Hasta La Ideas

From geometric mobiles to solar-powered iPod docks, our favorites from the newest MoMA store collection

With over 125 products included in the new collection, selecting favorites from the MoMA Spring/Summer 2011 preview is no easy feat. In Part I, we sorted it out by limiting our picks to “things that look like other things,” but here you’ll find a more general assortment of nine items that we like for their form, function or both.

Garlic Rocker

Designed by Edward Goodwin and Richard Hartshorn, this Garlic Rocker ($16) helps crush garlic with ease. Simply rock it back and forth to press the garlic through the holes, and scrape the results directly into the pan. But the real beauty lies in its stainless steel construction, which is easy to clean, dishwasher safe and deodorizes hands when you run it under water.

Maiaia Bowls

Memories of childhood hand-knit clothes inspired Spanish designer Silvia Garcia to craft large ($35) and small ($15) serving bowls out of recycled colored glass, each with intricate textural patterns that toe the line between kitsch and beauty.

Reflections Placemats and Coasters

Liora Mann‘s design studio hand-blended, needle-punched and encased acrylic fibers between two layers of vinyl—a patented process—to create these color-splashed placements ($16) and set of four coasters ($12).

Flat Watch

Aptly titled, the Flat Watch ($30) by Ops! is a super-slim silicone watch that’s perfect for teens or color fanatics. The back-lit display makes it easy to read in any lighting condition, it’s water-resistant, and has a 12- or 24-hour display along with the date.

Themis Mobile

Designed by Clara Von Zweigbergk, the Themis Mobile consists of five geometric paper ornaments, suspended from a thin metal frame. With multiple colors, this piece creates a fun visual effect and requires only a small amount of assembly despite its delicate appearance.

Lace Border Rings

Using the lost wax process, Brigitte Adolf created the unisex rings out of sterling silver ($575) and 18K gold ($2,750) exclusively for MoMA. The inspiration stems from her “long-time passion for old handiwork” and the “illusion of a textile material.”

Muji Suitcase

Made by Muji, the medium or small carry-on suitcases ($125, $115) both meet FAA standards and features a minimalist polyester exterior that has multiple compartments, a side handle and now 360-degree wheels. Interior divider pockets makes for easy organization and a sturdy, water-repellent exterior keeps belongings safe and dry.

Soulra Speaker

Eton Soulra‘s portable, solar-powered sound system for the iPod and iPhone ($200) offers a bass boost for full stereo sound, and the rubberized case and aluminum frame make it the perfect picnic accessory once the weather warms up.

Space Bimba Watch

Miriam Mirri continues her playful approach to design with a polyurethane watch dubbed the Space Bimba ($85) for Alessi. Her charming take undoubtedly also captivates kids and adults alike.