A Singapour, le Terminal 1 de Changi Airport nous propose de découvrir cette installation magnifique. Pensée par Art+Com, Kinetic Rain est une installation de plus de 600 gouttes d’aluminium suspendues qui obéissent à une chorégraphie de 15 minutes pré-programmées par ordinateur. Un rendu magique à découvrir en vidéo.
Cycling-ready heat-sealed rainwear that looks hot too
Braving the elements in style just got a whole lot easier thanks to Terra New York, a new line of fashion-conscious, 100% waterproof rainwear. The semi-transparent, smoky-hued jackets and accessories have NYC-centric names including the “Lower East Side” parka and the “Nolita” cape, and consist of materials like TPU/Urethane—which is derived from recycled materials—to provide structure while still allowing breathability.
Designed with urban cyclists and pedestrians in mind, Terra’s first collection also includes special pieces like a parka with an adjustable hood that can accommodate a helmet.
Each garment is created using a heat-sealing technique at the seams to block out the water. According to co-founders and cycling enthusiasts Yurika Nakazono and Marie Saeki, “Each part of the coat has its own mold, and each seam is heat-sealed with another mold. Our ‘Tribeca’ trench coat, for example, is built with 75 different molds, each one specially made for a specific seam. The seam mold is heated, then applied on to the fabric, merging two, three, or more layers of fabric together. No needle, no holes, no chemicals and no water inside!”
“The inspiration was to allow people to brave the rain with a smile, knowing they look good and are protected,” says Saeki. Nakazono agrees: “Living in Stockholm, Tokyo, London, Paris, and New York, I destroyed so many beautiful pieces of clothes, bags and shoes in the rain. Not finding any cool and 100% waterproof raincoats, I started thinking about doing it myself. Living in big cities, I never wanted the look of the British lord of the manor or the girl with the huge red and pink flowery rubber boots. I wanted to be chic, blend in the rain and feel comfortable.”
Jackets start at $240 and are available online at Terra New York.
We talk to the Swedish designer about his melancholy mission
When it comes to the genesis of his namesake rainwear brand, Swedish designer Alexander Stutterheim remembers it quite simply. “It was raining really heavily on the way to a big meeting with Saab and I was early so I stopped in a cafe for a coffee,” he explains. “I noticed that there weren’t really many people dressed for the rain at all—a couple of people in mackintoshes, but mainly just flimsy umbrellas or papers over the head,” he continues. Stutterheim had never paid much attention to what people were wearing to protect themselves from the elements, but he suddenly realized that nobody was making anything rain-specific with contemporary fashion in mind.
Adopting the fitting tagline, “Swedish Melancholy at its Driest”, Stutterheim brought his brand to life upon discovering a jacket his grandfather wore fishing off the small island of Arholma in Stockholm’s archipelago. “He was a big man in every way, defying the elements as he journeyed out to sea in all weathers,” he says. Indeed, the jacket was far too big for Stutterheim, himself a fairly tall fellow, and he vowed to buy one when he returned to the city. “I looked everywhere and there was nothing even close to my grandfather’s jacket—everything was Gore Tex and kind of tech-y. I even went to a couple of fishing shops, but theirs were too industrial and had lost the details of my found jacket,” he remembers.
Upon his return, Stutterheim conferred with a few sartorially minded friends only to find they too noticed a lack of gear with country-wear functionality and city-worthy style. He created his own toiles from a tablecloth he waxed for extra stiffness, and called in some favors from a pattern-cutter at V Ave Shoe Repair, well on his way to solving the shortage.
With a refined pattern in hand, Stutterheim set out to source details—no easy feat for a copywriter with no formal fashion training. “It was important to keep the whole process as ‘light’ and fun as possible. Also, to try and keep the heritage of the original garment, fabric and finishing—combining that with as much ‘Swedishness’ as possible,” he says. Stutterheim wanted to keep it local, settling on Sweden’s last remaining factory producing garments on a large scale, located in Borås, the country’s fashion center.
Working out of his flat, Stutterheim sold out of the initial run of 250 black jackets, each accompanied by a hand-typed note sealed in a pocket for the new owner to find. Now, coats come numbered and labeled with the signature of the seamstress who created that particular one.
“While, yes, it is more expensive, I can keep an eye on every stage of the process,” says Stutterheim. “Eventually I decided to give it my name rather than some brand name. But to me melancholy is deeply connected with ‘Swedishness’ and how we look at things. A rainy day is a wasted day so I wanted to see if I could change people’s attitude to the weather.”
Since the initial desire to create something durable and fashion-conscious at the same time, Stutterheim has mastered a progressive cut with high arm openings and a boxy, narrow fit. The sophisticated matte-finish oilskin is lined for breathability and branded (literally) with a small Sutterheim logo at the hem. Seams are not vulcanized, but sewed by hand before being hand-taped for waterproofing.
Having stumbled upon a few dozen pairs of deadstock classic rubber boots from the Swedish army, Stutterheim is currently sourcing potential manufacturers to release a new run. A pair of new pieces is also in the works—a Swedish mackintosh for men called the Arvid, and the Lydia, a women’s rain cape—named for two lovers who meet in the rain in the classic Swedish novel, “The Serious Game”.
Stutterheim sells online from the brand’s e-shop.
Five fun gift ideas to show you care
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to get in the mood for buying your beloved something good. To save you from showing up with just a generic box of chocolates, we’ve added 30 items to the CH Gift Guide to spread the love. From balloons to jewelry, below are five standouts sure to warm hearts.
Surprise a youthful significant other with a set of heart-shaped balloons from the LA-based “Balloonatics” at Geronimo. Each array comes packaged in a lovely white box filled with one jumbo heart balloon, one matching frill and one replacement balloon in case of emergency. Geronimo offers delivery service for residents of LA, and expedited mailing service for the rest of the U.S. The set sells for $165 (includes shipping).
Covered in a charming vegetable print, this lightweight umbrella makes a great gift for any foodie you want to keep dry. The elegant design features an engraved wooden handle and conveniently breaks down to just under 10″ long when shut. Get one for $38.
Deliver your latest love letter in a unique and unexpected fashion with this dainty carrier ring. The creative design allows for a note to be attached at any moment, perfect for keeping a spark of spontaneity close at hand. The ring sells for $150.
Once a week since 2002 The New York Times has offered detailed itineraries for dream weekend escapes in its “36 Hours” column. Now 150 North American destinations have been complied into one book—making the perfect present for planning future romantic weekends away. The book is available on Amazon for $24.
Better known as “fool’s gold”, the Pyrite in these earrings from A.OK renders them authentically charming. Accented by binding copper, each pair is unique by natural design. Pick up a pair for $38.
Five items designed to power any cyclist through inclement weather
The weather may be turning, but you don’t need to hang up your bicycle for the season—most riders in the northern hemisphere have got a month or more left on two wheels. So, for the intrepid souls out there we’ve pulled together the best weatherproof gear to keep both the urban city commuter and the technically driven performance cyclist warm and dry in the cold to come.
Modeled after Rapha’s previous collaboration with Paul Smith, the full-zip, completely waterproof City Rain Jacket is designed for extremely wet riding conditions. The jacket’s clean aesthetic, accented by Rapha’s signature pink, brings an extra element of urban style. For a technical touch, a hidden rear zipper holds a hi-vis reflective tail flap that hangs down to protect from rain spray and make riders clearly visible to drivers on the road. The City Rain Jacket is sold directly through Rapha for $320.
A simple idea done well, the new Aero Rain Lite LS Jersey blends the performance capability of a Lycra cycling jersey with the waterproof finish of a Gore-Tex coat. This zip-up jersey fits snugly with remarkable stretch and breathability for proper aerodynamics and comfort and side-zips for ventilation. Plus, it’s cut long in the back to defend against tire spray in wet conditions. The Aero Rain Lite, also available in black, sells for $170 from Amazon.
Regardless of what the name may suggest, the Commuter Zip is fit for sport cycling, but sleek enough to wear anytime as a light jacket or an extra layer for warmth—and it won’t clash with your Lycra shorts. This versatile top layer is made of 98% New Zealand Merino wool with 2% Lycra for that extra stretch necessary for cycling. Since wool is mildly water repellant by nature, the breathable blend should be enough to brave fall’s sudden showers. Other subtle styling perks include added length in the back for saddle coverage, inseam silicone piping to prevent anything from riding up and reflective piping along the back to increase visibility. Available from Icebreaker for $175.
As a slightly smaller messenger bag alternative, the Sanction Rucksack is completely waterproof and made in the U.S. with a lifetime warranty. Metal latches secure loads in an unconventional style, making for a welcome move away from plastic buckles. Inside the weatherproof bag you’ll find a padded laptop compartment and on the outside—under urethane-coated zippers—are three pockets for quick storage and easy access. Definitely a more sensible option than most enormous messenger bags, it sells for $180 directly from Mission Workshop.
This small, waterproof saddle bag tucks away under the seat adding only 7.4oz of weight. The unobtrusive little storage unit is constructed of PU-coated Cordura and fits 49 cubic inches, plenty of room for a spare tube, tire or a compressible wind breaker. The roll top helps secure a water-tight closure and two D-rings lock easily. For added protection, the 3M Scotchlite reflectors help improve visibility in low light. Available from Bike Bag Shop for $30.
Style-driven footwear for rainy days and winter weather
The key to staying warm and dry through the wetter, colder months starts with well-designed footwear. Luckily, the world of wellies has expanded beyond the basic rubber model to encompass a wide range of style-focused boots still durable enough for a solid trek through the elements. Weather the stormy season with one of our favorite styles.
Made in Italy, Givenchy’s solid rubber rain boots are a waterproof take on the classic riding boot. The simple black lace-ups pack enough style for wear even when the sun is shining. The Rider Rainboots sell from Ssense for $295.
For a rain boot with some edge, look to Burberry’s Mid Buckle boot. The synthetic uppers closely mock real leather, giving the boots a sophisticated mien without sacrificing function. The rain boots sell from Zappos Couture for $250.
The classic duck boot gets freshened up with a bright pop of purple on its rubber base. Face rainy days and cold temperatures with the cheery, effectively transitional lace-up, which features the same durable all-over waterproof construction and Thinsulate insulation. The Women’s Chayanne Lace Boot sells for $115 at Sorel online.
Another take on the traditional duck boot explores a more sophisticated look without sacrificing the essential elements that make the style a winter standard. Woman by Common Projects has produced a beautiful navy-on-brown lace-up style that looks elegant and tough all at once and, most importantly, manages to keep feet warm and dry in superior style. The boots go for $570 at La Garconne.
A leader among boat shoes, Sperry knows a thing or two about waterproofing. Keeping with their nautical approach, the Pelican Tall Boot Lug features classic blue and white stripes on the outside and a micro-fleece lining for added warmth. The Sperry boots sell online for $70.
Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen is revered in Scandinavia for making high-quality, hand-assembled boots from natural rubber. She’s brought her activity-driven tall lace-up boots stateside, and each pair features a cotton fleece lining, heat insulating interiors and non-skid rubber soles. The Hornbæk boots sell from Need Supply for $199.
Minimalists will delight in LR’s latest rain boot—the slip-on bootie looks just as sleek as the dress shoe it replaces on a wet commute, with a slip of a wedge heel to keep hemlines safe. The rain slip-ons are available at Loeffler Randall online for $150.
The California brand collaborated with Madewell on fashion-infused replicas of the boots worn by San Francisco naval yard workers. The mid-height lace-ups come with molded soles and a light fleece lining to keep feet warm and comfortable while traipsing around in the rain.The Off Shore Mid Rain Boots are available online only for $115 a pair.
Combining soft, mid-weight insulation with a low-rise bootie silhouette, the Wellibob Welly does its duty as a highly functional, wearable shoe-boot. For the days when some splash protection is needed, but you can’t commit your outfit to an all-terrain knee-high, the Wellibob, with a shiny eggplant finish, pulls on nicely. The wellies sell through Joules for £32.95.
The designer has amassed a devoted following for her shoes, which she seems to ace whether they’re summer sandals or winter boots. As the elements intensify, Comey’s Baxter Boot offers the brand’s signature understated aesthetic with a solid foundation of a hearty winter-ready insulated lace-up. Priced at just $196—significantly lower than the designer’s typical range around the $500 mark—the boots have sold fast and are already hard to come by. Gargyle is taking pre-orders on larger sizes, as well as names for a waiting list on any returns, while Creatures of Comfort has a few pairs left.
Glossy navy blue rubber is accented by deep gold laces and a subtle side pocket in these See by Chloe rain boots. Finished with a sturdy rubber sole and a plaid lining, the boots have just the right touch of college prep for walking to class or to the office on rainy autumn days. They sell from Otte for $215.
Created for Tretorn’s 120th anniversary, the Sofiero 120 År PVC-free natural rubber rain boots are a warm solution to cold rainy days with a micro-fleece lining, sock liner and insole. The red laces at top keep water from coming in while adding to the femininity of the sturdy hiking-style boot. Sofiero 120 År sell from Tretorn for $85.
Le collectif créatif australien The Glue Society a pensé intelligemment cette installation. Dans cette maison appelée “The house in I Wish You Hadn’t Asked”, il pleut 200 litres d’eau chaque minute, et le public est encouragé à entrer avec un imperméable. Plus de visuels dans la suite.
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