Design Inspirations

Gaudi's Casa Batiló in Barcelona

Tjep's Recession Chair at Ventura Lambrate 

Appointment Board at Warby Parker in New York

I've been on the road traveling to be with family.  Not necessarily glamorous travel, but the best kind of travel.  Downtime in numerous airports had me on Pinterest or following news feeds and websites that I like to visit.  These are a few of my favorites.

Casa Batiló, designed by Antonia Gaudi, was initially a private residence for textile industrialist, Josep Batiló.  Located in Barcelona, it took over two years to build and has become an iconic symbol for the city. Today, it's a museum and public space available for events.  Having visited it on one of my trips to this city, it is as spectacular as it looks.  Certainly worth some time if you happen to be headed that way.

Tiep, a collaborative design studio in Amsterdam, whose mission is to "add energy and optimism to the world",  presented the chair that you see at the recent Ventura Lambrate design show.  The show held every April in Milan, showcases what the industry considers to be the best and most creative design for the upcoming year.  This chair, reminding me of a Giacometti sculpture does just that.  And, you just have to love a company with such an inspiring underlying philosophy.

Warby Parker is changing the way we "see" things when it comes to eye wear.  I love their revolutionary spirit of creating boutique-style eye wear for a fraction of the cost. Their flagship store in Soho is where you can find this great appointment board letting everyone know who's up next to see the doctor.  Very 60's Mad Men I think.  Frames start at about $95 and all have a sleek retro vibe to them.  A company with a conscience, they've partnered with non-profits around the world ensuring that for every pair of Warby Parker glasses sold, a pair is donated to those in need.  Nice.

Finally, this video fascinated me to the point of having to watch it several times to take it all in.  Micro art...I don't know how anyone has the patience for this.  Or the eyes (enter Warby Parker!) but it is something special.  I think a hand-painted watch face would be a spectacular gift.

Wishing everyone a good week.
H