Couldn't resist re-posting these fabulous, colourful, clever, unexpected and limited edition tents from Field Candy. Made in the UK, these canvas creations are the result of creative collaborations with some big hitters on the world design stage. If you're going to Glastonbury, Badminton or Blenheim then I guess this is one way to find your camping spot in a sea of sameness. Via The Coolhunter.
Studio Equator has contemporized the dry cleaning and formal hire category. Am loving the freshly pressed new design they have delivered at Westfield Fountain Gate. Again, thanks to Carlos and the SE crew for the pics. Via StudioEquator. Photography by Anne-Sophie Poirier.
Loving the look of Studio Equator's comprehensive brand story and store design for a grilled steak sandwich bar in inner Melbourne. I am a sucker for screen printed ply and a brand having more than a passing try. It's quirky, fun and friendly. You can read more about it on Studio Equator's blog (big thank you to Carlos and the SE crew for the pics) or just go and have a grilled sandwich the Philly way at Pats. You can find Pat at 338 Bridge Road Richmond Melbourne.
Kengo Kuma's signature slick stick style repositions Starbucks into a new stratosphere. Not sure I would love to be the staff members assigned the dusting duties, but from a drama perspective it beats the competition with more than one big stick. Click to see another of Kuma's projects previously featured by POD. Via The Contemporist
A clever Converse brand conversation happening whilst the store was under construction at Melbourne Central. Love the look now the hoarding is down too!
Little people made from tape tell you which door you need to disappear behind (love the fragile tape for the female loos - hilarious). So many retailers/restaurateurs seem to scrimp on the bathrooms. Not so at Venn where a lovely bathroom awaits when you push open the door.
Jeroen Verhoeven's rather stunning chandelier is powered by sapphire-blue solar panel cells cut into the shape of butterflies. Self sustaining, it absorbs the energy of daylight to fuel its own illumination.
Why butterflies? Well, physically these delicate insects also power their own bodies, using their wings to absorb the rays of the sun, in turn raising and sustaining their own body temperatures to that which is necessary for their survival. Like butterflies, Jeroen is one smart sustainable cookie... I think I want one of these.
Design house, Demakersvan, took inspiration from Dutch lace makers to turn the humble cyclone wire fence into works of art.
Sometimes I wonder if I need a cane in addition to my glasses? Apparently this bookstore has been open for 15 months and can be found right around the corner from where I lived for over 20 years. The Brotherhood of St Lawrence had a backlog of books in their donations warehouse and spotted a niche opportunity. They own the building so closed down the general 'op shop' offer and re-opened with a specialised concept and v. cool fit out to shift their second hand books. Prices range from $1 to $7 with a sprinkling of rare books at more relevant prices. If you can't make it to 215 Glenferrie Rd Malvern then you can buy on-line (we all know Op Shops are hip and they have reinvented themselves in recent years but this one takes the category to another level). DEA Interiors did the design ... and what a nice job they've made of it (love the central tree structure). The super nice lady behind the counter on Saturday was so helpful and seriously passionate about her product. Vote with your feet, or mouse, and support this fab social enterprise. It's right next door to Grill'd.
Golly the GOMA is good. I flew up from Melbourne last year to see the Valentino Exhibition (simply stunning... and well worth a plane ride). I popped in to see the Surrealism show from Paris' Pompidou last weekend. I was taken in by the rather fluid and beautiful hand washing projection by Taiwanese artist, Charwei Tsai (you have to go to the ladies loos to see it on the sink tho').
