John Maeda and Reebok

John Maeda is professor at MIT, computer scientist, graphic designer and author. His work explores the intersection of design and technology. He has a book out called The Laws of Simplicity which I hear is a good read, but have yet to crack. His essays are quite good and his blog is pretty interesting.

He just finished up a project with Reebok, which was released already without my notice. Needless to say, I didn't get a pair of these, but I did get to hold them in my hands for a minute. I like them a lot. Though, I pine for a streamlined women's version.




(Click for Reebok Custom site which allows 360 degrees of visual lust)

From Maeda's blog:
"Tomorrow at 9AM my new limited edition shoes from Reebok will be released online. It was a really fun project working with a talented group of folks in RBK marketing and design with a true passion for the future of mass-customization. The design is themed on the 3rd law time and is codenamed “Timetanium” as a reference to the spectacular titanium tiles of Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao and flowing sinews of time represented with my algorithmically enhanced hand-drawn curves. Since I scribble the computer code on paper before I actually type it into be processed, the RBK designers suggested that I include that program code somehow so it is enscribed in the interior of the two shoes as a kind of texture (literally a text-ure). In the past the closest thing I designed was a skateboard; shoes are a new medium for me and I’m glad to have had a chance to spend some time on this project."

Cavern Tees

This summer, I became obsessed with the idea that folk inspired graphics were coming up and I was happy to find a duo dubbed Cavern working it out.

"When we first conjured Cavern," says Rivas, "our focus was to make solid, hand-drawn T-shirts."

"Everybody is making the same shit," Tullie says of his competitors, "taking clip art, mixing it up, and slapping it on a T-shirt. There was more to be done."

With references to utopianism and mystic symbols, Rivas and Tullie have set themselves apart with the use of metallic appliques, intelligent cuts, arresting abstract designs, and a complete rejection of camp. The two recently finished a deal with Devandra Banhart, a music favorite of mine, to do merchandise for his next world tour.





More photos here.

Ashley Gilbertson

Ashley Gilbertson is a 29 year old Australian born photographer whose work focuses on social issues and conflict. He now lives in New York City freelancing for The New York Times, Newsweek, and Time magazine. He's toured Afghanistan, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Iraq photographing some of the most philosophical visuals I've seen of conflict, life and death.


Hiding from the impact of a 500 pound bomb, 1/8 Bravo marines take cover inside a house.


A woman's corpse awaits collection from a retirement home in Vienna. Her graceful pose reminded me of a dancer.

Target to use Hologram Models

Target, in the race to outdo Walmart (not all that hard), has decided to use hologram models in their upcoming fashion show. Target's Go International collections have fueled careers of some lesser known to the mainstream but talented designers such as Proenza Schouler (personal favorite), Patrick Robinson and Alice Temperley.

Kate Moss hologram at McQueen runway show:


Diesel "Liquid Space" holographic fashion show: