I came across this Thing in Tokyo last October. DO is a wonderful gallery shop on the second floor of the Claska www.claska.com. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but there are nice furniture shops you can browse on the way including www.karf.co.jp. If you get peckish, you must try http://haradonuts.jp!
Paper tableware is destined to serve its purpose only once – and Wasara is no exception. That said, Wasara ware is designed with a minimal environmental footprint in mind, thanks to the use of reed pulp, bamboo and baggasse (sugarcane waste).
The Thing I like: the Kaku plate has thought-through yet simple lines that sit perfectly in the hand.
An embroidered napkin from grandma reminded me of the fine tradition of personalised linen. Napkins displaying a monogram, name or word make lovely gifts and can be ordered from me. The napkins are made from 100% pure linen and are embroidered in Zurich.
The Thing I like: an old tradition in a new style…
I received the prototype samples of my knitwear today. Yay! They were manufactured on wonderful Swiss knitting machines dating from the early 1910/1920s, which were sourced and restored back to their former glory by Werner and Mr. Eichenberger – I’ll tell you the whole story later. First let me enjoy these children’s blankets, which my mum sewed together by hand (danke tausig!) – I’m also looking forward to designing woollen caps and scarves and a whole lot more. The Blankets can be ordered from me or can be purchased at my booth in Leipzig at the Designers’ Open.
The Thing I like: LANG yarn from Switzerland knitted on Swiss machines in a little village between Zurich and Basel.
In blog #7 I forgot to mention my morning coffee, which I get from www.stumptowncoffee.com right next to the Ace Hotel, where I’m served by four superb baristas. It’s worth queuing – the views are great… The Ace lobby offers wireless internet and comfy sofas so you start your day as you mean to carry on, and there’s a great atmosphere here in the evenings as you wind down and sip your drink. My budget didn’t stretch to a room here, so I bought some souvenirs instead… a laundry bag and a poetic shawl.
The MIH watch is a miracle of know-how, technology and design. That said, it’s the opposite of brash – there’s nothing to give away what’s inside the case. The MIH is a voyage of discovery. I like that.
My good friend Kevin Blanc www.kevinblanc.com bought himself one some time ago, and it’s because he did that I met Christian, I bought my ilmias and I’m now writing this blog.
By way of an opener, ilmia and friends go on a road trip to Leipzig – to the Designers’ Open 2010.
Alongside the ilmias, the bags are full of MIH, Holundria, PETER MÜLLER, Wald-Haus, Indiana, Andreas Saxer Designworks and Lea Montini’s things. I’m looking forward to presenting my friends and telling you all about the Designers’ Open.
The first Thing you need when you’re starting up: personalised business cards…
Thanks to its special technology, MOO allows you to print a different image on every pack’s worth of cards or stickers. I decided to up my green credentials by using 100% recycled/recyclable biodegradable business cards manufactured using wind power and free from harmful chemicals. The card feels great and the print is perfect.
The Thing I like: I used the MOO technology to number each of my card.
…to my blog. A great restaurant, a store in Brooklyn and well-fitting trainers are the three things that prompted me to start my collection and tell their stories.
I like objects and places that have been created with quality and authenticity in mind – and realised with care. Above all, these are things that make me smile.
I hope you enjoy.