Hasta La Ideas

La trovate qui.

More doomsday preparations: earlier this year we published this survival kit for tomorrow’s predicted apocalypse, containing practical items such matches and water as well as chocolate and hard liqueur. It’s designed by Mexican branding company Menosunocerouno and you can read our story about it here »

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Of the five Hong Kong design outfits Thomas Lee shot for his CoSPACE CoCREATE video series, at least three are relevant for Core77 readers. The first is his look at KaCaMa Design Lab—that’s ID’ers Kay Chan, Catherine Suen and Match Chen—on their mission to re-use post-consumer waste. To that end, they’re upcycling ad banners (the real kind, not the kind you can tell Firefox to shut off) into lighting, and educating kids on why that’s important:

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There are just five more days until Christmas. If you celebrate the holiday, are you finished with all your planning? Do you still have last-minute things you need to take care of? A few gifts on your list that you haven’t purchased yet? If so, you’re not alone. Many people tend to wait until the Saturday before Christmas to finish up their holiday shopping. Whether you get a thrill from getting it all done on Christmas Eve or you’ve just been a bit busy, here are some last-minute tips to help you get ready for the big day.

Shopping for gifts

Last-minute presents can actually be quite meaningful to the recipient even though they weren’t purchased ahead of time. Experience gifts are great because you can get creative (print your own pet sitting certificate, have someone sing a holiday song for your loved one ) and you don’t necessarily have to wrap them which will save you a bit of time. Other ideas include:

• Baked goods
• Digital book or digital magazine subscription
• Erin’s audiobook Unclutter Your Life in One Week or any audiobook your recipient might enjoy
• Gift card to a favorite restaurant or place to visit

If you choose to buy a physical gift, you can avoid the stores and shop online. Many online retailers offer a variety of shipping options, but be sure to confirm that they can indeed deliver your order by December 24. And, as usual, stick to your list so you don’t overbuy and clutter your home with unnecessary gifts.

Decorating your home or office

Holiday decor will bring a festive mood to any room. But, when you’re short on time, it probably won’t be possible to decorate your entire home or office, so select a few areas that you can easily add a few decorative items. A handful of candy canes in a glass bowl can be a simple (and yummy) way to bring a little holiday cheer to a space. Your efforts don’t have to be incredibly involved.

Preparing for holiday parties

If you plan on entertaining and hosting your own holiday party, consider asking your guests to bring their favorite dish or beverage. That will save some time on grocery shopping and reduce the time you spend cooking and cleaning up afterward. When you are in the kitchen, it will probably be helpful for you to cook something you’ve had success with making in the past so you don’t try to figure out how to make something new. And, if you’re going to have overnight guests, be sure you have clean towels, bed linens, and toiletries on hand — but now is not the time to redecorate the guest room.

Check out our 2012 Holiday Gift Giving Guide for more ideas, and remember, no matter what you have left to get done, you also need to have fun and enjoy your time with friends and family.

Need help getting organized? Buy the DRM-free audiobook version of Erin Rooney Doland’s Unclutter Your Life in One Week today for only $8.99.

In case the ancient Mayan prediction turns out to be true and the world does end tomorrow, Central Saint Martins fashion graduate Minki Cheng has created a collection of apocalypse apparel for surviving extreme conditions in style (+ slideshow).

“The collection was developed by looking into the abilities living things in nature possess to protect themselves,” Cheng told Dezeen. “In comparison, humans are relatively vulnerable.”

Cheng researched waterproof, heat-proof and radiation-proof fabrics used in wetsuits, body armour and sportswear to select the materials for the collection.

Bold-coloured plastic fur and translucent scales cover some of the garments and are used as details on others.

“The plastic fur symbolises the function of keeping warmth, as well as functioning as protection like an armadillo,” said Cheng.

The quilted jacket, coat and skirt filled with down are also designed for warmth in harsh climates.

The down clothing is enveloped in a silk and cotton-mix fabric that has been digitally printed with a design inspired by living creatures.

Pastel pink and bright yellow contrast with dark greens and greys to form a balance between natural and surreal colours.

“The colours mostly come from chameleons and sea creatures, mixing with shapes of body armour and wetsuits,” Cheng explained.

Pink skull caps and tights highlight the vulnerability of the body under the clothes.

The collection was first shown at the Central Saint Martins graduate show earlier this year.

We’ve also featured Icelandic designer Sruli Recht’s Spring Summer 2013 collection which includes translucent lambskin and stripy skunk fur – see it here.

See all our stories about fashion »

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by Minki Cheng appeared first on Dezeen.