The Accidental Curator

Studio 5050

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I first read about Studio 5050 in WWD and how they make clothes that blend technology with fashion I was ecstatic. I have long been a advocate for ”smart” textiles and clothing and have long wondered why Hussein Chalayan remained a lone wolf on the runway with his animatronic fashion. Isn’t it 2008…shouldn’t clothes address a variety of needs and adapt to our current, increasingly urban landscape? Studio 5050 feels the same way, pictured is a “Masai Dress” that plays music when the wearer moves, an “Embrace Me” sweater that lights up when a loved one hugs you and a “Temprature Sweater” that displays the temperature. What’s next…flying cars?

http://www.5050ltd.com

 

Rose and Radish

Rose and Radish is a true gem in the Bay Area, this hip yet elegant boutique in San Francisco offers a well edited collection of flowers and unusual housewares. the owner Cate Kellison and store manager Jill Pilotte are very active the arts community and offer an outlet for smaller designers and artisans to display their works,and because the inventory changes every three months it allows the store to always remain fresh and of the moment. http://www.roseandradish.com/

Dragonfly kites by Petit Pan crafted in Paris $33

 

 

 

 

Mushroom Lamp by Heico crafted in Germany $110

Blown Up Frosted Sheep Light
by Thelermont Hupton crafted in the United Kingdom $385

 

French Dot Wallpaper created by world

renowned artist Nama Rococo
$220 for a 38"h x 24.5"w piece

 

 

Watering Can by Zack crafted in Germany $123

Eggling Herb Garden by Noted crafted in Japan $11

Feeling Bearish

With 2008 we see the transition from stag heads to…well…bear heads, and floral ones at that. No it’s not homage to the Grateful Dead; merely the continued fascination for vegan friendly trophy walls, a trend that continues to resonate with urban dwellers and goes well with the renewed interest in baroque inspired interiors.

http://store.roseandradish.com/product-exec/product_id/1862/nm/Something

Etsy Bitsy

There are few things in the world that I’m more obsessed about than the social shopping site Etsy. Because everything is handmade or vintage it’s a good way to show support for Indie artisans and ensures that anything you buy will be a one of a kind. So, to get you started with your every own Etsy fixation I put together a small guide of my favorite sellers;  just sit back, relax, fire up your pay pal accounts and let the Etsy madness begin.

Yellena creates beautiful drawings and paintings that have an abstract yet graceful underwater feel about them http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5066099 http://www.yellena.com/

Channel from Junkprints is a fashionista extraordinaire based out of Brooklyn. Part vintage curator and part seamstress channel combines unusual fabrics with found materials to create brilliant hoodies, tops and accessories. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5170554&section_id=5107178  http://junkprints.com/
 

Jewelry designer Ragtrader creates all types of affordable and attractive wears, from rings to hair accessories, but it’s really her necklaces that stand out. I like this winged tiger necklace…very rock ‘n roll. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5099826 

 

Jef designs is a one man company based out of Portland, Oregon that creates these beautiful paintings on wood, paper and lightboxes. This internationally recognized artist strives to create a space that “evokes balance, purpose, order and harmony”. His work reminds me of the fluidity of the ocean (sense a theme). http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=105671 

 

 

Mad hatter, Boring Sydney, creates custom made hats that have a flair for the dramatic. Each hat comes in a hand stitched storage bag with a retro closure. So if you’re planning a trip to the races or just need to keep your noggin warm, check out this indie millinery. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5007565

 

RKM Studios, based out of Chicago, designs these beautiful hanging glass art pieces. His collection is largely abstract, mostly referencing nature or planetary movements. His work runs anywhere from $50 to $1,000, so there is something for everybody. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5074043

 

 

Vintage online super store, blue bell bazaar, is the perfect stop for designer Chachkes. Adorable stuff at great prices adds a retro flair to anyone’s home without having to shell out the big bucks. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5034485

 

Take off your clothes, no really… that’s the name of this avant-garde clothing company based out of Austin, Texas. Half eighties revival and half krump- alicious this group of designers create fashionable stuff that’s actually good enough to wear…somewhere. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=55025

 

 

Modern Medusa

 

Slither up with these golden serpent nail rings, new from the serpent centric collection just launched by jewelry designer Bijules. I love their sexy/ tough quality; it’s sort of like a cross between catwoman and brass knuckles.

http://www.bijulesnyc.com/

Hokey Spokes

Holy spokes! Go ahead...light up the neighborhood...Hokey Spokes manufactures these animated blades that easily attach to your bikes existing spokes. Once fitted just start peddling, the spinning action of the bikes spokes initiates the computer in the blades, this modulates the LED lights and viola psychedelic patterns and text on your very own tires. Burning Man here I come!

http://www.hokeyspokes.com/