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.

INV/ALT at designboom

My buddy and fellow Denverite, Angela from INV/ALT design, recently came back from a journey to Japan where she exhibited at designboom mart Tokyo. Not only did Angela show off her own snappy ceramics (in new black+color combos!), but she also acted as official designklub correspondent. The next few posts are her favorites from the mart - thanks Angela!

To check out more of INV/ALT's snap and magnet cups visit her etsy shop. Gambate!

Flying Vee

Who needs things like bookmarks when you have the 'Flying Vee' shelves by Massie Office? Available in sets of five, these wall pieces can be arranged to hold several books...or just hold your page.

Yuh hunn Wai

Yes, I realize these chairs are probably not very functional, but I still think they're great. Made by Eindhoven graduate Yuh-hunn Wai. (photo by José Van Riele)

Wieland Vogel

I love the idea behind this expandable lamp by Eindhoven graduate Wieland Vogel. When contracted, 'Halo' focuses its light, such as for a dining room table. Expanded, it can reach a width of 6 feet to provide a softer, more diffused look.

Seattle Bound

Heading out to Seattle for the weekend so posting will be a little less frequent. I've never been up there before so if you have suggestions of places to visit - stores, restaurants, anything - please pass them along. Thanks!

Mireille Meijs

Here's another nice piece from the Eindhoven graduation show. 'Light Facet' is an adjustable space divider designed by Mireille Meijs. The diamond-shaped forms can move independently to allow more or less light into the room. Clever and beautiful.

Mireille has a lot of great work in her online portfolio, be sure to check out her 'Brightiles' and 'Feeling High' glasses too.

Antropomorfo

The 'Antropomorfo' series by GamplusFratesi has been around for a while, but I just really love these chairs. The Italian design duo took their inspiration from children's drawings, using over-sized proportions and whimsical details to give the pieces a simplistic charm.

Bjorn Rooijackers

I have been scouting the photos from the Eindhoven graduation show and there are quite a few nice pieces to share. 'On its Own' is a simple vase designed by Bjorn Rooijackers that let's the flowers display themselves. When not in use, it can be folded up and put away in a drawer.

Felix taro Gragnato

'My Cloud' is a modular lighting system designed by 2007 Eindhoven graduate Felix taro Gragnato. The magnetic contacts allow you to build your own cloud-like form.

Jen Stark

Artist Jen Stark creates colorful paper sculptures by hand cutting stacks of cardstock...one sheet at a time.

Interior Adventures for Real

Carved cabinet by Dutch designers Interior Adventures for Real. (via MoCo Loco)

Ideas Wanted: DAM's Ugly Face

It's been a little over a year since the Denver Art Museum (DAM) opened its doors to the new $100 million addition designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind. Anyone who has seen the building can attest to its striking exterior, with the wild angles and titanium clad siding (top).

But for a little over a year I have been waiting to see what is going to happen around the corner. While much attention has been paid to the museum entrances, the main face of the Libeskind project (which also includes several high-priced residential units) is city - block long concrete wall.

I am curious how it is possible to bring in a world renowned architect, spend millions of dollars to create a top-notch cultural space and simply forget to design the enormous parking garage that faces one of the city's busiest streets, Broadway Avenue. Perhaps there is a grand plan to do something amazing with this hideous facade (and I truly hope there is). If so, someone please let me know.

The fact is, something needs to be done to this neglected area and it should have been done over a year ago. To leave it as is is an embarrassment to the city and to the project as a whole. So I would like to open the floor to your ideas. You can see the shameful wall in question above. If you could propose something for this ugly mess what would it be? Install something, paint something, plant something? Let me know. With any luck we will pass your ideas along to the powers that be and inspire some action to help DAM's forgotten face.

Skase by Steve Watson

Nice tea cup set by London designer Steve Watson. 'Skase' consists of a white glazed creamware cup and a Manchurian walnut cross base.

Richard Sweeney

Designer Richard Sweeney creates amazing paper sculptures by cutting, scoring and folding this humble material into complex geometric forms. His 'Folding Light' series (below) was shown as part of the recent Designers in Residence exhibition at the Design Museum in London.

Amoebe by Koziol

If I didn't already have a whole slew of the Bouroullec brother's 'Algue' pieces floating around my apartment, I would definitely scoop up the 'Amoebe' collection from Koziol. These little gems make great room dividers - they can also be linked up to create decorative wall elements as well.

Drip Dry

For the apartment dwellers out there who must clean their own dishes (like me), we can now say good riddance to ugly dish racks. Giffin'termeer's clever 'Drip Dry' collection has built in stands, allowing the plates and cups to dry off all on their own. Not only do these 'feet' give the pieces some personality, but I imagine they're convenient for handling hot dishes as well. (via the Brazilian wonder neorama)

Studio Job at Designhuis

Designhuis, a new exhibition center in Eindhoven, recently had its grand opening to coincide with Dutch Design Week. Their first show, 'BOLD' is a retrospective of the Dutch design team Studio Job. The exhibition includes forty pieces which, "...show a selection of iconic and often symbolic works next to the more down-to-earth designs." The Flintstone-esque furniture (top) is my favorite - more images from the exhibition here and here.

Rainbow Right: Fernando Brizio

Fernando Brizio is a Portuguese designer who has been making waves in recent years. In 2005 he created 'Painting with Giotto #1', a vase which was made by embedding felt tip pens into the edge of a ceramic bowl. The resulting bleed of colors makes each vase unique. Produced in a limited edition of 20 pieces.

Taking it to the Streets

Forget being invited to do an exhibition at the art museum - just put your stuff right outside their door. Local furniture designers David Larabee and Dexter Thornton (of DoubleButter) have done just that by installing their steel benches outside the Denver Art Museum and the brand-new Museum of Contemporary Art. Check out the video of these renegades in action here. (Thanks to Cindy for the tip!)

Monster Mash

Charlie Davidson recently exhbitied two new lights, 'Monster' and 'Iris' at Designersblock in London. Reading the designer's description of the 'Monster' lamp (above), it seemed like an appropriate pick for Halloween. "The Monster projects shadows that give children nightmares and make them want to hide under the protection of their duvet." I'm sure that will have parents everywhere scrambling to buy.

Nanni Holen and Denver Meet-up

Great new bookshelves by Swedish designer Nanni Holen. Not only does the laser-cut edge keep all your knick knacks in place; it adds a nice decorative element as well, making even your most kitsch collectibles look fancy.

Also, I almost forgot about the Denver Design Meet-up tonight with all the Red Sox mania that been happening for the past few days. I was lucky enough to be at the final game last night - got a game ball, lost my voice and saw my hometown heroes win it all - totally awesome. Anyway, I think I can handle one more evening out before I completely collapse. Any Denver area design enthusiasts are welcome to join us tonight to talk design, baseball and anything else.

• Tonight from 6-8 Pm at the Skylark Lounge on S. Broadway, Denver
  

Sparks: Sarah van Gameren

Sarah van Gameren's work is just as much about performance and process as it is about the final product. With 'Big Dipper' Sarah designed a machine that can create 24 chandeliers in a 24-hour period through the process of traditional candle making. The machine periodically dips the forms into vats of molten wax, building up 12 layers over time. Read about Sarah's other cool project 'Burn, Burn, Burn' here.

Voon-Benson Setcast

Voon Wong and Benson Saw recently exhibited 'Setcast', a new series of tableware, at 100% Design in London. The collection, which is made from bone china, includes: 'Crease', a dish made to resemble folded paper, 'Molecule' a linked set of condiment dishes along with their 'Range' candlesticks and 'Dune' hors d'oeuvre dishes.

Not Your Average Cup O' Tea

Two new ways to enjoy tea time - 'Chismosa' by Juanico and 'Sexy Legs' by Undergrowth.

p.s. go sox!

Design is Spooky: Denver Design Meet-up

OK, so after a long hiatus I think it's time for Denver's design meet-ups to start happening again. With all the new designers/design sites popping up in town, it seems like it's high time for Denver's creatives to come together and maybe form a super-hero team. Or just have some drinks...

Whether you are in the field of industrial, product, graphic or any other type of design come on down for an informal gathering of Denver design enthusiasts. We'll share exploits from the recent AIGA conference, steal each other's Halloween costume ideas and generally have a good time.

Join us on Monday, October 29th from 6-8 PM at the Skylark Lounge, located at 140 S. Broadway. Happy Hour goes until 7 and it's a big enough place that we'll be able to hear each other talk.

p.s. spread the word...

Tom Inglehart

OK, the more I read about Tom Inglehart, the more interested I become. Tom's amazing glass chandeliers are made from reclaimed bottles, steel crown caps and rolled aluminum cans. Now maybe it's because I grew up in house full of antiques, but I find these lights so alluring - they definitely have a steam-punk charm.

But what's even more intriguing is that Tom Inglehart apparently works out of a treehouse! On his site he describes his studio as "based in the lower branches of three spruce trees on a hill top overlooking the Urr Valley." Tom Inglehart=new hero.

'Sparks' will come tomorrow - I have to venture out into the city to get photos for this one...

Isolated Building Studies

Here's an amazing collection of photographs by David Schalliol. His 'Isolated Building Studies' document neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The nighttime photos are particularly stunning -view the full flickr set here. (via today and tomorrow and archinect)

Science Series by DFC

You know you're a science nerd when you use test tubes and beakers as bud vases (like me). Too bad none of my collection looks as nice as the 'Science Series' by DFC. The Mexico City-based designers hand-etch floral and dot motifs into scientific glassware of all shapes and sizes.

Brickshelf

You may be past the days of dorms, but if cement blocks still make your supply list for 'custom' home furnishings, then the Brickshelf may be just for you. Designed by Paul Kogelnig and Gabriel Heusser, these bricks are made to resemble real books - offering a stylish upgrade to makeshift shelving everywhere.

Celine Wright

Celine Wright is a French designer whose amazing sculptures of light have been compared to design legends such as Noguchi. Wright's creations, which are all handmade, often incorporate elements of nature lending a delicate balance to her work. My favorite piece is her 'Cloud' lamp (bottom), a gently floating lantern hand-crafted from rice paper and weighted with a smooth rock.