Urban Modernist

Natural Sea Sponge

Jason Robert Black — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:44:06 +0000

Kiehls Lip Balm #1

Jason Robert Black — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:11:41 +0000

There is something about Kiehls packaging and labels that is attractive, and most of their products live up to those standards. The lip balm is one of those and is a must have any time of year.

Ovopur Water filtration

Jason Robert Black — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:03:01 +0000

Porcelain water filtration tower by Aquaova.

POSA – David Chipperfield for B&B Italia

Jason Robert Black — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:04:12 +0000

David Chipperfield architects for B&B Italia.

LED lamp by Michael Young for Wästberg

Jason Robert Black — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:39:30 +0000

Swedish brand Wästberg will launch a table lamp by designer Michael Young.

“Inspired by new factories I have discovered over the last years in Asia. I found a number of technologies that I believe have enabled me to create some freshness and unique functions. The arm of this design is simple, extruded and then stamped a process unique from the bicycle industry that offers fresh context to the design market. The star shape stem pivots its way through 6 positions around a 360-degree axis. It is certainly an engineered product inspired by my passions with industrial process and production innovation.” Michael Young

Simplicity Super Studio – Suiteki (water droplet pourer)

Jason Robert Black — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:35:55 +0000

Some of my favorite pottery and tableware is from a place in Tokyo called Simplicity. The first place I saw their items was in their restaurant in Nakameguro called Higashi-yama, where they use all their own items for the restaurant. Recently they opened up a shop in Meguro but you can also find the items at their sweet shop called Higashi-ya which is also great. One of my favorites is this bronze pourer that’s ideal for using shoyu.

Nagisa Oshima’s – Empire of Passion (Ai no borei)

Jason Robert Black — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:59:08 +0000

New Criterion Collection version of Nagisa Oshima’s nightmarish and poetic 1978 Japanese ghost story Empire of Passion.

LADURÉE Macaroons

Jason Robert Black — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:22:55 +0000

These small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, are the most famous creation of Ladurée. The way of making them has never changed since that time, and are made every morning. The pastry chefs measure out very precisely the required amounts of almonds, eggs and sugar. Once cooked and filled, the macaroons are put to one side for 2 days before going on sale, the time it takes to achieve a perfect balance between texture and flavour.

With each new season, Ladurée pays tribute to its most famous creation by creating a new flavour.

BDDW – NIXIE clock’s

Jason Robert Black — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:25:45 +0000

Nixie tubes were originally developed in 1952 as the precursor to the computer monitor. The name “Numerical Indicator experimental: NIX-i” was first a working acronym belonging to the Burroughs company but became the common name for these readouts. From the early 1950’s to the 1970’s Nixie tubes were the dominant display service. Later they were supplanted by LED displays and are quite rare now.

BDDW known for there handmade American style furniture makes beautiful and interesting items with these rare displays.

Left – Nixie desk clock, Silver Plated Bronze Exterior with Digital Nixie Tubes
Right – Bronze nixie Grandfather clock – Bronze or Wood Exterior with Digital Nixie Tubes

Hans Wegner’s – Shell Chair

Jason Robert Black — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:27:00 +0000

The three legged Shell Chair was designed by Danish modernist designer Hans Wegner. Crafted from solid oak, it has a padded seat and back covered in a suede-like fabric.

E27 Silicon Light – Mattias Ståhlbom for Muuto

Jason Robert Black — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:21:01 +0000

Sometimes it’s nice to have a perfectly round oversized naked bulb hanging around. The problem with the ordinary hardware store variety of the sockets leaves something to be desired in style, often clunky and cheapish. Try the E27 light, it’s simple and elegant design will make it a favorite for a long time to come. And if you’re in Europe stock up on some large beautiful incandescent lights, sadly the EU has banned them and you will not be able to buy them next year.

Skeppshult bike from Sweden

Jason Robert Black — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:15:47 +0000

I think that bikes are the ideal way to explore cities while covering more ground than walking; it’s just so pleasant and relaxing to wander thought cities on a good bike. And now I’m back in Tokyo, and think that it’s a perfect city to bike in; wide sidewalks and plenty of small winding streets to explore make Tokyo perfect, and my preferred mode would be a Skeppshult from Sweden, well made and a quintessential classic beauty.

Green Irish Tweed – Creed

Jason Robert Black — Mon, 11 May 2009 06:48:12 +0000

Originally created as a bespoke fragrance for Cary Grant, this scent was released to the public by the House of Creed in 1985. The scent has been worn by Prince Charles, Robert Redford, Michael Douglas, George Clooney, and the list goes on. Notes of Lemon, Verbena, Iris, Violet Leaves, Mysore Sandalwood, Ambergris, compose this elegant and charming scent.

“One” Kettle – Vessel Ideation

Jason Robert Black — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:39:39 +0000

Definitly the coolest looking kettle I have seen. Simple shape and the pattern becomes blue once the water has boiled. Not in production as of yet…

Caran d’Ache Metal Red Ballpoint Pen

Jason Robert Black — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:35:33 +0000

While living in Genève I was at the post office mailing a package, I didn’t have a pen on me so I grabbed one off the wall with all the other supplies, after opening the package I instantly felt the sturdiness of the construction, I placed my thumb on the clicker pressed down… I was in love, the smoothness and simplicity of the clicker was not like anything I had ever experienced in a pen. I couldn’t stop clicking, I walked home and clicked the whole way, I told everyone I knew about my discovery and knew this was the pen I would use the rest of my life. Although I have had to replace that pen fifteen times, I still buy the same Swiss red and blue ink and carry it around with me everywhere along with a muji notebook. It’s made by high end pen maker Caran d’Ache so the ink is superb, but this a simple pen… solid, functional, beautiful.

Cedric Ragot – Fast Vase

Jason Robert Black — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:43:09 +0000

At last porcelain with a little movement, from Rosenthal’s studio line.

Sferification Kits by Albert & Ferran Adria

Jason Robert Black — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:31:39 +0000

If you have always dreamed of created the absurd concoctions like Ferran Adria of one of world’s best restaurants El Bulli, then now is your chance to play with molecular gastronomy at home with Ferran Adrias starter kit into food chemistry, complete with powders and equipment for you to experiment with. Make sure to check out the how to videos on the Adria’s website.

Loft Chair – Shelly Shelly

Jason Robert Black — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:00:50 +0000

This Shelly Shelly designed chair is modern elegance.

Band of Outsiders Tie

Jason Robert Black — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:18:35 +0000

If you have never heard of Band of Outsiders start with one of their ties.

CDT Universal Scissors

Jason Robert Black — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:21:38 +0000

Brushed stainless steel scissors that will make a perfect companion to your new Dordoni Table. Craft Design Technology (CDT) is a Japanese company that’s in tune with today’s design culture.