Swaine Adeney Brigg gets a facelift

Under the new wing of previous Accessories Chief at Alexander McQueen, Dominic Laurelli, comes this new uplifted collection from luxury luggage company Swaine Adeney Brigg. Appealing more to the modern man and woman, the St. James Collection intends to be "synonymous with both traditional English leather goods and contemporary, modern style." Carrying your luggage around need not to be something that looks too classical anymore from Swaine Adeney Brigg, a well-established company from over 250 years. Bringing in young designer Dominic Laurelli, has people rolling up their sleeves eager to invest in a luggage or two, of which Laurelli drew his inspiration from legend fashion designer Coco Chanel, and the understated elegance of the 1920s luxury travel.





via Luxist, gunpowder

Bin Matar House- A Pearl Merchants House restored

A rich history of Bahrain has been reflected yesterday as we saw the opening of the newly restored Bin Mattar House in Muharraq. Under the patronage of HH Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

It is one of latest in the series of projects by Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, sponsored by Arcapita, which focuses on the restoration of traditional Bahraini houses of well-known Bahraini families who had a strong cultural personality, and were part of a large history of Bahrain. The juxtaposition of the traditional Bahraini Architecture with modern design elements, and the long hard efforts of Shaikha Mai bint Mohamed Al Khalifa has made by restoring historical sites like these a place worth visiting, rather than facing demolision and having a part of a rich history of Bahrain gone.

It was designed by well-known Bahraini Architect Mussa bin Hamad and built in 1905.
The house was used in many ways during the years. First, it was used as a permanent majlis by Salman bin Hussein Mattar. In the 1940s, it was used as a clinic by Dr. Bandar Kar, and during the 1950s to the 1980s, it housed the Al Eslah Club. The Bin Mattar family used the upper level of the building until 2002. It later took 18 months to restore this house, extending it with some added amenities.

Now a museum, the Bin Mattar House (Memory of the Place) is reflecting a large history of the pearls of Bahrain. On the ground floor lies displays of pearls, trade implements, historical documents, and photographs of the Bin Mattar Family. While on the upper floor, it focuses on the family, especially Haj Salman Mattar.

The Bin Mattar House will be open to the public from today. The timings are expected to be from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm, except Fridays.

More about bin mattar house, click here

Touches of yellow in the office

Minimalist design, a clean white space with touches of yellow, makes any office space vibrant with energy. Just a touch here and there of a bright color brings freshness to the space and enhances productivity. Not your old dull greyish cubicle in the corner, surrounded by dull colors and plastic plants. No.
N59 Arkitekter designed this new office space for Swedish consultant firm Kapero, by creating the whole space with white clean minimalist designs, with touches of yellow as details. The arrows from Kapero's logo are used throughout the space such as the handles on the cabinets, and patterns on the walls.


via

Preserved in an Iceberg

British artist Mark Quinn explores the relationship between science, nature, and the climate change in his art. His "ICEBERG" collection is a breathtaking collection that says look at me, I bring freshness and beauty in the air, yet it also has another very important message.

These sculpted staturio marble that look like icebergs are cut flat, and inlaid on its tops are semi-precious stones intricately placed by a technique called "Pietra dura". The origin of this technique shows itself in the Medici family workshop and evident in the Taj Mahal.

This artwork isn't just something to stare at and not touch, it is also a functional object. A statement piece that's functional. The highly pigmented semi-precious stones brings a sense of life to the pure white marble with their natural flora and fauna. A contrast in textures and materials. The matte texture of the marble is clashed with the illusional smooth polished surface of the stones. Together, it looks like jeweled flowers are frozen in this rough marble, like a fossil. Preserved in its natural beauty. One can only hope that all this won't be gone from the global warming. Another reason why its important to be aware of our environment and our surroundings.

1.2 Glacier is White marble, black Belgium marble,white Onyx, green Malachite, blue Agate

3. Desk is White marble, green ming, black belgium marble, blue agate, green malachite

4. Bench is White marble, black belgian marble and blue agate

Via

The statement seating that could..

From British Designer Elliot James Barratt comes his SYNC seating system.

" SYNC consists of a number of highly engineered cubes situated on gas springs finished with the client’s preferred material. When appropriate, pressure is applied, and the seat descends to reveal the arms and back rest regardless whether it is the middle or corner cube.

The seating can be arranged in multiple configurations with the least amount of cubes required being four. The minimalist design means it is at home in both larger scale living and design-inspired areas such as public spaces, foyers, hotels etc. The seating system is designed and configured to suit its surroundings. Whether a long line to fit a narrower layout is required or if the piece needs to work round corners of an interior, SYNC’s bespoke design can suit all.

Available with endless upholstery options, Base plate covers available in a range of different finishes and materials, upholstery shown in cowhide with base covers in mirrored steel.

Dimensions per cube 450mm x 450mm x 700mm (at starting height)"

~ From Elliot James Website

Fun isn't it? A great idea for a large lobby area, public space, hotels, conference halls, etc. :)

Check out his website for a fun promo video.

Via elliot james, contemporist

Couture Gloves

With the cold frosty weather, sometimes slipping your hands into comfy gloves isn't desirable due to the style. But wait until you get your hands on these! One look and you can't wait to slip them on.
Beautifully tailored pieces by Mary Beyer brings you back to the era where gloves were an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. The French designer works in her boutique at the Jardins du Palais Royal, Paris. She works with beautifully colored and textured leather, some with interesting details such as ties and cuffs. She also makes couture (made-to-measure) gloves for the Paris' chicest women. The trend has already started in Paris, will you join in?



Mary Beyer, coolhunter

Desire!

A book that's so Beautiful Chaotic, and A new addition to the library, "Desire - The Shape of Things to Come". A 280- colorful page book about the current developments in furniture and object design today. The most influential designs of the 21st Century. Recent works by the most exciting and influential designers worldwide are showcased, categorizing four distinct trends and groups: Modernists, Taletellers, Inventors, and Entertainers.

With design evolving rapidly today, with new technologies, expanded choice of materials, and the practice of luxurious craftsmanship, designers are challenging aesthetic boundaries with a glistering attitude, speculating and unraveling the new expressions of design.


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