LAMAISONDELOLA!

These little guys are so cool. Would really like to get the whole collection, plus they would make great gifts! check out lamaison de lola owhere everyone is designed & made in portugal.

UBER LAMP!

Man I've always wanted one of these Angelpoise Lamps, now they have created one that is 2.7m high! The Giant Anglepoise 1227 is a Limited Edition specimen handmade in England to celebrate it's 70th birthday... O yeah, it also comes in orange!

MURAKAMI!

A lot of people are talking about Takashi Murakami and his art, and even more people are talking about this artwork for Kanye West's new CD. I'm by no means the first person to blog this, I first saw it on Hype Beast, but was really impressed by what I saw. Do a little exploring about this famed contemporary Japanese artist, who is now being compared as the Andy Warhol of Japan, and I'm sure you will be as impressed as me.

TOKYOTIQUE!

Another Tokyo retail gem, Ladmusician. Concealed in a basement of a non-descript building, this store is more like an enormous shower cubicle than anything and stocks about 3 items of clothing. The website is something of a mix between the weired and wonderful but is seriously worth looking at. Edgy men's and women's urban wear designed by yuichi kuroda.

WOODN'T IT BE NICE!

Man there is nothing like a good hoodie... Wood Wood creates superb quality garments always pushing the creative, but functional, boundries. I think any item Wood Wood creates can be worn with a sense of pride, especially when you know a lot of thought and effort has gone into this garment.

HAYON BISAZZA!

You will see me post a fair bit on Jaime Hayon, and rightly so! The guy is so talented at what he does and I think his work speaks for itself. Do yourself a favour and check his site. This pic was of Bisazza presented Pixel Ballet by Jaime Hayon in Milano 2007. This installation was shown at Superstudio Piu during the Salone d'il Mobile 2007.

I'M BACK!

Hi Guys! I'm back, inspired and ready to post some amazing new finds from around the globe. Been working closely with Gary from Sprayglue (by far one of the coolest blogs around) and we are going to collaborate to bring you everything inspiring from around the globe! I'm going to be adding a bit more of the art and products I've been working on as well to give it a bit more of a personal spin.

FACE HUNTER!

I like this blog. Nice simple idea executed well. Yvan, the founder of Face Hunter, goes around Paris (and the world) to snap shots of random people who have a unique dress sense. It's really cool for everyone into fashion or just plain subcultures to see what people are really wearing, before fashion magazines dilute and distort it. Been meaning to blog this for a while but better late than never. Big thanks to sprayglue for the heads up!

NICETOMEETYOU!

Just a quick heads up on a great book on its way. From the creators of the "It's a matter of" series comes a book completely focused on the small rectangle piece of cardboard we hide in our wallets. The business card is possibly the most undervalued, overlooked marketing / advertising tool that society has or will ever come across and is something that should be taken a lot more seriously. The inspiration you'll need to get your own business card sorted out, as well as design something unique to cut through the clutter and get your business recognised. Definitely worth the purchase.

WK INTERACT

WK Interact is a French artist who now resides in New York. The guy's work is astonishing! He creates art that seems to have a sense of movement and is executed brilliantly. I don't know if you can tell but I'm a bit of a fan. He has worked with everyone from adidas to AC/DC and more.

KID ROBOT IN LA!

Kid Robot, the Pioneer of ArtToys, have opened a store in 7972 Melrose LA! The focus of this store is on it's urban apparel, as opposed to just toys. But that doesn't mean you can't buy a Dunny, with your Dunny print shirt. Get down there and have a look. If i could, yes i would!

JAIME HAYON!

Jaime Hayon has a very distinctive style of illustration and design across all mediums. Whether he is designing ArtToys, art installations or his bath collection for artquitect, you just know it’s a ‘Hayon’. I mean, I only started buying ArtToys because I wanted the packaging he designed. It's worthwhile downloading his PDF as well.

GIANT CHAIRS!

This looks great. Maple hallway chair with two pedastal tables designed by Francisco Robles and company, painted by Mike Giant, would more could you ask for. Upperplayground are on it!

RAF!

Check out Raf Simons’ site . Very, very impressive. One day I want to own something Raf Simons created. Don’t care what it is but I just want to own it. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who would agree. Not much more to say but to go and have a look yourself.

GOORIN!

Goorin has a got a seriously hot range of new product at the moment. I mean they should have, they were established in 1895! They have every style, colour, shape and material to keep everyone happy. Keep your noggin protected in style!

11:1 SHOT!

This is such a cool project. Imagine 11 Flash Animators from around the world participating in making one animation. From one artist to another and so the story evolves until... Well who knows where. You see, this is going to be an on-going animation until PF Flyers decides to pull the plug on this Exquisite Corpse Project. Definitely worth a peep.

PYSCHEDELIA!

Kustaa Saksi is an amazing artist who has made his name by exploring colours and shapes into an organized chaos. Saksi, a graphic designer from Finland, describes his illustrations as "colourful, funny shapes"-euphemism? I think so. His "colourful funny shapes" are a little more considered than that and I'm sure Citroen and Wallpaper, to name a few, would agree.

LC-A +!

Introducing the new LC-A+. It takes you back to your roots, even if you've never had any. Digital is cool, but not this cool. The LC-A+ is not about merely capturing the moment of the subject, but capturing the mood of the photographer in so many new and interesting ways. This robust camera has a heritage stemming from the times of espionage in Russia. When spy-cams were more than satellite dishes hovering millions of miles above the earth.

VIAGRA-FIK!

Sorry about the lack of new posts but duty has called. I will be posting once a day from now on so keep checking in. This is just an all-round awesome company. Viagrafik has worked on everything from boutique hotels in Copenhagen to renowned toy manufacturer, 'Friends with You'. There work is visually stimulating and crosses boundaries and materials left - right - and centre. So check it!

THE OCTONAUTS!

I love the style of illustration on this children's book. Cannot wait to have my own copy. Meomi, the "new Hello Kitty", has created illustrations that are sure to delight and inspire people around the world. A posse of animals in search of adventure under the sea, come on, what more could you want. I got the sneak preview here.

TIRA!

This is pretty dam refreshing to see. And I suspect it's going to start catching on pretty quickly.

What is it? A virtual design company that employs no-one, only works on a 'roster' system of creatives that come together to form a 'virtual company'. It's a big step to make, but with reduced overheads and the best people in the business working on an impressive client base, this company is sure to go from strength-to-strength! "In the future all design groups will be like this..." A big call, but we will see.

THE CARRIAGE!

It's amazing what companies are doing these days! Everyone has to become more and more focused on a particular service or product to stand out. Today, in this over consumerised market place, less is definitely more. barouche are doing just that by manufacturing super slick items for the discerning traveler and hotels, that serve a specific function and purpose. Definitely worth having a look!

EBOY!

EbOY is not one boy, but four very talented men, who have started to make a very big name for themselves. The Berlin based group creates re-usable pixel objects to build complex and extensible artwork that is sure to keep you interested until the very last pixel. The fact that Eboy is speaking at the 2nd Pictoplasma Conference on the 11 - 14 October 2006, is testament to their mad skills.

EN-PSYCHO-PEDIA!

Imagine a book that's sole purpose is to create a complete character reference point for all toy/character lovers around the world. Well that book has arrived.

Pictoplasma gives you the first ever encyclopedia of figurative design and trust me when i tell you, it is awesome! Have a look at the link to get a sneak preview on what's on the inside. Enjoy...

WARP TIME!

I saw a pic of this watch in a magazine today and the first thing that went through my head was "I want that one!" The way these were designed was so unique, that they could in fact be patented. Pretty impressive considering the first design was actually drawn on the back of a napkin by founder, Matthew Waldman, a then graphic designer specialising in Corporate ID's. Have a look for yourself and see what you think. Me think you will be most impressed!

TELLURIDE!

From the 1st until the 4th of September you'll be able to witness hundreds of filmmakers, industry insiders, actors and movie fans exhibiting there work in Telluride, Colorado, for a celebration of cinema at the 33rd-annual Telluride Film Festival. All these filmmakers may be unheard of, but not for long. So anyone thats in the area and love working with mac, go have a look see. you'll probably get loads of free stuff too!

MHI!

Hope you guys have been saving your hard earned cash because you are about to have something worth while to spend it on. mhi has just launched there Autumn Winter 06 collection and trust me, it does not fail to impress. Hardy Blechman, aka - Maharishi, has such a great product mix, from toys to dog leashes, you'll pretty much find something you "need". Check it out!

ZERO TO HERO!

onedotzero mtv competition.

onedotzero and mtv have started a worldwide search for ANYONE with raw talent in film and animation. Candidates must submit ideas exploring the idea of country and community. Download the brief at onedotzero for anyone who is interested .

TOKION!

This annual creativity conference, bought to you by Tokion Magazine, is definitely worth checking out if you are anywhere in the area. "...This unique symposium will bring together top figures in art, design, fashion, photography, film, new media, publishing and marketing..." (Click the link for more details) I like Tokion long time!

AMAJAPANA!

I first saw this piece of artwork about three years ago and since then it has never really left my mind. Inspired by a number of Voltaren injections after falling down a staircase, Durban (South Africa) based artist, Peter Engblom's started a series of work known as Zulu Sushi. Engblom's art, described as "irreverent and witty", takes a look into the life of Mpuzi Shezi, a nineteenth century Zulu, tracking his journey through Japan.

GIANT TATS!

What do you do if you are nearsighted and colour blind? Become an accountant? Teach English? If you are Mike Giant you become a Tattoo artist. People need to see Mike Giant's work. This infamous graffiti artist went from paint to ink a few years ago and is fast becoming one of the best known tattoo artists in the world. Give it a gander.

S&M!

Ha! Made you read this. You thought this post was about something else. I'm sneaky, very sneaky. But in all seriousness this post is worth reading - for two reasons. Number 1: The way this website is constructed is somewhat unique. There is no clicking of the mouse needed, nor is there any hitting of the key-board, only smooth movements from page to page. Number 2: Silas and Maria are two very creative humans who create very creative garments. Also, while you're there, check Fergadelic's range of T-shirts called Tonight.

CAT ATTACK!

How can Apple keep on improving on there Operating Systems? Tiger was already ahead of it's time and now the engineers are improving on an already supreme package! The best feature about Leopard in my opinion, especially for us time constrained graphic designers, is Time Machine. A program set to back up all your work, including pics; photos; graphics; etc, for you AND enable you to go back in time and retrieve any files you might have deleted by mistake. But that's not all! Check Apple and get the full roundup of all Leopard's new features.

VILLAIN CHAIR!

Leather, chrome, steel, and aluminum - you name it, this chair is made from it. How cool would you feel to swivel in one of these bad boys while hard at work, or negotiating a business deal while smoking an imported Cuban Cigar - "My apartment smells like rich mahogany and many leather bound books" - Will Ferrel, Anchorman. This Luxury leather lounger chair is brought to you by Suck UK and is sure to become a firm favourite amongst Luxocrats.

KENZO MINAMI!

Kenzo Minami is my favourite Graphic Designer/Artist. Originally from Kobe, Japan, this New York based artist has done interiors for Nike, shoes for Reebok and posters for one of the most talented fashion designers in the world - Raf Simons. Kenzo has such a distinct style that the only way i could rationale it would be the same way Minami would - a form of controlled chaos. Enjoy.

PLANET OF THE APE!

For such a new brand of clothing (est. 1993) A Bathing Ape has come a long, long way. What I love about this brand is the way it gained its following. The whole brand is based upon a principle of "supply and demand" - the less you supply, the more people will demand. By understanding the Japanese Youth Nigo, the creator, was quickly able to execute his strategy through a rare approach to marketing - by producing limited runs of product that are sold in stores that, are not only hard to find but, have no signage. To top that off these stores usually follow a one product per customer policy.

DUNNY #3

Ok, so I know i have done a lot of posts on toy related content lately, but trust me when i tell you that you do not want to miss this one. DUNNY SERIES 3 IS OUT! Kidrobot's now renowned Dunny Series is back again and better than ever! Enough said! Sorry one more thing, most of these Dunny's are limited to 500 units per design, just putting it out there, use it don't use it.

..-

This book is great! Dot Dot Dash, is compiled by the editors that brought you Pictoplasma and Pictoplasma 2. Jim Crawford, the co-founder of Strange Co, is a talented man who is one of the contributors on this book. Anyone who knows much about Strange Co will know that they are are one of the largest distributors of designer toys in the world Enough said. I LOVE IT! GO BUY IT!

SPIRIT FINGERS!

Vodka, Vodka, Vodka. Fat Russians, Rasputin and Boring. These are the first visuals that come to mind when I think of the famous Russian Spirit. NOT FOR LONG! Vodka have selected some of the best up and coming artists from around the world (From Ogi to Matthew Curry!) to design there new limited edition, Bong Spirit Bottles. Basically realigning themselves, and keeping up with the times. Collaboration is the key for brands trying to survive in an already over saturated market, especially when they are trying to tap into the youth brigade. Get those creative spirit fingers working overtime, and join the movement by designing your own Bong Spirit T-Shirt.

THE VINYL COUNTDOWN!

Ok, so I'm going to admit it, I love Vinyl Art Toys! Thing is though, I'm not the only one, millions of ADULTS love Vinyl Toys too. All these Vinyl Toy brands have a good thing going, they have the best artists from around the world designing their toys, then the best artists packaging these toys, and on top of it, they have the best artists in the world promoting these toys! It's a win- win situation which toy collectors love. "I got Baseman!" and "I got Minami!" All this adds to the hype around vinyl toys and adds a huge amount of authenticity to these toy brands, not to mention that most of these toys are limited to 500 pieces per design.

It's the countdown to the release of The Dunny Series 3! Dunny Series 3, which will release on July 27th, is a 3-inch mini series featuring artists from Ron English to Tokidoki, from the UK to Japan.

The 17 piece blind assortment series will retail at about R50 ( Good luck on getting them that cheap) and some designs are limited to just 500 pieces. To add to the excitement, hidden inside special boxes are 400 tickets redeemable for an 8-inch Love Dunny by Tado, who also designed the box art. Ãœberbot will be adding to the excitement by placing their own secret tickets in random boxes that will be good for instant prizes! 1 grand prize winner will receive a custom 20-inch Dunny by Tado.

3 STRIPES & U'RE OUT!

3 Stripes, 2 steps and 1 insane pair of sneakers! When you step on the sidewalk do you give into gravity or does the pavement strain up to meet you and get a taste of the box fresh love? Only adidas can come up with something this minty to make your feet and asphalt tingle with success.

LOS, DOS, TRES!

"Tres Logos is a state of the art visual encyclopedia on the current state and evolution of Logo Design." - R. Klanten.

Klanten is by far the most influential editor when it comes to contempory graphics. Anyone who is into any type of art would have read one of Klanten's books. World class publishers / design company, Die Gestalten Verlag are hell bent on bringing you the most up to date and inspiring illustration and graphic design books in the world. These books sell out like hot cakes so order 1 NOW!

BURGERMAN

Jon Burgerman makes you want to illustrate, or wish you could illustrate! He just inspires me. There is just a feeling you get when you look at his work that you can't explain. He can turn an everyday doodle into a work of art and place that piece of art onto anything - a canvas, a shoulder bag and my all time favourite... A TREXI! Check out his new world cup 2006 limited edition Trexi online now. Late.

6876

Hi guys! Well here it is...my first post. There are so many things that I want to highlight but obviously you can only choose one...well, for now that is. After much deliberation I have decided to go with a post that encompasses my sole purpose for starting this blog - My formula of mandatory elements that compound to a truly successful, unique brand/product:

FOCUS + SIMPLICITY + FUNCTIONALITY + THE 'EDGE FACTOR'

It is this Harrington Jacket by sixeightsevensix, in collaboration with oki-ni, that illustrates this formula perfectly. Oki-ni is a company whose products do not convene to all the other trends out there. The unique, limited, focused products that they collaboratively create, have a demand far greater than that of their supply.

When you wear this Harrington Jacket you are going to feel like the man! Fit, Cut, Colour and behind the scenes details are second to none. Do yourself a favour. Go online NOW and click add to basket!