Tasty Labeling

As a card carrying beer junkie, I've recently struggled with the lack of quality design on the product labels. For the amount of precision and care within each tasty bottle, one can only wonder what happens when the breweries decide on their rather tasteless label design. Yes, the liquid inside is most important; however, one can't deny how important a great label is for both marketing and overall enjoyment. Luckily, there are a few classic examples like Brooklyn Brewery's "B" and the Sixpoint Craft Ales star that are not only timeless, but altogether simple and unmistakable (Brooklyn's "Local" series is a personal favorite). I've even recently become a fan of Deschutes Brewery's "Reserve Series" and their use of simple text juxtaposed with beautifully-minimalist calligraphy. And just thinking about Dogfish's massive potential (keep the fish...lose the cluttering text) has me ready for a well-crafted afternoon beverage.

Artisan Affairs

In such an economic state, it should come as no surprise that people are turning from their pocketbooks and looking to their hands for inspiration and raw craftsmanship. A recent article in the LA Times highlights Italy's vanishing "arrotini" (knife sharpeners) and the utter disappearance of craftsmen the world over. As dire as it seems, I found hope in Sergion Zoppo discussing his father first opening their shop duing World War II. "The country was restarting and people were trying to find their place again." Anyone seeing a relation to our current state of affairs?












While there's a certain romanticism of past artisans hidden amisdt European cobblestone streets and gas lamps, I find hope and excitement in what's taking place here at home - specifically in Brooklyn. And there just may be something hidden in your own backyard, whether its a master potter or knife maker.

Coachella lives on...and on...and on

According to this interesting NY Times article, this year's Coachella will indeed evolve out of the initial live "zone", moving into a digital realm of unforgettable images, shoddy videos, and countless blogs (guilty).

Luckily, TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek and myself have more in common on day three of Coachella than you might think...

Earth to Design

Just in case you've been hiding under a greenhouse-gassed rock, it is indeed Earth Day. And in honor of all things sustainably stylish, I've posted a few of today's hottest (and thoughtful) projects...

"This Place Matters": What started as a way to save your favorite landmark, has now turned into a full blown movement of saving the unique places that matter to all of us individually. See my "Green"point nominee here.











Waterless (and rather stylish) Urinals: Milan may be in full swing, but Eric Corey Freed's waterless urinals will soon have Southern California (and the rest of the design world) swirling with excitement.

Porsche Posters

Ah yes, if only the great motor-inspired poster design of yore were as easy to stumble upon as it is online. Until that day comes, I'll continue to bask in the serendipity of moments like this morning's discovery of  Erich Strenger and Volz's brilliant Porsche posters.

Wise Words

It's always refreshing to see ad agencies breathing conceptual life into the design world. Leave it to Syndey-based Publicis Mojo to create a series of posters that combine high design with all that is tongue-in-cheek about the industry (including shameless Banksy references). Titled Words to Work By, Mojo Creative Director Micah Walker describes the project as a way to "poke fun at some of the cliches we all come across in the industry." 

Someone's in the Kitchen With Diana

As much as I like to rave about other people's creations, I must say that I'm loving how the latest images from my Diana camera turned out - especially the double-exposure palm-puzzle pic. Enjoy the images and feel free to wonder why the Encinitas Self-Realization center doesn't leave their Christmas lights up year round.

Proof is in Your Pedal

With spring fully in the air (except the rather blizzard-riddled Michigan) there's no better time to think about ditching the car for an ultra-stylish bike and a "greener" peace of mind. True, the first places that often come to mind for such movements are San Francisco and Portland. However, with GOOD Magazine's recent story on the country's most burgeoning bike scenes (who knew people rode bikes in Montreal despite their 4 days of non-frozen weather?), I can only think about what kind of magic is taking place in sleepy towns across the globe...especially with such chic designs from Feiyue (below) and Paul Smith. The weather's fine, and there's no better time to "crank" out your story.

Yes people, it a great life. Cee-lo remixing the original King to make all our Saturday mornings that much better.

Go Ahead, Wear That Band Tee

It's a well known fact that you should never wear a band's t-shirt during the show in which you bought the shirt. Luckily, the daft Frenchies at A.P.C. have stylishly avoided any faux-pas with their limited-edition band tees (available April 15). The small collection will feature three bands - Housse de Racket, Koko Von Napoo, The Teenagers - and will most likely make fashionable appearances on the streets, in catalogues, and at many a summer concert.

And speaking of France...Phoenix is back with a new album (due May 25). Download their latest single "1901" here. I dare you to sit still...