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One day when I have a couple thousand quid lying around I’ll treat myself to one of Young & Norgate‘s buy-it-for-life home furnishings. The small design group makes all of their products by hand (“we make, not manufacture”) in their Devon workshop, using high quality, high price materials. THey hand select FSC certified timber from local suppliers and source premium leathers tanned and dyed in Scotland, while their iron work is done in New York.
Each pice in their pared down collection is made to order and is one of a limited edition of 100. Since each item is made for a particular buyer, you can specify details like the type of wood, the finish or the color of the leather. No project is too big or too small, “from umbrella stands to custom made libraries.”
With my penchant for writerly paraphernalia, I fancy the Animate Writing Desk. It has a slim profile and a tray sunken into the pullout drawer, which is lined with red leather (or color of your choice). I love details like the contrasting wood finish on the drawer pulls and the outer panels, giving it a kind of racing stripe on either side. And while I’m at it I might as well spring for the coordinating Animate Bedside Table, with contrasting American Black Walnut and bright formica. I know, formica! It’s great to see unexpected materials used in high quality craftsmanship, especially in retro baby blue. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of their workshop.
about perrin drumm
Ergonomic, durable and aesthetically pleasing – those are the three design principles of UK furniture designer Tortie Hoare. To furniture designer I think I’ll add tanner, craftsman, purist and forward-thinking tech wiz. Because while Hoare’s work may well satisfy those aforementioned principles, she arrived at her environmentally conscious method of furniture-making through a remarkable R+D process, one that bridges new technology with traditional craftsmanship.
“This year,” Hoare said, “I have researched ways of creating structural 3D shapes that are environmentally conscious and an alternative to using plastic or resin. Through my research I came across the art of boiling leather.” Hoare goes on to explain how “the designs themselves have been dictated by the process of shaping and taming the leather.” (Boiling the leather in water makes it rigid.)
Absolutely every single piece of Tortie Hoare’s furniture is hand-made by her, and she readily includes what other leather workers might consider flaws, like “marks where the cow has scratched against a bush.”
about perrin drumm
New York design brand Areaware have launched Moof, an aluminium bicycle by Dutch designer Sjoerd Smit that features built-in solar-powered lights.
Designed in Amsterdam, MOOF’s unique aluminum construction houses two solar powered lamps – one to light the way and the other to make you visible from behind.
This single speed sleek and smooth urban cruiser is both smart and conscientious.
Bike Weight: 28.5 lbs (13 kg)
Frame: 6061 Series Powder-Coated Rustproof Aluminum
Drive Train: Chain Drive
Wheels: Alloy 28″ (71 cm)
Tires: Kenda Cosmos
Lights: Solar powered LED
Brakes: Rear Coaster
Saddle: Adjustable springless leather saddle
Grip: Semi-leather
Weight Limit: 264 lbs (120 kg)
Height Limit: 5’10″ – 6’6″ (179cm – 200cm)
Available for pre-order. Approximate ship date: April 2009
Designer: Sjoerd Smit
Producer: areaware
Retailer: areaware
via dezeen
Known for his red-soled stilettos, Christian Louboutin doesn’t disappoint his devotees with a new season favorite, the Layered Leather Hobo. Created with armor-inspired, scalloped design of carefully stitched calfskin this hobo sports a trough in the middle enhancing the carrier’s comfort.
Available in signature black with red accents on the outer rings and inner, jacquard lining, this handbag has a zip top closure with signature pull, a 13.5″ strap drop length and is available at Saks for $1,995. In a funny little way it reminds me of those little bugs in the garden that we used to call rolly-pollies — I half expect the bag to roll up into a ball and protect itself from danger. (17″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″)
via luxist
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