Historic skulls adorn a custom card set from the elusive center for magic
We visited Bill Kalush last year and learned about the Conjuring Arts Research Center—his hidden library of rare texts and artifacts related to the history of magic. The center is also a community hub for the occult, publishing the biannual scholarly journal Gibecière and running the Hocus Pocus magic…
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A cosmic jewelry collaboration
Driven by a polished, handmade aesthetic, jewelry designer Laura Lombardi creates small runs of necklaces, rings and earrings under her eponymous label. Lombardi makes each piece by hand from vintage and repurposed materials in her humble Chicago studio, with her latest collection of cosmic-inspired designs crafted exclusively for online…
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The shape-shifting arts and fashion publication goes stereoscopic
Continually pushing the boundaries of traditional publishing, quarterly art and fashion magazine Visionaire has released their 62nd issue in conjunction with NYC-based design firm Aruliden and Brazilian retail developer and contemporary art patron Iguatemi. As with each issue, the theme and format has once again changed. This time Visionaire takes the form of a stereoscope. Designed, developed and manufactured by Aruliden, the “issue” contains 18 slides depicting photographic works by a wide range of renowned artists to express the life, culture and arts of Brazil without any of the samba dancing clichés. Artists featured include Maurizio Cattelan, Marco Brambilla, Alas & Marcus Piggott and even Karl Lagerfeld.
Each slide features two images, shot from two cameras at a measured distance from both each other and the subject. The stereoscope’s two lenses are spaced from each other and the viewing plane at the same proportion putting the slide at the correct distance ratio from your line of sight to best capture the stereoscope’s ability create the illusion of three dimensions. The impressively sharp images are seen as if at the end of a long dark hallway. Much like one would encounter art in a gallery—surrounded by white walls with a single object of attention—the user gets a uniquely isolated viewing experience from the black box stereoscope.
Described by Aruliden founder and lead designer Johan Liden as a “non object,” the stereoscope’s beautifully designed block-like body seems both intuitive and ambiguous at the same time. On one end the soft nose and eye cutouts seem to encourage the user to hold it to their face, while the sharp edges and matte finish of the other sides offer few clues as to the product’s purpose. “Architecturally it’s very linear and square,” says Liden, explaining that the injection-molded plastic is produced with a slightly silky, soft touch finish to soften the device without changing its shape and make it more “friendly.”
While the low-tech stereoscope may seem basic in form, it was no easy feat to create. Liden and his team worked on the design for an entire year, toying with options from shapes inspired by an open book to an ode to the classic ViewMaster 3D toy. After extensive prototyping and testing ideas, the design team settled on the final, elegant shape.
Available in a choice of two lenticular-paneled boxes, the limited-run Visionaire issue 62 Rio can now be bought directly from Visionaire. Limited to just 2,000 total editions, issue 62 sells for $375. For a closer look at the packaging and product design see the slideshow.
Images by Graham Hiemstra and Aruliden
The accidental birth of the perfect summer beer
In 2002, a whiskey distiller approached Dougal Sharp, a top brewer at Caledonian, to create a method of brewing whiskey that would give it an ale finish. Sharp invented a process that would impart a beer flavor onto the oak whiskey casks, but to his surprise it would be the beer brewed in these casks that would be too good to throw away. Born by accident, Innis and Gunn was launched in 2003 by Dougal and his brother, Neil, based on this oak cask aged brewing process.
In March 2012, Innis and Gunn released their first limited-edition Irish Whiskey Cask stout. “We have never brewed a stout before, but when we heard we could get ahold of those exceptional barrels, we got very excited at the prospect of maturing a Scottish Stout in former Irish whiskey barrels!” says Dougal. The Innis and Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask is the first beer to be aged in former triple-distilled Irish whiskey barrels. The result is a dark beer with a chocolate and treacle taste, hints of oak and vanilla, and a crisp whiskey finish.
Although stouts are not typically considered a summer beer, the whiskey finish makes this beer surprisingly refreshing. A perfect bottle to add to the backyard rotation, this stout tastes great when paired with this summer’s Euro Cup festivities and bratwursts on the grill. Four packs of Innis and Gunn‘s Irish Whiskey Cask beer can be found for a limited time in the US at Whole Foods and other retailers for $13.
The American car brand partners with the Basketball Men’s National Team
Advertorial content:
Two American icons come together with the Jeep brand’s official partnership with USA Basketball. As a focal point of this partnership, the Jeep brand introduced its special edition model, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude featuring a new, more powerful V6 engine and customized interior and exterior design cues.
Unified in their drive for excellence, the Jeep brand joins USA Basketball in rallying the “Power Within” as the National Teams endeavor to realize their dream. “The Jeep brand embodies the American spirit,” states Chris Paul, campaign spokesman and member of the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s National Team. Paul appears in a partnership behind-the-scenes video series as well as a TV spot featuring the music of hip-hop artist, Common, giving voice to “a legendary vehicle supporting a legendary team.”
Launching the start of the exhibition season, the USA Basketball Men’s National Team hits the road on 5 July with the opening of training camp in Las Vegas. To celebrate the tour, the Jeep brand teamed up with acclaimed designer Jeff Staple to create the Believe Collection, featuring custom items (some limited to 25 pieces each), including an exclusive, handmade basketball by Leather Head and a basketball duffel bag designed by 3×1, handcrafted from American selvedge denim.
3×1 also contributes a custom scarf that tops off a classic look along with the collection’s vintage inspired, limited edition Ft. Knox sunglasses by Knockaround. Combining timeless appeal with the latest in technology, the collection also includes custom editions of sleek Aviator Headphones by Skullcandy, custom protective iPad and iPhone cases from Uncommon and a Big Jambox, a hi-fi portable wireless speaker by Jawbone. Built NY contributes the Cargo Travel Organizer, a must-have case for keeping cords together while on the go.
Each item captures the USA Basketball’s team pride with the iconic American flag logo and “When We all Believe” tag line that is designed to commemorate the belief we all have in a common goal as we support our team. Visit Jeep to enter to win a shot at the entire Jeep for USA Basketball Believe Collection.
Partnering with USA Basketball to pave “the road to victory,” the Jeep brand upholds achievement and distinguishes itself as a leader in capability. Check out the Jeep High Altitude content series as it features interviews with profiles of influential designers, digital entrepreneurs and adventurers demonstrating the latest in edge, power and innovation.
The artist’s latest print series blends graphite drawing with 3D digital sculpture
Haunting curvilinear forms dominate the work of Sougwen Chung, an artist with international roots and a flair for outspoken minimalism. Her most recent series—produced as a limited-edition print run for Ghostly International—portrays four natural phenomena with subtle coloration and high contrast. The individual members of “Étude Op. 2 No.1-4” take the names “Flight”, “High Tide”, “Cocoon” and “Bloom”, and lie somewhere between representation and theory. Viewed together, they communicate a congruent narrative and aesthetic in spite of their abstract form.
“The form and composition of each piece are informed by textures and elements within an original series of graphite drawings,” Chung tells CH when asked about the process. “Elements are deconstructed and then sculpted in a 3D digital environment. The final pieces are a result of a multi-disciplinary approach to improvisation and experimentation.” Ultimately, the blend of mediums and abilities brings about sci-fi worthy, otherworldly shapes.
A departure from her previous print series for Ghostly “Étude Op. 1”, “Op. 2” rejects the minimalist, hand-drawn look for “darker palettes and more iconic motifs.” “‘Op. 1’ was deliberately austere and minimal, celebrating pure form and visual rhythm in the way only black and white images can,” Chung explains. Both series showcase Chung’s talent for visual edginess and slick dynamism—which goes a long way towards explaining her commercial successes. If Chung’s look is minimalist, then it is a minimalism in crisis, full of movement, transition and graphic energy.
“Étude Op. 2” and the earlier series “Op. 1” are available from the Ghostly online store starting at $60. See more images of the two series in our slideshow.
A leather-bound edition of the new barman’s bible
Jim Meehan, New York’s most meticulous bartender, compiled The PDT Cocktail Book with the same precise touch, careful measurement and keen eye he applies to his inventive cocktails. Launching last month to an overwhelmingly warm welcome, the new barman’s bible of some 300 recipes was hailed as the most influential book on mixology to hit shelves in recent history. As somewhat of an homage to the rich, dark aesthetic of the bar where many of the featured cocktails were invented, Meehan has released a new leather-bound edition designed and illustrated by Chris Gall.
This latest edition of the PDT Cocktail Book is handsomely wrapped in fine leather, giving the book a traditional feel reminiscent of what one mind find in a rich antique library. Each recipe is complimented by Gall’s bright illustrations as well, a touch that provides a nice contrast to the book’s serious exterior.
With the same extensive content as the first release, this leather-bound edition details many behind-the-scenes secrets to PDT’s success in addition to the stellar recipes, from bar layout and design to preferred tools, techniques and special ingredients. The Leather-bound edition of PDT Cocktaill Book is now available from Moore and Giles for $65.
Two action sport leaders thank you for being you with a new collaborative snowboard boot and skate shoe
The latest project from two of action sports’ most influential companies, the Holden and Vans collaboration snowboard boot and sk8-hi shoe are sure to pique the interest of any style-conscious boarder. Unlike most collaborations, the two pieces take a subdued design approach with an all-black upper and minimal branding. But their values are there, in both Holden’s allegiance to contemporary style and progressive materialization, along with Vans’ timeless look.
Known for leading the snowboard industry in fashion and fit, Holden has inspired countless trends—from Scotty Wittlake’s pioneering tight-pants-and-hoodie combo to the clean and fitted outerwear stylings of Northwest pretty boy Darrell Mathes. Their new-school approach fits well with the classic surf and skate style of Vans, which remains relatively unchanged and just as relevant since ’66.
The Sk8-Hi is essentially an upgraded version of its usual self. A combination of premium leather and waxed canvas make for a much sturdier shoe than the average Vans. The sleek blacked-out look is subtly accented with stitching just above the standard vulcanized sole in a cream color that matches the leather interior.
Sharing low-profile appeal with the Sk8-Hi, the Holden snowboard boot sports a slim sole for more board feel and a skate-style silhouette. The boot features premium leather and the same 59% recycled nylon found in Holden’s outerwear line. Inside the Quadfit x Thermal liner, you’ll find a gel toe box—branded with iconic Vans checkers—for heavy impacts and additional pressure cuff ankle padding to help prevent foot fatigue. All of this along with a soft, traditional lace-up boot and an old-school look make the boot perfect for lapping the park and all-mountain cruising.
Head to Vans or watch Holden’s video explanation for more information on the collaborative snowboard boot and Sk8-Hi shoe, which are available online now for $230 and $80 respectively.
We take the latest in zig-zagged sneakers for a spin on NYC streets
From their collection for Target to Marina, the puppet blogger,
Missoni’s playful spirit is hard to miss these days. But their collaboration with Converse, one of the earlier reinventions of the family-run Italian label, is the project that we still gravitate to most. This latest and fourth edition combines a raschel knit (a fabric with a texture almost like crochet) from Missoni’s Spring 2012 collection with a version of a Chuck Taylor All Star that was originally created for the U.S. Military in the ’60s.
With leather accents and a muted colorway of tans and greys, the limited-edition shoe is serious enough for the coming fall season. Missoni’s trademark zig-zags, along with bright blue accents (you can opt for blue laces too) and the luxurious softness of the material keep you cozy, and might just bring out a smile.
Debuting tonight, 8 September 2011, as part of Fashion’s Night Out, the shoes will be available at Missoni boutiques as well as Converse’s First String stores for $200.
Double-aging and distilling makes for this ultra-smooth sipping rum
If how quickly our bottle of Brugal’s 1888 Ron Gran Reserva Familiar went is any indication, you’ll keep this tipple within easy access at the front of the liquor cabinet. The perfectly-balanced 1888, one of the smoothest rums we’ve tasted, is the upshot of five generations of experience in one masterful blend. Double-distilled and double-aged (first in American oak barrels followed by Spanish sherry casks), this Brugal projects a light sweetness and isn’t overbearingly smoky or spicy. The aging process brings out the rum’s full flavor without overly complicating the taste, making it an excellent sipping rum.
Topping off the elegantly beautiful bottle design, a weighty gold-toned cap lends a sense of quality that adds to the rich experience of this delicious drink. An annual limited-release rum—the label indicates the lot number and year of production—and at only $50 a bottle, the 1888 reserve is a great value for its exceptional taste. Already selling in New York, 1888 will hit stores around the U.S. beginning mid-September 2011.
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