Lumina Live!

Dominic Jones Jewelry

Angel — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:17:34 +0000

Ever wanted a timeless piece of jewelry that could encompass both nature and an edgy look?

Well, Dominic Jones Jewelry has pushed the boundaries as usual. With their latest designs, rawer than ever, could push you off your seats, containing pieces designed for example to emulate a beautiful rhinoceros beetle rings, a shark’s jaw and maybe even an alligators jaw designed as cuffs.

These designs could only mean one thing, jewelry will never be the same again.

RED Alert: Bedsty presents… TOUCH THE SKY @ 1-Altitude

Angel — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:13:26 +0000

Bedsty Music.Parties.Design is proud to present its latest concept party “RED Alert: Bedsty presents TOUCH THE SKY” at the newly opened 1-Altitude, at One Raffles Place, on Saturday, September 11^th 2010, from 9pm.

With the Singapore GP just weeks away, Bedsty gets into the spirit by throwing their premier party at the world’s highest alfresco. If you ever wanted to come up close to a Formula 1 car, you can do so at the ground level of the venue where replicas of these race cars would be showcased!

Being supported by DOPE.SG, RED Alert will boast a fresh experience with a genre-bending mix of music, lights and sound. Features French-Vietnamese duo Tha Trickaz, fresh off the Tony Hawk Show in Paris, and 5 other notable homegrown DJs including Cherry Chan (Syndicate), Cosa Nostra & DJ J Styles.

Entry to RED Alert: Bedsty presents TOUCH THE SKY is S$15, inclusive of a housepour for access to the rooftop. Club rules apply, so come dressed to impress, and be ready to touch the sky!

RSVP on Facebook here

Surfing with Chanel

Angel — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:35:43 +0000

Chanel broke common perception by designing chic surfboards. Now they’re throwing a surf party to introduce the new J12 Marine watches and their ambassador Laird Hamilton!

Though the Chanel and surfing equation could be questionable, the iconic brand kept their class on the sand, letting their signature black and white logo’d surf boards do the talking.

Inspired by the revered surfer, the J12 Marine collection features elements of waves. And just like the surfboards, we didnt’t expect Chanel + Surfing could merge so beautifully.

Living Weird?

Angel — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:37:31 +0000

If you thought living in an old fire station or lighthouse is weird, wait till you catch a glimpse of these man-made wonders!

The House on the Stick was inspired by highway billboards. The house is about 27 square meters and is not intended to be a family residence. Instead, it was designed to fit into almost any place on earth like forests, seas, lakes, mountains, meadows as well as on the main city street.

Not weird enough for you? The Upside-Down House created by Daniel Czapiewski in the village of Szymbark, northern Poland is not just a bizarre tourist attraction, but a profound statement about the Communist era.

Aren’t normal houses boring?

House on a Stick

The Upside Down House

Go Nowhere & Do Nothing

Angel — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:01:21 +0000

Finally, a true destination of pleasure- one where you do absolutely nothing.

Welcome to the Nowhere Resorts in Japan, where Michiyo and Yasutaka Yoshimura have conceptualised 3 places designed to allow guests to experience the beauty of their surroundings, both natural and man-made.

Thus the 3 places are set in different areas and possess a starkly unique feel. Minimum stays are week-long, so guests have enough time to do nothing, but fall in love with the atmosphere.

Nowhere but Sajima

Nowhere but Hayama

Nowhere but Zushi

Everyday Joy

Angel — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:34:05 +0000

IKEA celebrates 60 years of its annual catalogue with a charming video of… the everyday.

The household furniture and fittings are featured in their element, where daily chores and actions are slowed to savour the moments, all supported by a quirky rendition of the classic Beethoven piece ‘Ode to Joy.’

The deceivingly simple video magnifies the good little things in life and IKEA’s big heart for the everyday.

The Faile Temple

Angel — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:55:36 +0000

Brooklyn based street art collective, Faile, have taken their usual pop art, modern typography and stencils and applied their contemporary styles to something traditional. In Lisbon, Portugal, the team of artists took to the streets to create this installation which is an amalgamation of old and new.

While touching upon the use religious artifacts or symbols was a rather sensitive topic, Faile’s idea was that ‘The result is a new site of public communion that recognizes religion as the social artifact that it is, but reminds us again of an underlying desire for unity that is often occluded by our urban edifices, be they cathedrals or skyscrapers.’

The Faile Temple was created in conjunction with the Portugal Arte 10 Festival and will tour abroad.

Solange Azagury’s Flagship Store

Angel — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:43:23 +0000

While most jewelry stores have a pristine, almost clinical feel to them with the cold glass displays and muted tones and colours, Solange Azagury’s opening of her new flagship jewelry stores makes a snazzy mark with her bold colours and rock star quality.

Located in Bond Street, London, the jewelry store boasts her signature lush and striking red walls, with the highlight of the room being the colourful and almost-over-the-top carpet. Nestled in the jewel box enclave are luscious sofas, hidden doors, padded walls and a ceiling adorned with 600,000 Swarovski crystals.

Check out the luxurious pictures below (courtesy of thecoolhunter).

Chiharu Shiota

Angel — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:13:47 +0000

Berlin based Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota apparently woke up one day feeling as if her room was entwined in black thread. The strange hazy experience then served as inspiration for her large scale works of art, which features a impenetrable web of thread, criss-crossing and almost creeping onto the walls. The wispy installation sweeps over everyday objects, such as shoes, chairs and suitcases. Check out these stringy webs that would give Spiderman a run for his money.

Dalton Getty & His Pencil Sculptures

Angel — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:57:16 +0000

Dalton Getty’s pencil sculptures are absolutely incredible - his works are 25 years worth of hard work! These miniature sculptures don’t require any fancy equipment, just a blade, a sewing needle, a very bright light, and a whole load of patience. Even a tiny sculpture can take months to create, and his amazing alphabet series took two and a half years to complete.

Dalton believes that his sculptures are forcing people to stay for at least a few moments to escape from the mad rhythm of modern life and see the beauty in miniature detail. Check out these beauties below.

You are what you eat/tweet

Angel — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:02:12 +0000

The power of social networking tools has transcended past the computer screen and into our…stomachs. Facebook and Twitter has become an integral part of daily life and why not - people can expect to get updates about their friends or loved ones activities and happenings by visiting their profile of these social networks.

Keeping in line with the current technological addiction is a batch of cookies and cakes celebrating the announcement of upcoming martial bliss designed as - yes, Twitter updates or Facebook statuses. Very cute though it’s a bit of a pity that wedding invitations are no longer received in the good ol’traditional letterbox!

I Am Baker creates these fun and whimsical confectionery that is fit for a king or queen of any occasion.

Your favourite song lyrics - in print!

Angel — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:59:12 +0000

When it comes to song lyrics, everyone is sure to have at least a line - or five - that they feel belongs to them. While some might tweet it or get it tattooed, here’s a great way to commemorate those favourite lines without the permanent ink (on your body).

Music Philosophy is a ‘weekly graphic-typographic interpretation of philosophical song quotes’ which transforms those profound song lyrics into striking posters. With song lyrics ranging from The Beatles, to Judy Garland and even Jay Z, everyone is bound to find something that speaks to them.

Broken Social Scene’s ‘Forced To Love’ music video

Angel — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:31:53 +0000

Broken Social Scene’s music video for ‘Forced To Love’ is futuristic and cutting edge, with amazing 3D rendering. Lumina loves it! Directed by MAKAPOON, made up of Adam Makarenko & Alan Poon and produced by Geoff McLean from Vision Entertainment. Poon says, ““It’s an experimental 3D scanning technology that detects the displacement of a grid pattern of any object in front of it. The data is then used to rebuild the object in three dimensions. Each band member’s performance was scanned using this technique and manipulated in the computer to create the effect you see in the final video.”

We’re excited to see more.

beinArt Surreal Art Collective

Angel — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:12:56 +0000

beinArt Surreal Art Collective is the one-stop virtual gallery of ’surrealist, psychedelic, esoteric, outsider, fantastic, toy, lowbrow, comic, erotic and visionary artists.’ And with a description like that, you know you’ve come to right place if kooky is your thing - the website is bursting with mind-bending and spine tingling creations. The amount of underground talent on show is overwhelming; featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings and digital art all on sale so you get to take a piece of someone’s imagination home with you.

Fashion + Mathematics = Fashematics!

Angel — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:17:56 +0000

Ahhh, so now we know why maths was so important in school! It gave birth to one of the most ingenious and creative fashion websites around - Fashematics by Jonathan Zawada. Ever wondered where the inspiration for those wacky outfits that walk down the runway came from ? Here’s a tongue-in-cheek look at how those designers might’ve possibly come up with these strange couture concoctions.

SKYplay

Angel — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:41:48 +0000

Remember the good old days when we used to make out familiar shapes of clouds? A photography group has taken it a step further by documenting the wonderful works of Mother Nature with a quirky twist.

The SKYplay group on Flickr features an entire album of beautiful yet whimsical compositions of real objects juxtaposed against cloud formations in the sky. With the sky as the canvas and the cloud formations as the starting point, let your imagination and creativity run wild - the sky’s the limit.

Marco’s Art Gallery - On Wheels

Angel — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:05:06 +0000

New Yorker Luz Azul, who goes by the moniker Marco has decided to bring art to the sidewalk, amongst the hot dog and newspaper stands, making his creations easily accessible to the public. Driving a striking yellow truck covered in his zany pop art illustrations, the idea behind purchasing the former food truck was to bring the art to the customers, instead of waiting for them to come to him.

Depending on the size, the cost of the original, wacky pieces of art ranges from $20 to $500, complete with hand-painted wooden frames. Followers of Marco on Twitter are updated regularly with the Mobile Gallery’s current location, reaching out to New Yorkers everywhere with his ubiquitous pop artworks.

(Photos courtesy of CoolHunting.com)

The Porsche Book

Angel — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:12:17 +0000

Luxury car brand Porsche has just received the ultimate compliment of having teNues publishing group pay homage to them in a new book. Chocked full of glossy, colour photos devoted to the style, design and performance, The Porsche Book’s facade consists of a bold foil cover in luminous pink. With over three hundred pages, separated into 24 chapters detailing every angle of every model ever made, this latest coffee table book is for every Porsche aficionado.

Check out smaller versions of the larger-than-life pictures (the book is measured 11.5″ x 14.5″)

We scream for Ice Cream! Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream!

Angel — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:18:26 +0000

Move over fro-yo, a new icy craze has hit. Europe has opened the first liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour, Chin Chin Laboratories, serving up delectable, brain-freezing icy goodness, made by adding liquid nitrogen to custard mixtures. This ice-cream lab, complete with beakers, flasks and servers in white lab coats and safety goggles, creates their creamy creations with a 180-litre tank of nitrogen, and offers a wide yummy range of toppings for its three standard flavours. Ice-cream lovers can choose between Madagascan Vanilla Bean with fresh mint, Valrhona Chocolate and Lemon Curd whipped up fresh on the spot.

Check out the pictures of this novel ice cream parlour.

Jennifer Rubell - Deconstructing the Dinner Party

Angel — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:35:03 +0000

You walk into a celebratory dinner, be it a wedding or an anniversary. You go through the motions of sitting down, enjoying the meal and making small talk with your dinner table companions. After dinner, you down a couple more drinks and continue making small talk about politically correct topics with your new acquaintances. Jennifer Rubell, artist/caterer/conceptualist, takes everything you know about dinner parties and deconstructs the ritual; merging food and performance art for astonishing effect.

Rubell’s concept for celebrating the union of auctioneer Simon de Pury and Michaela Neumeister in the Saatchi Gallery was referencing art in food. Guests were confronted with an interactive experience instead of the usual wedding banquet, with food installations reminiscent of Tracey Emin’s ‘My Bed’ and the glass casing of Damien Hirst’s shark in formaldehyde - both artworks owned by Charles Saatchi. Sausages were hung from the ceiling, and guests were invited to cut them down as part of the series of food installations throughout the gallery space. The result, although disconcerting for guests at first, was an ingenious fusion of art and food, making the deconstructed dinner party worth remembering.

Dinner beds - much like Tracey Emin’s ‘My Bed’

Guests were invited to break champagne flutes - reference made to Damien Hirst’s shark in formaldehyde.

Hanging sausages

‘Strange Kozmic Experience’ Exhibition

Angel — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:52:57 +0000

One of the highlight exhibits at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles is the ‘Strange Kozmic Experience‘; devoted to legendary artists who defined a generation and epitomized the counterculture movement of the 60s. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Doors were the front runners of everything that 60s rock stood for - power and freedom, experimentation and creativity. 40 years later, the impact of their unsurpassed skills and revolutionary music still resonates in pop culture and rock circles of today - and ‘Strange Kozmic Experience’ aims to find out why.

Boasting an impressive collection of the most coveted 60s rock memorabilia, the exhibition features Joplin’s hand painted (by friend Dave Richards) 1965 Porsche, Jim Morrison’s poetry books, iconic wardrobe pieces, handwritten lyrics and letters and much more. Museum Executive Director and music historian Robert Santelli sums it up, “Provocative, counter-cultural, and experimental, these artists stirred senses and celebrated personal freedom like never before, so we’re pleased to offer fans the rare opportunity to engage with them again in such a personal way.”

Here are some pictures of Janis Joplin’s custom-painted 1965 Porsche 356c (Pictures courtesy of NOTCOT.com)

The Ultimate Office Prank

Angel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:14:34 +0000

When a colleague goes on vacation, you’d think most people would be pretty upset about having to take on the extra workload. Not these office mates. As a welcome-back-from-vacation-present, they had his entire office transformed into a cardboard wonderland. That’s right, from the office swivel chair to computers, bookshelf and even Poptarts were replaced by cardboard replicas. Amazingly creative! How we all wish we had colleagues with too much time on their hands!

Before cardboard transformation.

After - Check out the bin!

Animated Cooking Lesson

Angel — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:12:27 +0000

Yes, we all know The Naked Chef Jamie Oliver, yummy mummy Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay - but frankly, there are way too many cooking shows these days that we’re getting a bit bored. And honestly, it’s getting a bit difficult to actually learn any new recipes when we’re too distracted by Nigella and her sound effects after every bite. So here’s an animated cooking show, The Geometry of Pasta, that presents it’s recipes in fun graphics and a range of typography that makes learning how to cook easy as pie.

Here’s the recipe for Farfalle pasta with cream and prosciutto.

Skeletal Stilettos

Angel — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:16:46 +0000

After the hoof shoe phenomenon and Alexander McQueen’s 10 inch death defying armadillos (made famous by Lady Gaga) came - caused a couple of catwalk models to quit - and then left, now a new breed of wacky designer shoes have emerged.

Dsquared2’s new skeletal stilettos look perfectly normal from the front; ranging from strappy, simple leather designs or lace-ups, the simplicity makes room for the organic formed skeletal heel. Shaped like spinal cords, the bone-white structured heels now give models the confidence to ‘break-a-leg’ during a runway show.

‘I Write Like’ - Every aspiring writer’s new toy

Angel — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:25:19 +0000

Think you’ve got your writing skills down pat? Try out the ‘I Write Like‘ statistical analysis tool that analyzes your written text and compares them against other literary greats! This analysis tool picks out your choice or words and writing style and after a couple of test tries, results ranged from J.D Salinger to James Joyce and JK Rowling.

It would be best to copy a couple of paragraphs of your literary work - tweets and facebook statuses not really advisable!

Grant Cornett

Angel — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:02:42 +0000

Texas born and bred photographer Grant Cornett grew up looking at the world through tiny windows of planes. Based in Brooklyn the past decade, Cornett’s simplistic yet melancholic photographs are all about the details. Some of his clients include Vogue, Vanity Fair, Barneys NY, Drift, InStyle, Neon and Fortune.

Does your man smell like…a man?

Angel — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:09:35 +0000

Old Spice’s creative new ad campaign for their manly scented body wash is slowly taking over the internet. From the hilarious YouTube commercials, to tees with slogans like ‘I’m on a horse’ and ‘Smell like a man, man’ and even a foam moustache, axe and motorcycle…get ready for total Old Spice domination!

Coffee Mona Lisa

Angel — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:03:41 +0000

This amazing recreation of Mona Lisa was orchestrated using 3, 604 cups of coffee! With varying amounts of milk making up the different shades, this caffeinated version of Mona Lisa was part of the Sydney Aroma Festival.

All hail C. Diddy

Angel — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:04:56 +0000

Never before have we been so fortunate to bear witness to such unparalleled and mind blowing skills of the art of Air Guitar - till we stumbled upon C.Diddy on YouTube, that is. And we fell in love. From his theatrical head banging, tongue flicking, invisible guitar shredding and picking and the killer: Hello Kitty donned proudly as a breastplate, it has taken us this long to truly understand manliness in all its goodness.

Botanica by Melissa Haslam

Angel — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:35:22 +0000

Melissa Haslam’s upcoming exhibition Botanica features a range of oil-on-canvas artworks of beautifully rendered portraits. Girls in LBD’s are given a subtle hint of colour by entwining flowers and animal ears peeking through, injecting a slight element of fun into these dark and mysterious artworks. Check out our favourite girls below.

Take a trip with Casey Jex Smith

Angel — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:18:13 +0000

Take one look at Casey Jex Smith’s artworks and the first thing that would probably come to your mind is, “What was that dude tripping on?”

Trippy doodlings aside, these quirky, yet somewhat disturbing artworks with astounding details - created with pencils, colour pencils and pens seem to draw you in, inviting you to pore over every minute line and intricacy. Childlike upon first glance, complex upon further deliberation.

Mick Jagger retrospective at Arles photography festival

Angel — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:47:55 +0000

The highlight of this year’s Arles Photography Festival, is a retrospective exhibition of everyone’s favourite bee-stung-lips rocker, Mick Jagger. Possibly one of the world’s most photographed performers, Jagger’s debonair attitude is captured in an array of photographs by the leading portraitists of our time.

Taken by Mexican photographer, Enrique Badulescu in 1989, is a triptych of photos using the technique Polaroid dye transfer, where layers of the image are pulled apart during developing. According to Badulescu, ““I couldn’t believe how effortlessly he moved in front of the camera.” Well Mick Jagger, you’re like a rainbow.

Cyber Stalkers, it’s time to go cold turkey.

Angel — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:20:09 +0000

For those recently and bitterly single; those that can relate to Amanda Palmer’s ‘I Google You’ and the plain obsessed, the time to reclaim your life is now. No, there’s no Facebook-Stalkers Anonymous support group, it’s even easier and less humiliating to quit the habit.

Enter the Ex-Blocker. A new Firefox and Chrome plug-in that removes your ability to see your Ex’s Facebook or Twitter and their name from the Internet entirely. Tough love, we call it.

If you’re still not sure if this is for you, check out Amanda Palmer’s ‘I Google You’ and run a mental checklist.

Happy 70th Ringo Starr!

Angel — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:22:34 +0000

Today is curly-topped Beatle Ringo Starr’s 70th birthday! And all he really wants for his birthday is peace and love. No kidding, he specifically asked for a worldwide declaration of peace and love at 12 noon on his birthday, 7th July. Anything for the birthday boy, Ringo. And we’ll crank up ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ while we’re at it.

Looks pretty darn good for a 70 year old!

Finger Painting on iPad

Angel — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:40:47 +0000

We are blown away by the amazing detail that realist painter, David Jon Kassan has been able to achieve finger painting a portrait on his iPad. No more messy explorations with paint! (Although that’s half the fun, but the video is really cool anyway.)

Francoise Nielly

Angel — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:47:21 +0000

Francoise Nielly’s large scale strikingly vivid paintings make this Parisian artist one of the hottest today. Wielding her painting knife, interpretations of black and white photographs emerge as artworks with thick layers of dazzling, brilliant colours, capturing the soulful and passionate expressions of her muses. Think old-world impasto with modern, deliciously neon colours.

Suggestive Street Illustrations

Angel — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:36:17 +0000

We had a major LOL session in the office when we stumbled across these cute street artworks. Definitely puts a spin on the usual graffiti tags. Check out Sandrine Estrade Boulet’s quirky and whimsical takes on what most people would consider mundane everyday objects.

Enviro-Art Attack

Angel — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:35:42 +0000

Remember the good old days of Art Attack with Neil Buchanan? Remember the huge scale artworks he used to create using everyday objects? Well these recent artworks, Art of the Sky by Environmentalist artist and photographer Daniel Dancer are reminiscent of our childhood Art Attack days, but perhaps with a little more pizazz.

Created with latex paint and up to 40,000 people (in some instances) making up the shapes against the backdrop of natural scenery, it seems like a great way to get people involved in environmentally friendly works of art - and gives them something to show the grandkids!

Cassette tape portraits

Angel — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:27:58 +0000

We are in love with Ghost in the Machine’s celebrity portraits using recycled cassette tapes and old film reels - we would practically kill to have one of these babies!

Stemming from philosopher’s (Ryle) description of how your spirit lives in your body, the artist created this with the belief, ” I imagine we are all, like cassettes, thoughts wrapped up in awkward packaging.” Deep. Check out our favourites below.

Art + Cake

Angel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:28:51 +0000

We’ve all seen some pretty impressive looking cakes at weddings or 21st bashes, but this latest breed of designer cakes almost look too good to eat. Almost. Owner and baker Shinmin Lin’s San Francisco based exquisite cakery, I Dream Of Cake manages to merge Li’s two loves - art and cake, into gorgeous, luxurious sugary concoctions.

Fashionista? Then you’re sure to love the alligator Birkin Bag and Classic Kelly Bag. If you’re a culture vulture, check out the jaw-dropping Jade Buddha and art lovers are sure to marvel at the recreation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. While it would almost hurt to cut the first slice of these beauties, with flavours like vanilla and caramel swirl, and ginger spice with cream cheese filling, it’s pretty hard not to have your cake and eat it too.

Techno Slaves get a vacation

Angel — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:32:59 +0000

So in this day and age where we are all so reliant on technology, where did the conversations go? Where’s the reverent silence during a concert or a play without someone’s cell going off? Or does your loved one make more love to their iPhone rather than you? Fear not, neglected ones, this latest project is in light of your plight.

The ‘My Phone Is Off For You’ project was designed by Ingrid Zweifel and features hankerchiefs, buttons and stickers with the sacrificial ‘My Phone Is Off For You’ emblazoned across. Check out the pictures below.

Ooh La La! It’s the LV expo in Shanghai

Angel — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:00:55 +0000

The French Pavillion of the World Expo held in Shanghai displays an amazingly larger than life Louis Vuitton suitcase wrapping itself across the facade, enclosing an all-things-Louis Vuitton exhibition dating back to 1867. Check out the gorgeous pictures for yourself and start making travel plans to Shanghai to check out the expo which ends on the 30th of October, 2010.

(Photo taken from NOTCOT.COM)

The World Cup 2010 has begun…

Angel — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:11:28 +0000

Today marks the kick-off match of the World Cup 2010. Guys all over the world will be rejoicing the return of the highly anticipated soccer tournament that only happens every four years, and girlfriends and wives will be mourning the temporary loss of their loved ones. Do not fret ladies, here’s a great way to get involved in your man’s favourite past time - guaranteed to get you cheering along for his beloved team.

Designed by Bas van de Poel and Daan van Dam for the Dutch Football Federation, live out your fantasy of (almost) having a yummy soccer player in your living room. Yes living room, not really advisable to have your man wearing this to the local pub.

It’s Ping Pong Fever!

Angel — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:19:19 +0000

Ping Pong is the new cool apparently. And why not, it’s one of the few sports that you don’t even have to move around much - ideal for those too fashionable to break into a sweat.

Aruliden for PUMA understands. They get it: style is important in everything you do, even if it’s ping pong. That’s why they’ve come up with the new ‘Chalk’ ping pong table, perfect for every social athlete’s bachelor pad. With storage compartments for beverages, steel chain-link net, chalkboard surface (for personalized doodling or keeping score - whatever) and sleek ash wood legs, it’s possibly the coolest ping pong table ever made.

Move over Batman - BMW Beamvertising a first in Singapore

Angel — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:28:54 +0000

As part of BMW’s new campaign to inject ‘Joy’ into the workplace, they have exhibited a first-of-its-kind 3D Interactive Building Projection - also known as the new-fangled advertising term, Beamvertising.

Projections showcasing 3D interactive art on the three office buildings of Suntec left viewers whipping out their camera phones in a bid to capture the magic. This engaging piece of interactive artwork bouncing off the walls of 3 of Suntec’s towers caused quite a stir - and not only by stopping traffic.

As a true mark of excellent branding, the visually arresting interactive experience has gone viral, with the video being tweeted and retweeted all over the globe. Check it out for yourself below.

Macallan

Angel — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:45:37 +0000

Yes, Macallan loves bloggers, judging from their recent string of Twitter- heavy events in the US.

Their latest event held at W Los Angeles together with blog NOTCOT (which Lumina loves) saw the tasting of the premium scotch brand’s sophisticated 57-year expression out of a Lalique crystal decanter. The highlight of the evening was the chance to win a taste of what would cost US$15, 000 a bottle. Smells though, were free.

The relatively young crowd of mostly bloggers were also invited to tweet their thoughts, which were screened online and in the bar, creating a different type of socialising at the intimate tasting session.

Here’s to more fine drink, in fine places with friends.

(Photos courtesy of NOTCOT.)

Scaling New Heights

Angel — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:17:20 +0000

Alexander McQueen keeps them coming.

Fresh from the frenzy of the “Armadillos,” McQueen’s 10 inch high bestial-looking shoes that are on their way to iconic status, he is in with new campaign.

Shot by the ‘futuristic’ photographer Nick Knight, the Spring/Summer ‘10 ad features model Raquel Zimmermann wearing a pair of reptilian Armadillos and a fancy collection of snakes.

The campaign, bold, beautiful and infinitely strange is testament to McQueen’s unending ability to reinvent himself, light years ahead of the pack.

Tomorrow, in a year: A Darwin Electro-Opera

Angel — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:01:07 +0000

The Knife, in collaboration with Mt. Sims and Planningtorock, has just given the conventional opera scene a new cool. Approached by performance group Hotel Pro Forma to score electo-opera “Tomorrow, in a year“, which is based on Charles Darwin and his famous book ‘On the Origin of Species’, The Knife & gang deftly capture the Darwinian nuances of evolution in their pieces.

In fact, they shared that inspiration had been drawn from sources that vary from the arcane (Richard Dawkins’s gene trees), to the romantic (Darwin’s loving letters to his daughter).

So we aren’t huge opera fanatics, but we can definitely appreciate a project well-done. Judge for yourselves the exquisite play between music and form, and how their synergy brings about a moving and intense performance of avant garde opera.

Glennray Tutor’s Photorealism

Angel — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:12:41 +0000

We can’t help marveling at photo-realist Glennray Tutor’s paintings, which are made based on photographs. Life-like and color-infused, every single detail is immaculately captured, allowing for transcendence of boundaries between painting and photo.

Edible-looking furniture

Angel — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:45:36 +0000

When food meets awesome design, we get… sumptuous-looking furniture!

Modeled after mouth-watering desserts, these pieces are bound to create more hunger pangs, or induce a huge craving for a sweet something. Don’t believe it? Ok, now scroll down and brace yourself for the ice-cream bench, cupcake table and the cupcake seat!

For more fun and laughs, check out the other creative designs over at Jellio.

Wallpaper* City Guides on iPhone

Angel — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:26:03 +0000

Fancy calling yourself a savvy globe-trotting cosmopolitan? That is, without lugging those heavy travel guides around.

We reckon the Phaidon store has the answer!The 10 best-selling minimalist-packaged Wallpaper* City Guides are now available on the iPhone App Store. Sample the series with the Berlin edition that’s currently being offered for free.

So go ahead, unleash your inner city explorer. Travel light - and travel in style!

Louis Vuitton’s Animania Collection

Angel — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:08:06 +0000

Animal lovers, rejoice! Come February 2010, Louis Vuitton will be launching its Animania line, a playful collection consisting of cute coin purses, square scarves and animal charms - all clad in its signature monogram.

The inspiration? Well it goes back half a century, when Gaston Louis Vuitton dedicated an entire level of his store to his wife, Renée, an avid wooden toy collector. The Animania collection is designed to commemorate this romantic gesture of luuuuurve.

And just in time for some V-day joy.

Vladimir Kush - Surrealism

Angel — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:37:59 +0000

Whisking us away into yet another form of dreamscape is Russian surrealist painter, Vladimir Kush. With whimsical traces of Dali, these paintings are painstakingly drawn to detail, and spur our imagination with their fascinating juxtapositions.

Do also check out Metaphorical Voyage - a video showcasing Kush’s animated work.

Mat Maitland - Mixed Media Designs

Angel — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:09:54 +0000

Mat Maitland, award-winning music Design and Art Direction artist, creates his own dream-like world of luscious fantasy through his amazing mixed media illustrations. What’s more, works of this London-based talent include notable music campaigns for Goldfrapp, Michael Jackson and Beck, amongst others.

We can’t get enough of the exuberant colors aesthetically splashed across his works!

Project Intimacy

Angel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:57:26 +0000

Now you see it, now you don’t.

But wait a minute. Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde could perform his magic the other way round, too. His latest project, Intimacy, involves a clever cross-breeding of technology and garment. What you get is a naughty and clever end-product that could go from white to transparent (and vice versa), allowing for a sensual experience of gradual disclosure, on top of being audaciously fashionable.

All this is made possible by fusing wireless, interactive technologies and smart foils into the garment. This project developed by Studio Roosegaarde and V2_Lab will be further developed through collaborations with haute couture designers, with fashion designer Maartje Dijkstra heralding the first prototype dress for Intimacy.

Think minimalist and futuristic. Now bring on the new decade already!

Emma Watson in Burberry ads

Angel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:36:50 +0000

It seems our darling from the Harry Potter gang is growing up to be a fine young lady. And Burberry definitely seconds that.

The classy ad campaign for Burberry Spring/Summer 2010 collection features Emma Watson, who effortlessly ups the desirability factor of the bags with her charm and poise. What’s more, the youthful vibes in these ads give this classic label an extra edginess that makes even the fashion-conscious teen covet the bags.

Berry nice touch, we say.

Daniel Carlsten - Yummy-looking posters

Angel — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:45:06 +0000

..and welcome back from the new year festivities!

To help us ease into life-on-Earth 2010, here’s a little quirky something, courtesy of Daniel Carlsten. These posters for Stockholm’s Restaurant deVille are fun, fresh, and inject a dose of healthy “haha”s into our suddenly mundane lives.

Simple and pleasing to the eye, these images are good enough to munch on. (Though with our holiday-bingeing, we should probably watch our waistlines instead.)

Hmm yeah. Food for thought!

Albums of the decade

Angel — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:33:26 +0000

With the year (and decade!) fast coming to an end, the blogosphere is massively churning out lists, lists and more lists. Given the huge amount of info overload we face everyday, our huge need to sieve out the clutter and categorize is inevitable, and a brain-saver.

So, suckers as we are for bite-sized summaries to feed our overworked cerebral, we thank the Pitchfork staff for the tons of lists that they have so kindly put together.

And by trying our not-so-artistic hand at piecing together a collage of album art from the past decade (with reference to Pitchfork’s list of Top 200 Albums of the 2000s), we give you aptly-named “Albums of the Decade”.

Anastassia Elias - Art in a roll

Angel — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:54:04 +0000

With individuals getting more environmentally-conscious, and companies racking their brains to go green, eco-trends are gonna keep coming in waves. The savvy inventor knows that.

And to be honest, it doesn’t have to be complicated to impress. Anastassia Elias, illustrator and painter mostly, has created little beautiful worlds inside toilet paper rolls with her deft hands and fantastic imagination. Imagine, the same rolls that we think nothing of dumping could, with some effort, be transformed into something so breathtaking.

We’re sure the trees would approve.

The Barcode Revolution

Angel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:12:43 +0000

Now that we’re post-xmas and pre-NYE, we’re probably not in the mood for anything less than ordinary.

So feast your eyes on these ultra-spunky barcodes! Kudos to the creative design team over at Bar Code Revolution, who has spiced up the boring old zebra stripes with intricate details and eccentric designs.

And the best thing? Designs do not impinge on the original barcode number, which allows for actual scanning of the revolutionized barcode.

Merry Christmas!

Angel — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:06:02 +0000

Hohoho! Here’s wishing you a very merry christmas, ladies and gents! Much love from all of us.

Thomas Nast’s “Merry Old Santa Claus”, Harper’s Weekly, January 1, 1881.

5 Most Fashionable Cities in 2009 (cont.)

Angel — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:10:01 +0000

3. Milan

New York is so 2008, or so they say. Here’s introducing Milan, strutting past NYC to become the new fashion capital of the world. And why not? With global luxury brands like Armani and Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, it has always been a force to be reckoned with. In this year, however, it seems that more people have been associating this city with words like “mode” and ” haute couture”, according to Global Language Monitor, a non-profit group that tracks the frequency of words and phrases on the internet and media.

This festive season: Usher in the new year at Alcatraz, a major music venue in Milan. While it comes with a fee, it promises a splendid night of celebration with champagne and top DJs spinning non-stop great music.

4. Rome

The capital of Italy is more than just home to the many religious monuments and churches. Modern Rome is a cosmopolitan metropolis bursting with energy, and has given birth to major luxury brands like Bulgari and Fendi. While it may not be deemed on par with Milan, we think that a shopping pilgrimage to Rome isn’t a bad idea in any case!

This festive season: Attend the Midnight Mass by the Pope in St Peter’s Basilica, probably the world’s most famous church. Now that’s what we call Christmas Eve, spent right at the heart of Roman Catholicism.

5. New York

Oh yes, how could this fast-paced metropolis ever be left out of any fashionable list?! Its queen-of-fashion status might have been relinquished to Milan (see above), but New York is, well, New York. After all, it’s been reigning tops for fashion for the last 5 years. Fashion remains one of the most outstanding industries in this city, and churns out $1.6 billion in tax revenues, according to New York’s Economic Development Corp.

This festive season: NYE= Celebration @ Times Square! An iconic venue for NYE celebrations, crowds have been flocking down to Times Square for the ultimate countdown experience. This has, over the years, evolved into a global tradition. All eyes are on you now, New York City.

5 Most Fashionable Cities in 2009

Angel — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:47:14 +0000

It seems every fashion authority have something to say about this - but none can agree on which city exudes the most style.

The 5 most fashionable cities across most lists however, appear to be a rather stable mix of the usual suspects.

With the year fast coming to a close, we scour the net for the best, and round it all up for you. In no particular order, we present 5 fashion hubs of the world in two posts.

1. Paris

Haute couture, art nouveau, artistic films tastefully done, women who don’t seem to get fat. That Paris epitomizes chic is indeed a fact widely acknowledged. What’s there not to love about this city with bustling energy combined with rustic charm? And ooh-la-la, the sexy accent. Oh and the mouth-watering desserts. Oh and…

This festive season: Visiting Paris? Okay, hold your purses! Take some time out to enjoy the thousands of trees erected by the Ministry of Parks along its boulevards and throughout its quartiers. Why, 270 fir trees line the Champs-Elysees roundabout alone.

2. London

Best known for its pocket-friendly and trendy high-street stores (yes that includes our darlin’ Topshop), London has come a long way in being a fashion A-lister. Its most famous fashion school, Central Saint Martins, has churned out graduates like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, and we’re sure the talents would keep coming. And of course, with its ever-growing number of shops around, London’s reputation as a shopping capital sure ain’t wavering.

This festive season: Head down to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Entry is free, but you’ll have to pay for admission into the ice rink, said to be the largest in London. And new this year is the Zippo’s Christmas Circus, which takes place under a heated big top.

to be continued…

Le Carré Hermès (The Book)

Angel — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:50:09 +0000

French luxury brand, Hermès, famous for its well-crafted silk scarves, has produced over 2,500 scarf designs since 1937.

And now, scarf lovers, indulge yourselves with Le Carré Hermès: THE must-have book detailing the story behind the Hermès scarf, and a compilation of those enchanting designs that swept many off their feet. With such a rich history behind these scarves, we have no doubt this volume published by Les Editions du Regards would charm carré lovers the world over.

Très chic, non?

Shoe-per holiday!

Angel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:42:27 +0000

With Singapore’s current rainy season (the closest we get to snow), the classic Wellington boot would be all too practical.

But ever since Jimmy Choo’s croc print Hunter Rain Boots met Rachel Bilson’s dainty feet, patterned wellies have been all the rage whether it pours or not.

For something more affordable, take your pick from the eccentric range of Funky Wellies, and rest assured you’re stylishly equipped for a rainy day, and a sunny one too.

For the punk stars out there : Doc Martens to the rescue. For extra rock edge, check out DM’s range of Band Hero boots. Yeah, the same ones that you see in the music video game!

Have a shoe-per holiday!

Andrew Bannecker

Angel — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:33:13 +0000

Christmas is right around the corner, and it’s about time we injected some festivity in here!

For starters, we present Andrew Bannecker’s contemporary spin on the jolly good fella that we know so well. Here’s introducing punk-rock/emo Santa, who probably lost his pot belly squeezing down all those chimneys.

Dig it? Check out some of his other quirky works below:

From cynical…

… to child-like,

he sure knows how to keep us amused.

180g: What is your color?

Angel — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:53:33 +0000

Gone are the days of incessant fashion laments of having nothing to wear! If you’re experimental enough, take the cue from French artist Nicolas Chevallier, who splashes brilliant colors across his sneakers and garments, breathing new life and exuberance into these pieces.

Through his 180g concept, Nicolas has customised an entire range of exciting hues, and worked his magic on some limited edition Nike sneakers, apparels, and acrylics.

So what are you waiting for? Drag those old clothes outta your wardrobe, and do a 180 with them!

Meet Stan and Fred!

Angel — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:47:34 +0000

Splat Stan Coaster

Dead Fred Pen Holder

Okay, so you can’t stop tearing at your hair and you really wanna scream out loud. Your blood pressure keeps skyrocketing and you can’t stop making monkey faces.

Meet Stan and Fred, the only dudes who probably wouldn’t mind you taking it all out on them. Squash Stan with your giant mug full of grievances (or coffee), or stab your bos Fred a zillion times for making your life miserable . Either way, you’re gonna feel alot better - and they won’t even care!

So go on, amuse yourselves. De-stress with these fellas and laugh a little!

24K Pencils

Angel — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:12:15 +0000

Extravagance reaches a whole new level with these hand-crafted, 24K gold-plated pencils.

Brought to us by korean designer Daisung Kim, these sleek pencils are lavished in 99% pure gold.

Hmm… one question though: what’s gonna happen to the shavings?!

Ouch.

Tim Burton @ MoMA

Angel — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:48:10 +0000

Photographer, illustrator, director, producer, writer… the list goes on and on.

Tim Burton, the creative genius behind The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands and countless other cult classics injects some dark humor in the Museum of Modern Art in New York until April 2010.

This amazing exhibition displays a range of his works, spanning across his various career paths (hint: refer to top) and showcasing unrealized projects and some of his earliest works.

I mean, who else does macabre with such flair? Love the cynical humor.

Grizzly Bear - Ready, Able

Angel — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:42:46 +0000

Never underestimate the power of a well put-together music video.

On its own, Grizzly Bear’s “Ready, Able” is a comfortable track off the Veckatimest album, but the psychedelic clay action heightens the lush sensations depicted in the song, and makes you really listen up.

Fresh, original and quirky, this vid is a pretty amazing work of art. The great use of colors and the subtle melancholy throughout add flavor to the track, leaving you in a state of pensive wonder.

And it definitely brings to mind those Play-Doh days.

Asylum Unleashed

Angel — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:10:37 +0000

From delicious looking chocolate bar packaging to happy ‘feel good’ soup can labels, it’s small wonder why Chris Lee, founder of Asylum Creative, was one of four to bag the designer of the year title for the President’s Design Award 2009.

Some of the well-known projects Asylum Creative has taken on include the popular Chocolate Research Facility, Frolick (for some good yogurt), and yes, some wacky notebooks.

Savor these:

Chocoholics, let the feast begin!

Seriously, the packaging is pretty delectable on its own. Makes you wanna collect ‘em all all all!

Let’s ditto the above comment.

Intellectual is the new chic! Check out these witty notebooks (with blank pages in them). Scribble anything you want in there, and noone would dare accuse you of not reading enough! Just make sure they don’t open the books

The Sake Bomb

Angel — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:35:03 +0000

No points for guessing what inspired this product by LA designer Alexander Purcell.

Aptly called the Sake Bomb, this quaint little thing is a neat juxtaposition of the Fugu Fish (Blowfish) and a WW II sea mine.

This bomb, available in four different colors, comes with four little beakers, which perch neatly on the spines. And the best part? Its ceramic finish keeps hot sake hot, and cold sake cold.

What a bombshell.

Florence & the Machine & The xx

Angel — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:44:42 +0000

How lovely is this- an official video to go with a remix!

Florence & the Machine’s cover of The Source’s “You’ve Got the Love” gets The xx treatment, producing the hypothetical soundtrack to a night with the Velvet Underground spinning dubstep.

As if creating this gem of a remix hot off their recent tours together ain’t enough, the two bright, young emerging UK acts put together a video featuring the leggy Florence sans pants. We got the love. Enjoy.

Sailing The Future of Exhibitions

Angel — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:24:28 +0000

With concepts like this one, overcrowding is not even a problem.

Peddle Thorpe Architects has designed a floating exhibition space for Yeosu, Korea for the 2012 World Expo- and it looks like a sea creature itself.

Its streamlined, almost fish-like structure can anchor to a coastline, and then be relatively easily transported to the next destination. Like the emerging country it has been designed for, the conceptual space carries a metaphor of change and new horizons. How clever indeed.

Happy Birthday Billy

Angel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:38:01 +0000

Billy the Bookcase turns 30 this year, and IKEA celebrates with limited edition designs.

The Swedish furniture store’s best selling bookcase, designed by Gillis Lundgren will be released in 3 specially designed variants plus a book on the world’s most versatile bookcase. Ain’t that swell.

The limited edition versions feature Shakespearean Love sonnets, Japanese manga and glass doors respectively. A lovely way to celebrate your 30th, Billy.

Pocket Rocket Revised

Angel — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:02:34 +0000

Word on the street is the revised Lotus Exige will be out next year- not that it needs many revisions.

Expected to be released this fall in the US, the S240 features only minor aerodynamic and styling tweaks. The most noticeable difference is the revised front- it now has larger intakes and a new splitter.

Inside that sexy chassis, the car benefits from technology pulled from the Exige GT3 racing program including variable launch control and variable traction control. Hopefully it gets more power next year.

Growing Peace on Trees

Angel — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:12:41 +0000

Or so it seems- this farmer has been growing pears in the shape of Buddha in is farm.

Apparently, he has been doing it for years, with the help of a trusty plastic mould, which the pear grows into and thus takes shape.

The technique is not new- its the same way square watermelons are growm. However, we have never seen such a creative use of the technology before. This is the way art should be. Ohm.

adi Safari

Angel — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:17:32 +0000

Jeremy Scott presents his Originals by Originals F/W 09 collection, fit for the urban jungle.

The campaign includes this sleek yet quirky and fun video shot by popular photographer/ director Nabil Elderkin.

The models are featured jumping and dancing to “Get It Up’ by MIA and Santigold as backdrops traverse from cartoon prints to the roarin’ safari. The deep tribal feel and hot 90’s colours are sure to bring out the beast in you. Rawr.

Geek Chic

Angel — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:03:12 +0000

This could only be by the Japanese- Star Wars inspired chopsticks.

Modelled after the light saber, these surprisingly sleek instruments come in three colours, blue, red and green.

Now all you geeks have to do is learn how to use them. Stock up on those noodles yeah?

Hoto pe pa pipi pe papi

Angel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:30:59 +0000

Snoopy and Kaela Kimura make a music video- and you will be singing this in your head all weekend.

The Japanese popstar teams up with everyone’s favourite beagle to promote Hot Pepper, a Japanese monthly featuring free coupons. Kimura’s pop scatting and cute moves, combined with the Snoopy gang’s quirky beats make the simple ad so delightful, you want to keep it on repeat.

Apparently, the brand has been making quirky TVCs for some time now, but this one takes the cake.

Another Big Mini

Angel — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:31:26 +0000

Mini celebrates its 50th year with a cool coupe concept .

This model features daring design changes, including quite a different silhouette, which the British brand has barely touched since Alec Issigonis’ original.

Although the same length and width as the hatchback, the coupe lies lower and features an angled rear windshield. Other familiar inclusions are solid grille bars and the front bumper from the Cooper Works model. We would love to see this baby on the road.

Shophouse Surprise

Angel — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:44:51 +0000

Pretty neat, no?

Designed by Ong & Ong, this restored shophouse along Blair Road right here in Singapore features a connecting open air pool cum frangipani garden.

This combined with the Art Deco/ Minimalist look of the narrow space, with details such as whitewashed rooms, built in/ hidden fittings, an aluminum-finished kitchen and an open bath provide a fresh, clean living space behind the old, charming facade. What a nice surprise.

Antony’s Crazy In Love

Angel — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:20:21 +0000

Antony & the Johnsons defines the epitome of the cover song with his divine spin on Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.”

The brilliant singer puts his signature emotive, eerie delivery on the R&B hit, putting deserved focus on the lyrics, bringing out the tension and pain the original has failed to do.

The video gives another dimension to the piece by featuring gripping, hesistant movement and piercing light, sealing the song as a wonderfully thought-out work of expression. This is the true art we love. Watch, and cry:

Calvin Harris Humanthesizes.

Angel — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:31:32 +0000

Calvin Harris is bringing music to the body masses.

The Scottish dance musician teamed up with Sony Music UK and Bare conductive body ink to turn 15 models in bikins into a music making machine. Sights aside, the novel idea does strike as an interesting way to produce synth sounds.

On the other hand, its always nice to have an excuse to slap a girl silly! Watch the video here:

Fresh Air

Angel — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:40:22 +0000

Air reveals themselves in the studio- and a track from their upcoming album!

The revered French duo comprising Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel have posted a video of themselves recording the track titled “Do The Joy” in the studio.

Looking fierce and sounding ever-so-cool, the electronica legends have scheduled to release their fifth studio album, “Love 2″ in early October. Watch here.

Stop Motion Forever

Angel — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:34:24 +0000

By now you must recall the charming stop-motion video of Oren Lavie’s “Her Morning Elegance”, and if not, then definitely Coldplay’s over-the-top “Strawberry Swing.”

Following the trend is Australia’s Target with an ad that features a girl dreaming of colour and clothes and everything bright and cottony as she tosses in bed.

It is a rather pretty video, but would strike more of a chord if there was a clearer storyline as there was in “Her Morning Elegance.” In any case, if this is the advent of a new trend, we welcome it by all means.

Brilliance in B Flat

Angel — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:12:55 +0000

Here’s how the internet has changed the face of music- you can now conduct an orchestra online.

Well, not really, but fairly close. Darren Solomon had 20 people record a track in the key of B Flat, after which he embedded all into a single page. The result is a piece of music that can go on forever without ever sounding the same.

Though notably ambient and lacking in the lower frequency, the concept strikes as a whole new dimension in music making, reminding us that the boundaries are never clear and possibilities endless. Have fun orchestrating this masterpiece!

A Chair Of Mistaken Pride

Angel — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:03:37 +0000

The Peacock Chair sits proudly as a rare piece of furniture of the felt breed.

The chair, designed by New York Studio Dror for Cappellini is constructed by folding and clipping 3 layers of felt to its metal frame.

Using folds to give the relatively weak material body and strength, Dror went a step further by shaping it like one of nature’s most beautiful birds. This modest design speaks volumes.

Crying Lightning

Angel — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:33:36 +0000

Our favourite musical monkeys are back with a new video and alot more hair.

The Artic Monkeys’ “Crying Lightning” features the four lads on a boat in rough waters as Alex Turner sings about the uncontrollably existentialist girl he used to date, helped by the unlikely imagery of sweets.

The song’s stark difference in tone is thanks to producer Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who lends a much darker, muddier sound to the once frenetic, danceable Britpop band. Not that its a bad thing at all. We’re looking forward to the rest of the album.

Design Driven By The Italians

Angel — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:50:01 +0000

Maserati has picked a winner of their competition that celebrates its owners’ garages.

The Italian car brand had earlier launched the competition in collaboration with Architectural Digest to search for the best example of how an owner lives with his object of desire through design.

Winner Holger Schubert houses his Maserati in a minimalist environment where the car becomes the focal point of the room, which also houses a couch, television and small kitchen, bath and library. With its front lined with glass, the room makes up the second storey of his ranch that overlooks Western LA. We love it, but wonder what his wife thinks.

Facebook: Home

Angel — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:34:52 +0000

Facebook has moved into their chic, green Headquarters- which was formerly a labratory facility.

Studio O+A turned the 150, 000 square foot ex-Agilent Technologies facility into an open concept office with a accessible offices, a central cafe and micro kitchens.

The office is certified green, through the extensive use of existing architectural features, recycled millwork, and repurposing industrial components for post-industrial use, an example being their artsy crane table. Look out Google.

Tim Burton’s Wonderful Trailer

Angel — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:22:50 +0000

Tim Burton’s take on the classic story Alice In Wonderland has come a step further with the release of its teaser trailer.

The 1 min 34 second long trailer features newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice chasing the rabbit into that notorious little hole. Down she falls into the world of Tim Burton, who we can always count on for the most beautifully dark palettes and sets.

Our favourite on-screen quirks Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter (yes, in that order) light up the screen with their strange, strange charm and the soundtrack, by none other than Danny Elfman is equally enthralling. Alice in Wonderland opens in the US in March 2010.

Till then, watch the trailer and stay tuned for updates!

Secondly…

Angel — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:22:13 +0000

Yes, that is Jake Gyllenhaal and yes, it is but the Prince of Persia poster.

Jerry Bruckheimer’s latest project looks more Gladiator than Disney and it’s all good. Based on a version of the classic computer game, the film depicts the Prince joining forces with a Princess to fight the evil Nizam who plans to ruin the world.

With its dark, earthy tones and Gyllenhaal’s magnificently built bod and half-covered face, the film is sure to look great. Let’s just hope the story will be just as good.

Back With A BANG!! Sort Of.

Angel — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:21:14 +0000

Hello Boys and Girls. Apologies for the leave of absence. Lumina Live! has just risen from the ashes like the phoenix on our Project Executive’s back. Here are some stories for you.

Firstly, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke debuts a new track on Stereogum.

His heartwrenching take on Miracle Legion’s “All for the Best” is the first track of the compilation album of covers titled Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy- The “Shining Star” in question being the frontman’s wife who passed away suddenly.

Yorke’s signature dark, percussive, electro feel lays the foundation for a mesmerizing though melancholic song, laced with misplaced acoustic beats and noise. Take a listen for yourself.

Jimmy Choo For H&M

Angel — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:44:56 +0000

We kid you not. Vouge.com reports that Jimmy Choo is the latest in high fashion to partner a lower- priced store.

The Malaysian-born brand, famed for its stilettos and large purses, will create a line of shoes, bags and accessories set to arrive in H&M stores this November.

The collection, which features accessories that are both glamourous and accessible, will also include clothing- which will be designed to match the accessories rather than the other way around. Here is yet another reason to covet H&M.

Sweet Sour

Angel — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:23:10 +0000

Talk about creative web technology- Japanese band Sour’s new video will have you in awe.

The video which, according to the band, features participants selected from their international fanbase and is filmed entirely by webcam, showcases techniques never seen before on webcam technology.

The song, which expresses the need for acceptance of diversity is so fittingly presented by the video, where people from different sides of the globe come together and show a little love.

To learn more about the band, which creates simple melodies with a jazz approach, see here. Enjoy!

Street Sweeper Social Club

Angel — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:44:36 +0000

Possibly one of the hottest collaborations this season has an album- and a strange name.

Rage Against The Machine/ Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, and The Coup rapper/ vocalist Boots Riley have announced their project called Street Sweeper Social Club, which also features Stanton Moore (Galactic/ Garage A Trois) on drums.

Their eponymous debut album, produced by Morello is currently on sale as the band tours with Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction. Listen here and see here:

The Demise Of The Fairy Tale

Angel — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:46:59 +0000

For the cynic in you- here’s the ‘real’ deal on fairy tales.

Shot by photographer Dina Goldstein, the series titled “Fallen Princesses” showcases the ‘what ifs’ of famed fairy tales, including Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel among others.

The sinister though quirky series features the damsels in their less than proud moments, for example Rapunzel bald in hospital, and Snow White nursing several kids as her once charming Prince nurses a beer belly. Somehow, these fairy tales are not so different from our reality.

See more here.

Campana Antibodies

Angel — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:30:15 +0000

The Campana Brothers are paid due respect by The Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany.

The retrospective exhibition titled “Antibodies” presents the results of a 20-year collaboration between the duo, who are possibly the most significant contemporary Latin American designers today. On display is everything from their first sculptures up to their interdisciplinary works of today, based on prototypes, experiments and one-off pieces.

This includes designs for international manufacturers of furniture, lighting and home accessories and custom-made one-off objects for the home featuring found materials, idiosyncratic combinations and a surrealistic impression, most straight out of their Sao Paulo studio. The exhibition is ongoing until 28 February 2010. See more.