed for one (or two) by night.
Posted by Charlie at 11:15 PM | Comments (0)
August 21, 2005
Self Shelves
Sexy shelving gets me going like no other. This modular system from Self is just the thing to get me salivating; it's customizable, expandable, and can serve double-duty as a room divider. Nice.
Posted by Charlie at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2005
Sori Yanagi Elephant Stool
These stools are very cute, perfect for picnics, a bedside table, or for informal gathering of friends.
Posted by Charlie at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
イサム・ノグチ
Last night the Seattle Art Museum held a reception for the API community to talk about Isamu Noguchi, a seminal force in 20th century sculpture, garden, and furniture design. I've only been to one other Noguchi exhibit - Bryan Ohno's gallery in 2002 - and it was an amazing experience to see more of his pieces together and in a larger, more atmospheric setting no less.
A nice collection of Akari lamps. I'd like three for my bedroom, please.
I've gotten more ideas on what my dream studio apartment will eventually look like. Now if only I had a wallet that was the size of the design budget...
Posted by Charlie at 11:38 AM
August 12, 2005
The Dumbing Down of Art
I call this piece 'Mathematical Equation' because in nature even the most complex and organic of forms are created from the building of fairly simple shapes and equations.
Posted by Charlie at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2005
イズネスのソックス
I've been on a sock-buying binge lately. Because my left foot is exposed for the world to see due to my heavy-set boot, I need to come up with visually creative ways to make having a broken ankle be more like a fashion statement. I've managed to collect socks of many patterns and colors: argyle, stars, stripes, pinks, yellows, blues. I like these is-ness socks because they remind me of the traditional Japanese footwear that go with geta.
Posted by Charlie at 05:35 PM | Comments (3)
July 30, 2005
Pantop Pendants
I'm not a fan of over-the-top extravagant lighting solutions. Chandeliers and Artichoke Lamps are pretty nice, but I like simple forms when it comes to lighting. These aluminum pendant lamps by Verner Panton will totally compliment my PowerBook. I need to stop dreaming...
Posted by Charlie at 01:19 AM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2005
Sapien Bookcase
I have tons of books, most of which will unfortunately not make the trip with me over the New York, but for the lucky few that I choose to bring, I will be housing them in some Sapien Bookcases. These beautiful bookcases have extremely compact footprints, but the best part I love about them is the fact that they completely disappear once the shelves are fully stacked. Beautiful!
Posted by Charlie at 01:13 AM | Comments (2)
July 28, 2005
Leggero Bed
Now this is my dream bed. It is low-slung, visually minimalist, and looks like it weighs nothing. I love low-slung beds; they make small bedrooms look bigger, and they remind me of sleeping on a futon. The Leggero is exceptionally sexy with its thin frame and its ventilating slat system. Ooooh... good design gets me going like no other. The design is very unorthodox: very Modern-esque, very Danish, very eye-catching.
I had a chance to go to the DWR showroom today to test it out. It is a lot larger in person, which is a pleasant surprise. This beauty will definitely be the topic of conversation at a dinner party. It's very comfortable too. Always a big plus.
Posted by Charlie at 01:01 AM | Comments (1)
July 27, 2005
The Power of Branding
I love the design on this glass, but would I ever drink out of it? Probably not.
Posted by Charlie at 12:58 AM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2005
Nelson Clocks
I was watching an episode of Debbie Travis' Facelift the other day, and in it the carpenters were creating a mirror reminiscent of the 1960's. The mirror was obviously inspired by the works of George Nelson, a seminal force in the design world back in the day. I love how the seemingly complex design of the clocks are shaped together by simple graphic shapes and bold colors. It's a wonderful visual statement that has held up pretty well these past few decades.
Posted by Charlie at 12:43 AM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2005
Noguchi Free Form Sofa
I've been spending way too much time dreaming up of what I would furnish my dream apartment in New York with. Although the pieces that I'm craving for are way out of my price range and definitely not in the blueprint of my life anytime soon, it's always good to have a something to look forward to once I get established there.
Isamu Noguchi is known more in contemporary circles as a master sculptor, but some of his home furnishings have been considered classics upon introduction. Although not as famous as the Noguchi Table that he created for Herman Miller, Noguchi's sofa is a beautiful work in itself. Its organic shape creates an inviting reception for many people, and yet its unconventionality will not be a visual distraction.
Posted by Charlie at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)
July 23, 2005
Sigg Bottles
Aren't these nice? They're from a Swiss company called Sigg. I'm liking Switzerland more and more these days.
Posted by Charlie at 07:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2005
Eye of the Storm
I feel a little better now. ^_^
Posted by Charlie at 11:49 AM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2005
My New Site
I've just finished uploading my personal site www.charlesyesuwan.com up onto the server. It isn't by any means finished; I still have to upload a lot of my work from the previous year, and the design of the site itself isn't finalized. My web host also came with support for Movable Type, so I think I'm going to be slowly archiving these entries and moving them over to that site. A Visual Gallery of Sorts will soon be no more! Stay tuned for updates.
Posted by Charlie at 02:25 PM
June 19, 2005
A Very Productive Weekend Indeed
My personal site is coming along very nicely. I've decided to go along with a very simple composition to let my work speak for itself. Quite frankly I don't want to invest a lot of time on this project; I want to be able to get more jobs once I'm finally able to walk again.
Posted by Charlie at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2005
Portfolio Building
I find it hilarious that I am able to get this far in my design career (if you can call it that) without so much as an online portfolio to showcase my work. I'm supposed to be a freelancer, c'mon! This downtime has really given me the opportunity, besides sitting in front of the television watching reruns of Debbie Travis' Painted House, to finally design a website for myself and for potential clients. This is kind of a first for me. Aside from this blog and the previous incarnation hosted on the UW website, I haven't really designed something that really represented my personal design philosophy (do I even have one?) while maintaining accessibility for those potential clients.
It's been hard. I've been experimenting with letterforms, utilizing typefaces from Designer Shock as signage, but initial drafts were shot down. I'm tempted to just go the old-fashioned route and have a traditional grid-based website, but I also want something to stick out from the rest, so I can attract certain clientele drawn to my design philosophy (really, do I have one?).
Time constraints forbid me from creating a complex Flash site. I want simple, but eye-catching. This entire process has very internalizing; it feels different not having some sort of template to follow, when you have free rein over the design. It looks like it's back to the drawing board for me...
Posted by Charlie at 12:45 AM | Comments (0)
April 29, 2005
H&M
Until there is an H&M store in the Bay Area, buying relatively inexpensive yet well-designed clothing is relegated to just the East Coast. I had several hours of free time in New York City, and was able to secure many pairs of brightly-colored underwear and socks. Me like-y.
Posted by Charlie at 09:38 PM | Comments (1)
April 02, 2005
My 5000th Photograph
Not that this is any big news or anything, but I took my 5000th photograph today while waiting for my legal training to begin. My trusty S400 has been trusty for the 1.5years that I have had it, and I see no end with its use. I think I'll post some of my favorites, but seeing as most of them are trapped in my other laptop's broken hard drive, that's going to have to wait. Here's to another 5000 pictures.
Posted by Charlie at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2005
Doug Aitken: interiors
On this dreary Saturday afternoon I took the bus to the Henry Gallery to catch the video installation piece by artist Doug Aitken. I was blown away. Even though interiors isn't an innovative piece by any means, Aitken's mastery of video editing is something to behold. Four different narrative scenes cycle through three screens, all seemingly unrelated to each other in story, but as interiors progresses, the scenes all converge into a singular kaleidoscope of rhythm, music, and rap. interiors is an aural and visual experience that you will not soon forget. Go catch it!
Posted by Charlie at 05:30 PM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2005
More Video Play
I love that these girls can take direction so well. I think if I were to become a movie director someday I'd wreck havoc on the set. NYU, you'd better watch out because I'm going to touch down someday!
Posted by Charlie at 12:44 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2005
Flickr Letters
For those with lots of time on their hands, such as myself, this site will keep you entertained for the next five minutes: Spell with flickr.
Posted by Charlie at 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2005
Paris Is King, Once Again
The fall 2005 shows are over, and everywhere fashion editors, retailers and socialites are trumpeting the words: "Paris is Back!" This is somewhat an ironic phrase, as names such as Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons, Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, and Stella McCartney are hardly French in origin. Aside from perhaps John Paul Gaultier for Hermes, the underrepresentation of French designers in Paris' Fashion Week is a little baffling.
Posted by Charlie at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2005
Acme Made
Ahhh yes... mission accomplished. I think I may have finally found the perfect companion to my PowerBook. Acme Made's products are a wonderful combination of form and functionality, and will definitely make a great visual impact when I house my baby in one of these cool bags. I'm leaning towards getting a Slim Brief - even though there isn't as great a color selection as other styles, I want to be able to hold my accessories along with my laptop. I'm definitely going to go with the red color.
Posted by Charlie at 01:37 AM | Comments (0)
March 01, 2005
Tree of Hearts
I'm teaching myself Macromedia's Director MX software today, so I had to connect a second monitor to the PowerBook today to fulfill the growing demands of larger screen real estate. It's a huge 20-incher of a clunker, taking up a lot of my desk space. In a more perfect world of duty-free shopping and lactose tolerance, I would have one of these babies mounted against the wall:
Posted by Charlie at 11:30 PM | Comments (0)
Bamboo Flooring
Isn't this nice? It's vertical grain bamboo flooring from the folks at Gammapar, and I just got off the phone to order some samples. I'm thinking about replacing the current floor in the bathroom with this one. I've also been eyeing African Cherry; I want dark wooden tones to contrast with the light fixtures and the glass counter I plan on implementing in the design. Goddamn I need a life.
Posted by Charlie at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2005
shhhhh...
I'm having way too much fun with this.
Posted by Charlie at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2005
Meta Typefacing
I recently broke down and purchased Meta after years of promising to myself that I would not pay such a ridiculous amount of money for a typeface. I'm now having a fun time updating my resumes and various documents to fit this ten-year trend in typographic design. My purchase may have been ill-timed, however. People are starting to graduate to Unit, Meta's older, more mature sibling. Damn.
Posted by Charlie at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2005
Transexuals and Wood
Matt made me this uber-cool art piece out of newspaper clippings of mixed-race transexual escort ads glazed on a 1x4. I love it when people put the thought and energy into creating gifts such as this. My mom is probably the most unmaterialistic person I know; she never asks for anything fancy for her birthday, but she does request that I write a poem or paint a picture or compose a song for her. It's been a long tradition that I have, on more than one occasion, griped about, but in retrospect I appreciate her push for me to be more artistic and her lessons on the material world.
Posted by Charlie at 01:47 AM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2005
The Outsourcing of Design
These days, with a computer and several hundred dollars in computer design programs anyone can call themselves a designer. Gone are the days with designers hunching over their light tables, x-acto knives in hand, meticulously carving out letterforms to be typeset. Gone are the all-nighters of trying to make sure all the acetate plates are properly aligned and registered. Although the computer is seen as the graphic designer's best tool these days, it has raised an interesting and note-worthy issue.
Go online these days, and you'll find websites that will create custom logos for as little as $75. Some of these companies are charging as little as $50 for a custom-built, custom-designed webpage. This may seem like a lucrative deal to the prospective customer, but to me this is bullshit. Browsing their portfolios, anyone can see that their work is mediocre, amateurish at best. There is no consideration for the shape of the letterform; no grid systems; abundant usage of illegible typefaces. I can't believe these people are in business. And the fact that people are actually paying for their services, well, that just puts me over the edge. Whatever happened to the formally trained designer? What about influences and teachings of Tschichold, Weingart, Morris, Rand, Glazer, Bernhard, Marinetti, Lissitzky, Rodchenko, Bass, among others? These names are now lost in a sea of bad design, a reflective memory of better times when superstar designers existed. Nowadays names like Mau, Koolhaas, Scher, Doblin, Kehl, and Kamekura are overshadowed by the likes of Armani, Versace, and McCartney.
Sometimes I wonder if the career track that I'm taking is the right one for me. I mean, it's good to know that I will be making on average a 6-figure salary once I'm out of grad school, but at the same time I will be competing in the same field as these do-it-yourself designers and catering to clients who don't understand the concepts of proper visual communication. It seems are currently undergoing a state of transition in the world of visual communication, and I think pursuing a career of designing logotypes, brochures, magazine layouts, and webpages will become a lifetime of pursuing low-paying projects. I'm really not sure what the next wave in design will bring: Broadcast design? Motion graphics? Medical imaging? Who knows. We'll find out when it's here, and I hope I'm on the bandwagon when it does.
Posted by Charlie at 06:23 PM
February 07, 2005
Motion Graphics
Posted by Charlie at 02:19 AM | Comments (1)
February 05, 2005
Drunkards With Webcams
Last night was the most fun I've had in a while. With a case of beer, a laptop, a video camera, and several friends willing to make silly in front of the lens, virtually anyone can turn a low Friday night into a fun-filled event. We recorded approximately thirty minutes of us dancing and being silly, and once all of the editing is done, Phil is going to send it over to his friends' internet media companies. We're all going to be famous!
Posted by Charlie at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)
January 23, 2005
MUJI @ MOMA
Oh my god. I don't know when the MOMA store started offering stuff from MUJI, but I know where I'm going to be spending my money the next time I'm in New York. The low-priced leader in everything for the home, office, and fashion has more than 5,000 items to choose from. Think IKEA, but on a much bigger and better designed scale. The online MOMA store has lots of items for the office, but sadly enough, they aren't offering packets of precooked beef curry. I guess it just doesn't translate culturally.
Posted by Charlie at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)
January 21, 2005
Dusty Apples
A photo weblogger has captured wonderful images of a long-abandoned Apple store in Kuwait. There's something sad and nostalgic about these images, representative of a moment captured in time. The multi-colored Apple mark, the Garamond typeface, the Think Different posters. All captured brilliantly through a wandering photographer's lens.
Posted by Charlie at 02:14 AM | Comments (0)
January 05, 2005
Design Slump
This fundraising flyer is kicking my ass, and not in a good way. I miss having the creative juices flowing...
Posted by Charlie at 10:17 PM
December 12, 2004
The Latest Must-Have Accessory
Want a way to really stand out from the crowd? The Next Big Must-Have Fashion Item isn't the RL581-0300 jeans from Levi's; nor is it the latest line of Neighborhood T-Shirts. This season's biggest fashion revolution are the Harajuku Girls. They're short, have black hair, and will follow you anywhere. Of course, to take full advantage of the visual effect of this fashion accessory, you're going to have to be a tall platinum blonde with a lot of privilege and street cred. The visual contrast that stems from a difference in height, body shape, hair color, and race will definitely make you pop out. Give them five minutes to imprint themselves onto the back of your thighs after purchasing and they will be yours for life.
Posted by Charlie at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2004
WOW
I went to UW's homecoming pep rally last night. The freezing temperatures did not seem to bother the hundreds of students and alumni who turned out for the spirited affair, although I must digress that the free slices of pizza they provided was a huge motivation for me to attend.
Last night was also the grand opening of the Henry's WOW exhibit. Art historians and socialites mingled in what it seemed a very debaucherous gathering. Selected works from artists such as Callum Innes, Gary Hill, Anne Appleby, and James Turrell provide reflection on current states of contemporary art today. Alas, I couldn't attend because I had a movie to catch and a boy to make out with. Until tomorrow...
Posted by Charlie at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2004
Jassi's Halloween Costume
Using Microsoft’s cool White Board utility tool, Elizabeth and I created a wonderfully tasteful costume for Jassi. I think she looks even more beautiful than ever, don’t you think?
Posted by Charlie at 02:34 PM | Comments (1)
October 04, 2004
The Theme Is Community
The MAVIN photoshoot was last weekend. I don't even know why I was invited to participate in the shoot, as I'm not mixed ("But oh Charlie, you're 'multi,'" says Andrew), but was flattered nonetheless when asked to be in the picture. The shoot took early Saturday morning on the Seattle pier. The skies were clear and the air salty; a very lovely morning in Seattle. My hair looked like shit but I overcompensated by wearing 3 scarfs. The theme for the next issue is 'Community,' and for that about 25 people of all ages and ethnicities were brought together to participate in this semi-historical moment. I dragged Kenny out of his morning slumber to the shoot and he ended up literally in front of the camera lens, the closest person to the camera in this 25-person composition shot. Booga and I somehow were placed together and ordered to act like we were a loving couple; naturally I pulled on her hair as she punched me in the stomach.
Posted by Charlie at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2004
We're Live!
One of the best things about working at a start-up is that sense of exhilaration that stems from venturing into the unknown. The advertisements that we worked so hard on for the past few months are finally appearing in magazines nationwide. I have a feeling we're going to be getting some "cease and desist" calls from the record labels very soon. Whatever. It kicks ass.
Posted by Charlie at 01:40 PM | Comments (1)
August 23, 2004
Diesel's Coming To Town
Diesel is finally opening up a store in downtown Seattle after three years of delay. I should be excited because I was a fan since, well, silver pants were all the rage. Diesel's clothes used to be rebellious in concept, design, and execution. I mean, what other jeans company would publicly state that the pants pockets in men's jeans were designed especially for easy access to "adjust oneself?"
But over the past several years, I think, Diesel has slowly been losing its edge as it begins to permeate into mass culture. The "For Successful Living" campaign is not as uncompromising as it used to be. Star designer J Lindeberg has left the company and started his own line. Kids all over Asia sport fake Diesel shirts and jeans. Even the suburban paradise of Bellevue has its own boutique of Diesel attire.
Can Diesel gain back its competitive edge? Certainly, if it completely abandons its targeted consumer demographic and begins marketing towards an entirely different niche (much like Banana Republic's strategy back in the mid-90's). But there's too much at stake. Diesel is becoming ever more mainstream; although it's been around for twenty-something years it's still gaining threshold in American households.
I still like Diesel, I do. Their jeans rock. Their cuts fit my svelte frame very nicely. I sport their green fannypack like nobody else's business. I'll always be a Diesel slut, only this time I'll soon be one of thousands of Diesel sluts in Seattle.
Posted by Charlie at 03:40 PM | Comments (1)
Scissor Sisters
Posted by Charlie at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2004
Pollution
This is an old typographic piece I did about a year ago. I'm a little fond of this piece because I created it entirely without the use of a computer - just the services of a copying machine and some glue.
Posted by Charlie at 02:10 PM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2004
My Samsung P107
It's not the best cameraphone out on the market - South Korea already has a 3-Megapixel cameraphone - but I love my Samsung P107. I've been taking pictures, but mainly out of amusement and boredom. Of course most of the pictures are of myself.
Posted by Charlie at 07:02 PM | Comments (0)
August 03, 2004
The Annals of Design
Jesse LeDoux and Jeff Kleinsmith kick ass, they really do. Having designed literally hundreds of posters for such music artists as Sigur Ros, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Cat Power, Postal Service, these guys have the coolest jobs in the world.
Posted by Charlie at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2004
Whoops.
Okay, so I inadvertantly registered for a class at SVC today. That means I will have to postpone any sort of vacationing for another month. Great. At least I'll be one piece closer to finalizing my portfolio.
Posted by Charlie at 04:15 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2004
MANPLUS Cover Art
I'm feeling rather productive today. After last night's debaucherious trek through Chinatown and Capitol Hill I think I've exhausted my palate for alcohol. At least for the next few days anyway. The last thing I can distinctly remember from last night was showing off some random people some Pilates moves while Booga was grabbing on to my ankles. I'm just glad I didn't have to come in to work this weekend. I can finally concentrate on my design projects!
Jared wants the MANPLUS album to drop sometime next month, which means I'm in design overdrive mode. He has this obscure arts and crafts book from the 1960's and it's just filled with some amazing imagery. We decided on this really scary but curiously alluring photo of a girl with a paper bag mask. Hopefully this draft won't change much from the final version.
Now on to my next design project...
Posted by Charlie at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2004
Dolce and Gabanna Grows Up
Last winter's 2004 collections from various designers signified a trend that can be documented today: prim is in. From double collared shirts to 1950's tweeds, America is covering up, one exposed body part a time. Gone are the hedonistic days when MTV's Spring Break shows ruled the airwaves. Being conservative (at least in fashion anyway) is currently in, and young people are disvcovering that being sexy does not necessarily mean showing off less. (or is it more...?)
Dolce and Gabbana, for example, are increasingly showcasing traditional suits in their collections and are slowly losing that radical edge that has made them famous initially (and has since been passed down to younger design houses like Saddlelite and Project E. What is happening? Is it because their core clientelle are finally ditching embroiddered jeans for more career-friendly work attire? When J Lindeberg left Diesel to start his own label, his collections became less concentrated on making a fashion statement than creating a label with pragmatic pieces.
Ahhh, the never-ending world of fashion! It almost feels pointless to document its changes as there are so many, but sometimes it's just fun to be deeply superficial for a while.
Posted by Charlie at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)