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Twin Palms In Palm Springs

By Tom Ran

Published: March 10, 2010 under Architecture

Twin Palms aka the Sinatra House today

Photo: Twin Palms

One need not be a Sinatra fan to appreciate the singer’s former home in Palm Springs. Built in 1947 and designed by E. Stewart Williams, the Twin Palms is no Graceland. Instead, it is a landmark steeped in modern architecture history that influence the designs of many houses that followed. Through two tumultuous relationships, Sinatra would live in Twin Palms for seven years before selling it. The five decades following his departure, the house fell into numerous hands and eventually neglected until three enterprising New Yorkers decided to renovate the home. Twin Palms is now available to rent for a mere $2600 a night. The house sleeps eight, so we were about to suggest you rent it for the weekend of Coachella, however it appears that someone already beat you to it.

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Randomness 03.09.10

By Tom Ran

Published: March 9, 2010 under Randomness

Phoebe Philo on the cover of the inauguarl issue of The Gentlewoman

Photo: The Gentlewoman

We’re taking you all over the place in today’s Randomness.

The Gentlewoman’s cover was revealed last week featuring Celine’s creative director, Phoebe Philo. The magazine is already available in Paris at Colette. The rest of us will have to wait till March 22nd for the release. See WWD’s article from Friday to find out more.

Jeff Bridges is about to resurrect Kevin Flynn, the protagonist in the 1982 science fiction film, Tron. This December will see the release of Tron Legacy, the long awaited sequel. Watch the second trailer with your headphones on to appreciate Daft Punk’s score.

Strand Bookstore is hosting a tote bag design contest. The deadline for submissions will be March 31st. Judges will include Adrian Tomine, Art Spiegelman, Steven Heller, Françoise Mouly, and R. Sikoryak. Visit Strand’s site for more details.

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National Design Triennial

By Tom Ran

Published: March 8, 2010 under Design

Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum

Photo: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum

Since 2000 and every three years after, Cooper Hewitt has hosted the National Design Triennial featuring works from different disciplines within the field of design, simultaneously examining its current state. From architecture, products to fashion, graphics, new media, and landscapes, the Triennial is the largest and most anticipated exhibition the museum showcases. It has taken place in 2003 and 2006 but oddly enough was absent in 2009. Whatever the situation may be, it returns this year focused on “addressing human and environmental problems.” Couple this with the successful opening of Rodarte’s exhibit and the appointment of its new director, Bill Moggridge, Cooper Hewitt is poised to revitalize the city’s interest in the museum. There’s very little information released so far on the Triennial, it is scheduled to open during ICFF weekend on May 14.

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Florsheim by Duckie Brown F/W 2010 Preview

By Dennis Payongayong

Published: March 5, 2010 under Fashion & Style

Left: The Brogue Boot in Dark Green Cordovan and Navy Cordovan, Right: The Brogue in Dark Cherry Cordovan and Navy Cordovan

Photo: Courtesy of Florsheim by Duckie Brown

The relationship between heritage and contemporary brands can be a delicate affair. A pairing too unconventional can spell disaster. Equal parts respect and understanding, however, can yield extraordinary results. Now in its third season, the partnership between Florsheim and Duckie Brown continues with their Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Set for an August release, the line stays true to what Duckie Brown do best – giving Florsheim’s classic silhouettes a quirky, updated twist.

Our preview of this season’s 10 styles is nothing short of what makes this collaboration a success. Borrowing mostly from the Florsheim archive, Daniel Silver and Steven Cox of Duckie Brown have produced exceptionally unique designs ranging from the popular monochromatic Brogue and Suede Loafer to newer designs like the cap toed Straight Tip and Idler – a calf suede chukka boot with crepe soles. Color remains a hallmark of the line as use of Cherry Red and Electric Blue punctuate the richer, deeper Browns, Dark Green, and Navy. In the tradition of fine craftmanship, milled leathers, genuine Horween Cordovan, and Goodyear welt construction are employed. Additionally, this collection marks their first use of wooden soles – an effective complement to the slimmer cut silhouettes. Standouts of the collection, still, are the boots – the Brogue, Tall Brogue, and Welder Brogue strike the perfect chord with us.

More photos after the jump.

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The StandART Channel

By Tom Ran

Published: March 5, 2010 under Art

Marilyn Minter's "Green Pink Caviar"

Photo: Marilyn Minter

The Standard Hotel has given Creative Time a stage in which to exhibit art, their rooms. Not in the form of a painting on the wall or a mural, but on the television sets. Beginning today, guests will be able to watch video artworks on The StandART Channel on demand. Creative Time has been asked to curate this exhibit and have enlisted nine different artists to participate. From Marilyn Minter’s “Green Pink Caviar,” to Lee Walton re-enacting Facebook statuses of his friends, the exhibit straddles the line between high art and entertainment. Watch the StandART Channel’s teaser on YouTube or check into one of the rooms to see more.

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It’s Nice That Issue Three

By Tom Ran

Published: March 4, 2010 under Publishing

Issue Three of <i>It's Nice That</i>, Background by Parra

Photo: It's Nice That

A visually energized publication, a highly successful website, weekly podcasts, curated series of talks, and a studio based in London, no we’re not talking about Monocle but the incredibly talented duo behind It’s Nice That. Just shy of three years, Will Hudson, Alex Bec and the team have created something wonderful, a reservoir of information from a heard of creatives covering different industries. It’s Nice That publishes its magazine twice a year featuring interviews and works from designers, photographers, and artists. They recently announced the contents of issue three. Contributions from Geoff McFetridge, Interviews with Tom Dixon, Milton Glazer, and Paul Smith and works from Charley Harper, A2/SW/HK, and many others. One of the best parts of it is the 128 page magazine is completely ad free. Issue three won’t be out until April 1st but if you pre-order before the launch, you’ll receive an original large-scale print from Parra. Pre-order here. See what’s inside after the jump.

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FEATURES

Billykirk Studio Visit

By Tom Ran
Chris and Kirk Bray of Billykirk

Photo: Rose Callahan

Billykirk’s studio is surrounded by things, equipments, flat files, paintings, photos, and memories.

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By Loft Visit

By Shawn Kelly as told by Sarah Williams
Before - Piero Lissoni for Living Divani - Softwall Sofa, Box series chairs and Metro2 table, Ile side table.<br> Vintage and Flea market accessory pieces. Lighting by Flos.

Photo: Jordan Provost © 2009

Anyone with a design fetish in New York City dreams of a cavernous loft space to create endless compositions of beautifully designed furniture punctuated with rare artifacts, and the luxury…

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Life of a Personal Chef

By Maggie Shi
Left: Jill Donenfeld Right: Whiskey Prawn Skewers w/Tomato Curry

Photo: Left: Jill Donenfeld Right: Melissa Ricketts

It sounds like an idyllic life—cooking inventive meals in private homes, working flexible hours, spending your days shopping at the greenmarket, and getting paid to do it all.

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