2012.10.25

Culinary creations like architecture and sculpture: ALESSI's new tambourine-shaped mold

“Il Tempo della Festa” re-imagines the tambourine mold for cakes in a contemporary style. Made from platinum silicone, it can withstand temperatures from the oven to the refrigerator, perfect for making puddings, crème brûlée, and more. Its multifaceted form is sure to inspire creative culinary arrangements. On Saturday, November 3rd, ALESSI SHOP Aoyama will host an in-store event titled “ALESSI LAB,” featuring a special window display and a live demonstration by culinary expert CUEL. (Set of 6 / Available in Japan in white, peach, and mango) ¥5,250

ALESSI SHOP Aoyama
Tel. 03-5770-3500
http://www.alessi.jp/

2012.10.25

Coca-Cola × nendo: A novel proposal beyond recycling

Coca-Cola introduces its original tableware series, “Coca-Cola Bottleware.” While maintaining a simple form, it retains details reminiscent of Coca-Cola's iconic contour bottle. Each piece is meticulously hand-blown by Japanese glass artisans, resulting in items that exude a sense of warmth. The raw material, contour bottles, are 100% recycled from returnable bottles that are collected, washed, and refilled for repeated use. The design is by nendo, led by Oki Sato. From ¥5,250

CIBONE Aoyama
Tel. 03-3475-8017
www.cibone.com

Coca-Cola Bottleware
http://www.cocacola.co.jp/
bottleware/

©COCA-COLA.
Photo by Takumi Ota

2012.10.25

Koichiro Kimura × Richard Ginori: New value woven from tradition and originality

Koichiro Kimura, an artist gaining attention for his avant-garde tableware and furniture inspired by his family's 400-year-old lacquerware tradition, has collaborated with the renowned Italian porcelain maker Richard Ginori. The iconic “Italian Fruits” pattern, originally designed in the 18th century for Tuscan noble villas, has been transformed into a unique creation that is neither tableware nor jewelry, adorned with lacquer, gold leaf, diamonds, natural stones, and crystals. ¥126,000

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Tel. 03-3241-3311 (Main Switchboard)
http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp/
store/1010/designweek/

2012.10.18

Meticulous attention to detail: Scandinavian brand “Secto Design” lampshades

Lamps from “Secto Design,” a brand specializing in wooden lighting fixtures, exclusively use high-quality birch wood produced in central Finland. A striking commitment to detail is evident, with materials for a single lampshade being cut from the same tree. The shade design is by Finnish architect Seppo Koho. The design conceals the bulb to avoid glare, while the birch wood reflects a warm light, creating a calming ambiance. The shades are available in four colors: black, white, natural birch, and walnut. From ¥84,000

Living Motif
Tel. 03-5575-8980
http://www.livingmotif.com/

2012.10.18

Easily enjoy powerful bass: High-performance 2.1ch speakers

The “Logitech Speaker System Z553” features a high-performance active speaker system composed of two stylish satellite speakers and a “down-firing ring subwoofer” with a 4-inch driver unit. The satellites and subwoofer deliver a total output of 40W. Connecting to a PC or TV provides a deeply satisfying experience for movies, music, and games, perfect for users seeking powerful sound. Power on/off and volume adjustments are conveniently located on the unit, ensuring excellent operability. Open price.

Logitech Customer Relations Center
Tel. 050-3786-2085
http://www.logicool.co.jp/contact/

2012.10.18

The "Nescafé Dolce Gusto" series: "Circolo" coffee machine updated

The "Nescafé Dolce Gusto" series, with cumulative global sales exceeding 10 million units, now features an updated "Circolo" premium model, popular for its stylish design. The new version includes an auto-stop function that automatically halts extraction. The extraction time can also be set, allowing users to enjoy a "perfect cup just for them," as if brewed by a barista right before their eyes. Its rounded, stylish design harmonizes beautifully with any interior. While ideal for home use, its large 1.3-liter tank also makes it practical for offices and conference rooms. Suggested retail price: ¥18,800

Nestlé Customer Service
0120-00-5916
http://shop.nestle.jp/

2012.10.11

Exploring the legacy of the great lighting designer Gino Sarfatti

Gino Sarfatti designed numerous lighting fixtures, including the modern "30 Valve Lamp" chandelier. He is highly regarded today as a foundational designer and entrepreneur in Italian lighting design, with several of his products still in production by various manufacturers. "Designing Light" is a catalog published for the exhibition "Gino Sarfatti - Designing Light" held at the Triennale Design Museum. It features a rich collection of product images and several design sketches. ¥2,940 (Italian/English)

Kuwano Trading
Tel. 03-5825-3053
http://www.kuwano-trading.com/

2012.10.11

An object of changing crystals: Perrocaliente introduces "Tempo Drop"

The "Storm Glass," primarily used in 19th-century Europe to predict weather at sea, exhibits expressive crystallization that changes with the weather. This principle is applied to the "Tempo Drop" product. A mixture of chemicals, including camphor, is dissolved in alcohol and sealed within a teardrop-shaped form. While its predictive capabilities are limited, it offers a fascinating way to observe the gradual changes in crystals with the changing seasons. "Tempo Drop" ¥5,775 (approx. 115×115×205mm), "Tempo Drop mini" ¥3,940 (approx. φ80×110mm)

Perrocaliente
http://www.perrocali.com/

2012.10.11

From Germany: Nils Holger Moormann's coat rack utilizes "Kumiko" joinery techniques

From the German furniture label Nils Holger Moormann comes the coat rack "Trick Stick." Its remarkably simple and minimalist design is achieved by joining three sticks using Japan's traditional "Kumiko" joinery technique, without any nails or tools. The stick parts are made of solid ash wood, and their upright form is elegant and refined, making them perfect for hanging scarves and coats, especially in colder seasons. Designed by Patrick Frey and Markus Boge. ¥29,400 (Width 510×Depth 510×Height 1550mm / Made in Germany)

mYwaY
Tel. 03-3532-1901
http://www.bytrico.com

2012.10.04

The renowned Klipsch universal model, "Image S4 Series," is renewed

Klipsch's "Image S4 Series" earphones are newly released with a redesigned aesthetic. Equipped with Klipsch's proprietary "Full Range KG25 driver," they deliver powerful sound with high definition and exceptional reproduction. The new "S4 Series" features a new flat cable that is less prone to tangling and more durable, along with sleek, streamlined housings ideal for urban use. Furthermore, the adoption of Klipsch's patented oval "Ear Gels" ensures comfort even during prolonged wear. In addition to a comfortable fit, they boast excellent sound isolation. ¥9,800

BEAMS RECORDS
Tel. 03-3746-0789
http://www.beams.co.jp

2012.10.04

Japan's No. 1 market share coffee machine: "Nescafé Dolce Gusto" is updated

The "Nescafé Dolce Gusto" series, which popularized the "uchinaka cafe" (home cafe) style and has become a new standard in coffee machines, now celebrates cumulative global sales of over 10 million units with the release of the new "Melody" model. Based on the original model launched in 2007, and embodying the brand's "exciting and fun" world view, it features a compact design with charming curves. ¥11,800
*Available exclusively on "Nestlé Online Store" at a special introductory price of ¥9,800 until Wednesday, October 31st.

Nestlé Customer Service
0120-00-5916
http://shop.nestle.jp/

2012.10.04

iPhone 5 vertical flip case with a warm natural wood accent

Trinity's original brand "Simplism" releases a flip-style (vertical opening) case for iPhone 5. The natural peach wood lid folds back to transform into a functional desktop stand. The leather interior and exterior are meticulously stitched, providing robust shock absorption in case of impact. A plastic frame made of ABS surrounds the phone, strongly protecting the four corners, which are particularly vulnerable to impact. The back of the case includes a cardholder for IC cards or similar items. Available in four colors. Open price.

Trinity
Tel. 048-299-3433
http://www.trinity.jp/