Gadget 4 Girls

Probably one of the areas which will never stop to generate new ideas is the area of furniture! This is because people love furniture! They like it for comfort, they like it for originality and of course they like it to just watch how far human imagination can go.

Loopty Loop Loopita is a concept of sofa that appeared back in January 2007 and until recently it continued to have the statute of 'concept'. Now it's going into production! The design is signed by Victor Aleman who presented this spiral-looking sofa to the 2nd Concourse of Design in Hardwood that took place in Mexico City. So it comes that he took the 1st place at the encounter furniture category! Here I guess the sofa was remembered and then brought to life…

By the way incidental or not a second similar design has appeared! This one is called 'The Therapist' door and is signed by a Belgian designer - Valerie Wilms. It was presented at the MechelenMeubelen 2007 exhibition.

The question "which one of the two sofas is the original one?" still is a dilemma for simple people like me.

Ok but let's go back to the Loopita sofa! This one looks like a twisted, huge warm. It is made of wooden sections (red oak) joint together which gives it elasticity but at the same time stability which only wooden furniture can give. The Loopita is covered with high density foam which makes it extremely comfortable when sitting. I doubt I'd call it an orthopedic bed or a therapist bed, but as a whole it looks comforting. The two opposite ends are provided for a great floor level chaise. You can see on the picture several Loopitas joint together to form interesting modular seating arrangements.

Unfortunately, there are no mentions about the place where it can be bought or the price it will cost. But I guess it will very affordable! So, hey you - the ones who are more informed on the matter - go on, leave some comment with the information about the place and price!

Posted by Natalie at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is not actually an advertising review of a bar! I just wanted to share impressions on a really gorgeous place I have the chance to visit in Stockholm. Still, for those who want to see it by themselves know that it is situated in the in central Stockholm, intimate 65 sqm bar. The bar is pretty small having only 5 tables, but the great thing about it that it is open day and night. As I assumed it is not designed for sitting as it has a vast space for dancing.

But let's get back to the issue I liked the most in this bar and the cause I started to write about it. The Ceiling! This is first you see and admire upon entering the bar! The endless mirror bubbles come over the entire ceiling making it look like a fairy dream. They look like huge drops of water that are ready to drop just any second.

Beside the romantic part about this ceiling there is a "practical" one too. The mirror bubbles allow you spying on everyone else. An activity that seam to be more of a men's pleasure! :-)) So, ladies, be careful you are spied on while serving your cocktails! I bet men would like the floor to be of the same design.

The mirror walls are an organic continuation of the mirror ceiling. Together they create an illusion of infinity and trippy kaleidoscopic effects. Even the bathroom comes to complete the picture – strands of fiber optical threads are reflected on the ceiling and walls, creating an endless sea of illuminated grass.

I guess the main purpose of the designers was to show an organic and playful combination of glass, mirror and light. I think it is not accidentally that the Electric Dreams is the actual designer of the project. The graphics, the exterior glass illustrations, and the urban forest wallpaper were made by specialists at dizelsate.com.

I have to mention that the bar contains a lot of design elements known to the entire world. Such as, Joel Degermark's Cluster Lamps for Moooi which are placed above each table, each with a different set-up of light bulbs. You'll also find that the wall framing the bar interior forms a graphic element as well as a bottle stand. The vintage wooden chairs are the less fragile elements of the design. They are coated with glossy black lacquer.

This is what I was surprised of this week – something really out of my expectations!

Posted by Natalie at 01:16 PM | Permalink

Here is a quite interesting concept of Katharina Ludwig – Ice Jewelery! It comes to continue the Series of Temporary Jewelery Concept, Soap Jewelery being one to equal Ice Jewelery and to rise specific interest.

While Soap Jewelery Concept appeared inspired by the gestures of washing, Ice Jewelery Concept emphasizes the water value to human existence. The designer's idea is to contrast warmth of the human body and coldness of ice.

Just the same way Soap Jewelery dissolves while cleaning yourself, Ice Jewelery melts down to delight your skin. This is where your body warmth comes to destroy the beauty expressing the supreme energy it possesses by melting the ice.

Ice Jewelery Collection includes earrings, rings, necklaces, etc. They vary in shape and design. Cubs, cup-like, oval shapes are characteristic. Also, Katharina Ludwig doesn't make quite big difference among the jewelry she uses – she combines gold and ice, silver and ice, other metals are used too. Some of the pieces are designed to catch the remaining drops of water, others allow the ice to melt directly onto the wearer.

Of course, every time the jewelery melts it will have to be recreated. Thus you can try to be the designer of your own jewelery.

The idea of melting jewelery is very sensual, but I doubt any of us would wear some at a banquet or an important meeting. This is more appropriate for a romantic date (preferably at home so that your dress wouldn't get wet in public).

Ice Jewelery Concept is very attractive because of its ephemeric existence... What if you want to keep it permanent? My idea is to replace ice with some transparent material that can give the illusion of ice! That way you'd keep the shape of your jewelery, you won't get wet and you'll be irresistible. Good luck girls! Be irresistible.

Posted by Natalie at 05:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's a known thing that people's laziness is the main generator of progress! So many inventions are due to the fact that people have no time and desire to do something 'elementary'. I believe remote control is one of the greatest inventions resulting from human laziness and desire to control everything within range.

Lantic Systems Delivers has combined two of the peoples tendencies – tendency to control and tendency to luxury – by creating the Most Expensive Remote Control in the World. This Danish hi-tech manufacturer specializes in developing individual subsystems covering entertainment, surveillance, lighting and electronics control. Lantic Systems presented the Gold RC1 Remote Control at The Worlds Biggest Marine Equipment Trade Show at METS 2007 in Amsterdam, Holland.

So they designed a remote control in pure gold which is supposed to be of a great 'entertainment' to people! I doubt it deeply knowing that it can be purchased on the market at a price of $ 55.000. Compare it to a standard remote control retailing from about $ 1050! Maybe some people can afford it, in case we speak of Bill Gates,Warren Buffett, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, and several other rich men on the planet.

Let's get back to the Remote Control! One of the Lantic Systems mottoes is "Quality that suits your style of living"! I must say that though the Golden Remote Control might be a really qualitative piece, its design doesn't seam to surprise. The design is pretty simple: sleek round form, metallic finish and familiar buttons. It offers control over TV/Video/DVD, Music/CD, Internet, E-mail, CCTV, burglary alarm, air-conditioning, lights, curtains, and surveillance of navigation systems, etc.

For the ones interested Lantic Systems already delivers the Gold Remote Control starting with December 2007. Let me tell you that the first orders have already been received.

Posted by Natalie at 03:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It seams to me that lately the very trend is to own any gadget that bears the Apple logo or the "i" meme. People are just crazy about it and designers take advantage of the mass addition! Why not, if this satisfies both parts? :)

The millions of Apple fans will certainly enjoy the iLight Fashlight, but the truth is that the very concept doesn't actually belong to Apple. Behind this fancy looking gizmo stands the designer Miyoshimasato (sounds Japanese). Why all crazy and innovative things are made by as a rule by Japanese? The design seams pretty simple and austere. Besides the features are not something unknown to the market.

How it works? A touch interface with multiple inputs makes it a typical Apple 'piece'. You can easily turns on the light with a single touch. Then, tap it again and the light turns off. You also can increase or decrease the luminance, flicking your finger forwards and backwards. Use double tap to lock it and to prevent it from turning on accidentally. Watch the Apple logo! It indicates the battery status. This flashlight do not use replaceable battery, instead it recharges via USB. What I liked about this flashlight was the fact that a single tap on the Apple logo turns on the emergency light ‘HELP’ in morse code.

Features:

1. Slender, slim profile
2. Smooth light output
3. Touch control
4. No AA, or any others batteries, it is powered by USB
5. DMX 512 controller controllability
6. Designed for both interior use
7. Energy-efficient technology

I must say it reminds me of iLight Technologies creation that offers accent lighting solutions. It is based on the latest LED-technology to solve lighting challenges in new ways. This is a compromise between technology and design. They are also used straight of field bent, the only difference is that they are available in three temperatures of whites or seven vibrant colors.

This "Apple looking product" (due to the slim slick body, lack of any switches and buttons) will probably never get into the mass production! (This is my opinion.) But it will probably make a fine design accessory for any hi-tech decorated room.

Posted by Natalie at 03:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you already have a personal strategy of saving or spending money? Well, if not get a personal assistant! Namely a product that promised to solve the portable-storage problem once and for all. Let me introduce you the Handheld Digital Wallet by Veronica Vail.

Call it a planner, an organizer, a manager – what ever you want. This handheld digital wallet is actually an efficient aid in financial planning.

It is able to track your earning and spending which makes it possible to manage the very strategy of saving or spending. Besides, you can monitor your account(s), track your investments and make payments right from the device. The Digital Henddeld Wallet houses a universal payment card. So you are the one enabled to easily make payments anywhere. The device is equipped with a security system that requires finger print identification in case you want to access financial information and make any payments or investments.

Advantages (seen with a naked eye):

• no need of cash, checks and credit cards
• you are protected against losing cash, credit card forgery
• no bank trips

So how exactly would you like your digital wallet? Let's say it should be:
Extensible. This means it should be able to manage all of your payment instruments, and be inter-operate with multiple payment protocols.
Client-Driven. Which means your digital wallet can't be invoked by vendors. You as a client are the only one to invoke your digital wallet. Otherwise it will seem like someone reaches for your 'physical' wallet in your pocket.
Generalized. The interfaces should be easy to use regardless of the financial operation you are involved in. This also means that your digital wallet should have an up-to-date software that updates one in a while keeping pace with the latest payment instruments. Besides, your digital wallet should conform to different environments (devices, browsers, etc.).

If this handheld wallet pleases you with its specs, then make your choice!

PS. The only one dream would be to get an alarm system or an electrical discharge (like an invisible fence for dogs) whenever I overspend! :)

Posted by Natalie at 03:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you lately thought of a comfortable and relaxing daybed? Something that will brake all the designing standards and traditions... something that is plain enough to be genial and unusual. Watch it here! Maybe the Danish and Arab Daybed from Dekka is the very embodiment of your dream.

Though, conceptually it features a totally new approach, this daybed still is made in keeping with the best design traditions of top level furniture. The roots of the Dekka's daybed go deep into Arabic traditions where asymmetrical shapes made up the very harmony. Here the asymmetry is represented by the irregular hexagon cells. The Danish influence is seen in the 'melted'' angles of the hexagons.

I find the design very interesting first of all because it is controversial. Here you'll find a soft and spongy fabric used along with polished aluminum frames (looking almost like some grating or grill). Also I was surprised about the fact that the piece combines handwork (padding is hand made by Heidi) and industrial processing at the same time.

Unlike many of the furniture concepts this daybed looks extremely minimalistic and aesthetic while providing perfect functionality and comfort. The designer (FurnID) was successful in designing an exclusive masterpiece of furniture that after all succeeds to stay artistic. It is actually a gadget for which your back will deeply thank you!

It is enough to mention that the Dekka daybed won "Bo Bedre’s Furniture Award 2007" at the Copenhagen International Furniture Fair. This piece of furniture was estimated to US $48,182 (EUR 34,000). The question is: are you ready to pay this money for the thing? I'd say the concept deserves the money, my purse would say it can't afford it.

Posted by Natalie at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Got bored of the transparent, symmetrical vases? Tired of guessing how much water you flower needs? Let me share my delight about a great piece of invention.

Some smart guys have created a vase which takes different positions in relation to the surface it stands on. The position depends on the quantity of water the vase contains! So, when the vase tends to bound to the ground it means that your flower needs water, if it stays straight upward (sits at a 30-degree angle) then it is filled. (I wonder if it is going to fall down if all the water evaporates. It worths experimenting.)

The very vase is made of handcrafted pewter, and is perfectly balanced to make it lie down and get back to the initial position without falling. I actually haven't seen a greater visual cue to indicate when you need to add water or to keep you from overwatering your plants.

The first thing I was amazed of, when learning about this vase, was the fact that the designers who projected this vase are actually MEN! Gosh girls, are we to let men solve all our dilemmas? Well, after all it's not a bad idea at all :)! Talking about the designers, David Sweeney, Jeff Virangkabutra and Michael Korn, are their names.

The second thing that pleasantly surprised me, was the totally asymmetrical and original shape of the vase. Sharp and round shapes are perfectly combined to form a masterpiece! Besides, the metallic color is also something uncommon for vases. The color combined with the shape gives a really cosmic style to this art piece.

And lastly, we must admit it, the vase is splendid and functional! So, if you are one of those who can't keep disciplined about watering the flowers, an invention like this one can be really helpful.

Posted by Natalie at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Swarovski Morpheus Chandelier is a true masterpiece! I'd even say that it is the culmination of the Swarovski Chandelier Series. The great idea is that it makes a designer out of you! How? Quite simple, it allows the viewer shape his/her own chandelier out of the light reflections it creates.

For soul:The light reflections play an imaginary game with each of the viewer! While you move it changes its appearance. You may see a circle, which in a second turns into a square, then a couple of seconds latter it makes on an infinity sign. All this happens very smoothly, almost unobserved, and if you are watchful enough your eyes will catch the shapes between. Very much like a kaleidoscope!

The most striking is that the optical illusion it creates, dims the edges of the real shape, which finally make you feel like you have a light film of fog or a cloud hanging out there on your celling.

I can't even decide which one of the Swarovski chandeliers I like the most - Swarovski Nest Chandelier for its totally overwhelming shape, or Swarovski Morpheus Chandelier for its impressive effects.

Technically: The Swarovski Morpheus Chandelier features permutations of ten-foot diameter and 16,000 crystals reflecting Morpheus light. This striking construction works due to the use of servo-motors and lead cables applying pressure to a flexible spring steel assembly. There are six motors arranged in a star configuration. The motors are attached to six points on the perimeter that pull to create the shape of the chandelier. (Sounds alien!!! But it's worth knowing).

By the way, the designer who got this crazy and at the same time striking idea is Yves Behar. Remember this name, because my feeling is that he will surprise us again! Waiting for some ideas that won't let us indifferent!

Posted by Natalie at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How often do you test some devices on yourself? I bet the answer is NEVER. Because I'm just like all of you there. I don't have the bad habit to experiment when I'm not into the subject.

Lately, I have got into some vibration therapy (with a Body Beautifying Device) which is being promoted as a fitness thing for able-bodied people. Though it sounds like a really new thing it proves to be a very old therapeutic practice.

It comes that manual vibration treatment was applied to the human body from ancient times. Hindoos, and Brahmins are thought path breakers on the subject. Then followed Chinese and Greeks who probably got their knowledge from the Hindoos.

What really amazes me is the fact that it doesn't have only the effect of loosing weight as it is usually promoted in the modern world! It does far more if correctly applied. Today, the treatment based on vibration can solve nerve problems; massages organs; revitalizes muscles; etc. I've even read about the influences of the vibra-massage traveling from front to back (smart: direction of the sinus longitudinalis and of the sinus transversalis), which due to nerve frictions and vibrations successfully treat diseases of the central nervous system.

The massager I use (photo) promotes mechanical vibra-massage, which means there is no any chemical, thermal, or electrical vibration involvement. It comes naturally without additional efforts and useless movements. All you have to do is to stand on the massage plate, choose the right mode and listen to music (which syncs with the vibration modes).

I need to be honest! I took this device for the purpose of losing weight and keeping it off ...but the vibration massage proved to be far more efficient in enhancing my body state entirely, complexly. When I figured out the idea, I realized that it is not always about Body Beautifying only, it is about health too!

Oh, and its funny to feel your legs, waist, abdomen and buttocks vibrating! It's like you are turned inside out. You feel all your muscles, organs, ...everything moving in unison and obeying some unknown power.

The best way to make it work is to listen to your body! It will tell you which of the modes to choose to make it efficient. The built-in microcomputer will help you adjust the intensity (500t/m), speed (20 levels) and degree (8 degrees) of the movement. The control panel is quite easy to operate and has membrane buttons and bright display.

Such a device holds up to 150 kg, so you should not be concerned about the ability of the foot-plate to work your body. Besides, such massagers as mine are usually provided with anti slip hand grips which you may use until you fill comfortable with the 'shaking earth'. You can also set the timer from 1 to 10 minutes of working time. Add here – low power consumption, low level of noise and environment friendly materials -- and you'll get a perfect massager for home use.

Posted by Natalie at 04:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)