INV/ALT Picks: Brand_new bag

'BRAND_new bag' by outofstock design allows users to choose which brand they want their tote to tout. Versace today, Marc Jacobs tomorrow. Circled selections can be erased with the pen provided or simply washed out.

ICFF Day 3: The Best of the Rest

I'm heading back home today, but I wanted to share a few more ICFF photos before I leave - we'll just have to file this post under 'miscellaneous'...

While I had a great time at this year's fair, there wasn't that much in the way of dazzling design. There were a lot of really nice pieces, but very few of them made you say 'wow' as you walked away. Being my first fair, I don't have much to compare it to - overall it just felt very "safe" to me.

I still have some coverage to share of all the events surrounding ICFF, including a tour of Tobias Wong's Wrong Store and Jaime Hayon's exhibit. But for now, here's the best of the rest from ICFF 2007:

This chandelier is beautiful - it's a light that can also hold plants or cut flowers in the individual fixtures. By Waawiz of Japan.

I was excited to see Maxim Velcovsky of Qubus design studio showing his work. I recently posted about his dinnerware on designklub, and it was great to see his ceramic pieces in person. I spoke with Maxim for a little while and hopefully I'll be doing an interview with him soon. He's definitely on my 'one to watch' list.

Anna & Sean from Sub-Studio and I all agreed that these lights by Thai designers Tazana were among the best. They are actually made up of individual plastic pieces linked together, forming these wonderful, intricate designs.

I really liked this room divider, although I can't remember who it's from - I'll have to look it up when I get home. It reminded me of a green felt forest.

The layout of the Thout booth was great; there were homemade touches everywhere, which was a nice change after seeing row upon row of overly sleek Italian exhibits. Thout had several fun pieces on display, including their "UtiliTILE' series - panels with pop-out features, which hold everything from spices to silverware.

'OTT' hooks from Viable.

This picture doesn't convey the true glory of this design. SAC A FAIRE is a system that offers you ten bags in one. Each sheet of tyvek contains the layout for 10 different styles of bags. You simply choose the one you like, cut along the dotted lines, fold or sew in a few key places and you can turn the 2-D graphic into a 3-D accessory. Oo-la-la!

Kitchen Floor Bags

I can't make up my mind about this one. Kitchenfloorbags are shoulder bags constructed out of PVC flooring. Their website says they use the end pieces left over from the production process...not quite the same as recycling used flooring, but I guess it's better than just tossing the scraps. I like the idea behind the bag and I appreciate the durability, but something about these doesn't quite make the cut. Maybe I'm just getting thrown off by the ugly samples used in the bags above, but no...it's definitely the cheap black webbing. Well, perhaps if you like Freitag, you'll like these too! (Warning: the website plays some pretty obnoxious music you can't turn off)

Come Sail Away

Is it just me or do all things wonderful originate in Maine? Not only is Maine home to Angela Adams and North Haven Community Days, it's also the inspiration for these great bags. Made from recycled sails, these little beauties are extremely durable and can hold everything.

There are now several companies turning out recycled sail totes - they all have the same bright graphics, but the difference is in the details. Personally, I'm a fan of the Portland-based Sea Bags (left) because of the rope handles, but Reiter8 (right) is by far the most affordable option at $65.

Red Flag Design is the fanciest of the bunch (they're actually from Vancouver to give credit where credit is due). Red Flag bags (below) come in several different styles ranging from duffels to wallets and have nice detail work like woven handles and quilted patches. (Thanks to Jamien, designklub island correspondent)

Loving Luisa

While working for an Italian textile company, Luisa Cevese noticed the amount of waste that went into production and it gave her an idea. After teaming up with a plastics company she went to work giving the fabric scraps new life. She now encases the remnants in resin and uses them to create durable and unique totes, coin purses, ipod cases - and the list goes on.

Recently she has also started taking old linens - including lace pieces and stained tablecloths - to make rugs and wall hangings using the same process. Her bags are available through the MoMa store.

Kelly Mulloy

Artist Kelly Mulloy makes wonderful handmade felt objects from her studio in LA. My favorite pieces are her handstiched bags, with their crazy scribble linework along with her colorful placemats. She also makes wool felt rugs, cuffs and rings. You can purchase items directly from her website: www.kellymulloy.com.

Dreaming of Disco

Many of my friends know I'm a collector of bags, although I'm more of a tote kind of girl. The exception to my policy however would undoubtedly be Kisim. Kisim designer Yael Rosen creates her elegant, clean cut bags and wallets in Israel, but you can now find them in many US stores. Kisim means pockets in Hebrew, a fitting name for a line that was inspired by Japanese fabric folding techniques. I love the disco bag above (note the tote aspect), however her new Klimt collection has several stunning pieces, including Adele and Salome. Although the bags are pricey ($150-$350), these handcrafted pieces are true gems.