Building Fashion at HL23 merges architecture and fashion together in a series of temporary retail spaces. The event pairs designers with emerging architects through a competition organized by Architizer. None of the selected designers currently have stand alone shops, which gives them a great opportunity to realize how their retail spaces may become. Designers include Simon Spurr, Richard Chai, House of Waris, Supima, Heather Huey, and Siki Im. These pop up shops will last anywhere from 2 months to 2 weeks. Building Fashion will launch September 9th during fashion week starting off with Simon Spurr. HL23 is located at 504 West 24th Street. via Racked.

Among our list of things to do in life, staying overnight at a lighthouse is right up there. Whether it be the allure of a seafaring life or bragging rights to be one of the few to have this rare opportunity, it is quite a desirable destination. It was more than a year and a half ago that we booked a room for the Saugerties Lighthouse. After a three hour drive from Manhattan with traffic, we arrived at a dead end. From there we had to hike a half mile through a woodland landscape with the view of the Hudson peering through the reeds and brushes. The path can be inaccessible due to high tides during different times of the year. Fortunately the tide didn’t prevent us from reaching the lighthouse.

Opportunities like this don’t happen very often, except for the month of August. For the next three Saturdays starting on the 7th, Summer Streets will take place, closing a 4.5 mile stretch of Lafayette and Park Avenue to cars. The road will cut through the artery of Manhattan from 7AM to 1PM for pedestrians and bikers to roam freely. Devoid of any yellow cabs, gypsy cabs, dolla cabs, holla back, it will surly be a rare opportunity experience Manhattan in a different way. Depending on which direction you take, the route ends on 72nd Street, leading you right into Central Park. Extend the ride and take the bike path around the park. Weather is looking good for Saturday, it’s time to ride!

Our fascination with the Catskills continues, not only as a retreat from Manhattan but to discover creative individuals that have made the transition from city to country. From design, food, to lodging, places like Scandinavian Grace, Peekamoose, and Breathe Inn bring the urban sensibility to a rural setting. Our search went even further this time, about an hour off of I-87 and four hours away from Manhattan comes the tiny town of Andes, NY. With a population of less than 2000, it is a sleepy town just waking up from its slumber, preparing itself for the summer season. Upon our visit many of the shops were closed with only a handful making preparations for the big Memorial Day weekend, signaling the start of the season. One of the few stores that was open was Kabinett & Kammer, owned and operated by Sean Scherer, an artist and former Manhattanite. Retreating from the city after 9/11, it wasn’t until 2006 that Scherer opened up the shop. Kabinett & Kammer is filled with scientific and academic posters and models mixed with a rustic blend of furniture and accessories. New York Times profiled Scherer in his farm house last fall, revealing a dwelling that is the perfect habitat for elaborate dinner parties. Be sure to also check out Delaware Trading Post and Fisk Antiques if you make the adventure up there.

It’s hard to believe that Jason Miller’s iconic Superordinate Antler Lamps were produced seven years ago. Since then Miller’s made a name for himself by designing everything from chairs to tiles while helping to put Brooklyn and American design back on the map. This year sees the launch of Roll & Hill, a new high-end lighting company Miller founded featuring designs from Lindsey Adelman, Paul Loebach, and Rich Brilliant Willing. The company promises to deliver sustainable and accessible products that are geared towards Americans but also embracing the European and Asian market.

As a tease to what’s to come, Roll & Hill have assembled some of the best pieces from each of the designers including the Excel floor lamp by Rich Brilliant Willing and Agnes by Lindsey Adelman. Artist Kirsten Hassenfeld, known for her jewel-like sculptures is currently working on a line for the company as is Michail Miller and Sarah Cihat. Partners & Spade have also been tapped to design their identity. An entirely new collection from Roll & Hill will premier at this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair in May. It will be exciting to see what will come from all these great designers and artists working together.

Maharam has expanded its offering, enlisting artists and designers to contribute to their new line, Digital Projects. The collection is a series of art murals designed by Paul Smith, Karel Martens, Fred Tomaselli and Vik Muniz. In Karel Martens’s Dutch Clouds, a mosaic consisting of his distinct colorful shapes and patterns are assembled together to create an image of cumulus clouds, while Paul Smith utilizes his Tinted Rose pattern. The wall coverings can be custom-scaled to fit your matchbox Brooklyn apartment or palatial Montauk retreat. via Metropolis. More images after the jump.