Hasta La Ideas

Yesterday’s Apple-themed iPhone cases were clearly a hit, but it would be a bit of a stretch to say that they’re a huge step forward in case design. As a counterpoint, I was intrigued to see Andrea Ponti’s “Aqualife,” a ‘one-size-fits-all’ waterproof case “designed for all top smartphone models.”

Water-resistant up to one meter deep and equipped with a clip-lock system. Its polycarbonate, see-through bottom allows you to take pictures and make videos under water. The clear silicone display window is designed for you to use all the touch functions under water and thanks to a valve you can plug in the waterproof earbuds included in the pack through the case directly into the device.

If the design seems to suffer from the universal plight of universal cases—it’s definitely on the big side at 25% taller than an iPhone and a full 40% wider—it’s worth noting that the “Aqualife” also doubles as a wallet.

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What kind of luggage would you design, if practicality were besides the point? At first glance, British designer Sarah Jane Williams’ bespoke suitcases, trunks and satchels suggest they might hold exotic musical instruments, and then you realize she’s made these funky shapes simply because she can.

“Historically exceptional craftsmanship was the norm, now it is the exception,” says her website. “Williams British Handmade is designed to challenge this statement by utilising regional historical craftsmanship and metamorphosising the traditional in order to produce a collection of original fashion artefacts.”

All of the products produced by Williams British Handmade are bespoke or limited edition items made to the highest standards. The leather used is traditional bridle leather of the best quality possible. The brass frames are produced by an accomplished metal craft worker. Every stitch is compelted by hand using the traditional techniques of saddle stitching.

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Industrial designer Ken Goldman recently sent us pictures of “Spark,” a pair of his-and-hers rings that can be struck to literally spark a flame. The flint is cut from a commercially-available flint from “one of the popular suppliers”: if struck on “any sharp surface, it will shed sparks—with the right tinder, it will start a fire.” The steel is good candidate, though Goldman admits that it would work better if it were even sharper.

Both are set in a sterling silver ring for handy access, not to mention potentially combustible symbolism… it’s definitely a huge improvement on those cheesy ‘broken heart’ charms.

I’m not sure if the rings would function as a firestarter when the lucky couple is actually wearing them… though if they’re particularly well-cut, I could see the pound becoming a potentially dangerous form of greeting.

He’s currently seeking a manufacturer for the set of rings, among various other designs. In the meantime, I’d suggest that he comes up with some more eye-catching product shots… or better yet, a video of the rings in action…

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Browsing the beautifully curated and peculiar design store mc&co in Brooklyn (it’s only open to the public on the weekends), I was struck by the bold forms in bronze and silver displayed in the jewelry case. The single and double-fingered rings and chains are beautifully cast out of earthy metals that lend the accessories a nice visual weight. Bronze and silver envelop imprecisely shaped moonstones and other semi-precious stones—this irregular quality gives the collection its personality and a feeling that the beauty of these shapes could only be inspired by nature.

Image courtesy of Una Portland

One of my favorite pieces was an incredible bronze ring that looked more like a cast sculpture on the finger rather than just a ring. The double-fingered moonstone ring also caught my eye—the rounded bulbs and organic shapes reminded me of underwater encounters with sea polyps. The accessories seem both familiar and ancient, possibly prehistoric talismans or modernist architectural pieces.

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Kogeto, the Brooklyn-based lens company behind “Lucy,” the “world’s most advanced panoramic camera,” launched the Kickstarter campaign for the “Dot“—the iPhone 4 version of their lens attachment—a couple weeks ago, surpassing their goal of $20,000 three times over by the end of the first week, when they received an early round of press. (NY Design Week and it’s aftermath are no excuse for sleeping on this one.)

Snap dot onto your iPhone 4 and step into the future. In an instant you can capture fully immersive 360-degree videos and share them with friends and family—all in a package that slips easily into you pocket. The first time you use Dot, you won’t believe what your phone is capable of.

With Dot, there’s no need to miss events like a wedding, birthday, or family holiday because you’re too busy trying to capture it on camera. Just put Dot on the table and forget about her—she sees and hears everything. So you can do what you’re supposed to do at these things—enjoy yourself.

In any case, it’s easily one of the more notable iPhone 4 accessories that we’ve come across, and you can get in on the 360° action at Kickstarter.

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