Hasta La Ideas

For Internet-heads who never turn off MSNBC and read magazines all at the same time, these gifts from CH’s guide offer quality alternatives on topics from drinking to Walken and everything in-between.

Keep abreast of favorite canine recipes with the “Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook.” For the super stylish canine, “Dogs in Vogue” gives a photographic view into the lifestyles of the rich and famous and their owners.

When travel proves both expensive and harmful to the world, pick up “Wake Up and Smell the Planet” for easy tips to get and stay green.

For the exquisitely tailored friend, the “ABC of Men’s Fashion” has a thorough background neatly alphabetized for better reading during that long layover. “How to Drink” highlights a different time honored tradition, and a decidedly merrier one.

The esoteric, painfully hip among us will appreciate “Christopher Walken A to Z.” And while you’re at it, watch the complete United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection on that transatlantic flight or even longer holiday dinner. And don’t forget Neff Knit Headphones to listen for that aunt who won’t appreciate Carrie after the Christmas duck.

And for a little rest from the information overload, bone up on sleep, that every dwindling natural resource, with “Little Nemo in Slumberland.”

by Richard Prime

When we first learned about Sandra Backlund’s experimental knitwear last year, she made all her garments to measure. Now, thanks in part to the Milan-based non-profit White Club, Sandra Backlund‘s 2010 collection will reach a wider audience. Retaining her signature silhouettes and strong eye for angular form, the upcoming collection features a slightly revised look while still showing her penchant for artisanal handcrafted elements.

After graduating from Stockholm’s Beckmans College of Design in 2004, Backlund founded her own label straightaway. Deeply exploring the concept of handicraft, the designer’s innovative three-dimensional approach has already drawn attention from high-profile clients.

Recent commissions include Louis Vuitton and Emilio Pucci and exhibitions at the modern art museum in Antwerp, la Galerie d’art du Conseil General in France and London’s Fashion and Textile Museum have all included her work.

Of her experience going from crafting everything by hand alone in her studio to working with a team of knitwear experts, Backlund tells CH that “I now see how to develop my collections in ways that I never thought was possible.” If the resulting 2010 collection is any indication, expect Backlund to continue to push the boundaries of contemporary knitwear while keeping an eye on its heritage and traditions.

There are lots of great gifts in the store—and it is ALL on sale! Why wait until boxing day? Let’s have the sale now while people are out and about!

Pantone things are 50% off, Moleskine journals and sketchbooks 25% off, Russell & Hazel 50% off, all greeting cards & calendars 50% off, books are 25% (with the exception of books and magazines published by UPPERCASE which are 10% off*). There are fun stocking stuffers, just $1-$5.

Plus: Special treats for UPPERCASE magazine subscribers or those that mention the blog!

*in our Calgary store only.

Trying to forecast the future of global healthcare is an ambitious undertaking, to say the least. Even trying to discuss the future of health insurance leads to heated debate and disagreement, as we’ve seen over the past few months. Not to be deterred, the team at Ergonomidesign took on this task, and created a short video outlining their vision of an Integrated Health Care Ecosystem.

The good news for our readers is that in this future scenario there seems to be plenty of work for product and interaction designers, in addition to actual healthcare professionals.

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(Photo: UnBeige)

Still looking for holiday gifts that the design-minded won’t jettison to the “To eBay” pile? We suggest stocking up on copies of the last Nabokov first edition, The Original of Laura (Knopf)—designed inside and out by Chip Kidd—and tucking inside each one some sort of voucher (be creative!) for the soon-to-be released debut album from Artbreak, Kidd’s New Wave-flavored whoopie pie of a band. For those proximal to New York (or up for a worthwhile road trip), we strongly suggest procuring tickets for Artbreak’s December 29 show at Dixon Place in Manhattan. In addition to a full set by Artbreak, the evening will include a visual presentation by guest cartoonists Dash Shaw, David Heatley, and Josh Neufeld. What, you’ve never been to a concert with guest cartoonists? All the more reason to buy tickets now. We’ve posted the video of Artbreak’s deliciously addictive “Asymmetrical Girl” below, as if you needed further enticement.

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