graphic design, art, typography and architecture

This new range of lead crystal glassware inspired by metal machine components is the result of a collaboration between Koncern Design and glassworks Rückl Crystal a. s. in the Czech Republic. Glassware was once a burgeoning industry in the former Czechoslovakia, but in the last two decades has faced a steady decline in output and demand (no political astuteness awards for guessing why). I'm a huge fan of design that takes its cue, it's inspiration from the industrial. The range includes: sets of beverage glassware for whiskey, champagne, wine (one design for both red and white) and absinthe. Each piece is ... [more]

Shin from Kobe, Tomoko from Hiroshima, met at the Kyoto City University of Art. In 1995 they establishes AZUMI Design Studio, London and since then have created some beautifully simple, utilitarian furniture. To better understand their philosophy, it's interesting to recall Tomoko's response to a question about her favourite product; one of the products she chose was the humble chopsticks, explaining that despite their simplicity, they are incredibly versatile - that can also be said of much of her design. Shin Azumi and Tomoko Azumi have now opened their individual design studios, which you can learn more about online, here ... [more]

Now what do seat belts and sails have in common? Well, you'd be hard-pressed to come up with an answer to that one. However, for the designer Matsuoka Tadashi, it's pretty obvious. Using authentic sails and used car seatbelts, he creates great looking bags/totes, holdalls and rucksacks to name but a few. In a recent interview, he explained that in using these materials he's able to create naturally durable, water-resistant and fashionable products whilst at the same time recycling materials that are usually overlooked. The seatbelts often serve as handles and by extension are used to give added strength; they also ... [more]

Jack at Horrorwood - working with Graph Design - has a new line of T-shirts featuring a number of his well-known illustrations. My favourite is the Blue Robots, with the strap-line, The Future Will Eat you Alive. To find out more, visit the Horrorwood blog (English and 日本語！). (The model is Jack's wife, formerly of Vogue and Elle). [more]