DESIGN /
PRODUCT
January 7, 2015
PRODUCT|Tokyo Tips April 2014 BACK ISSUE: A curated selection of new product information.
2014.04.24

Indoor and Outdoor Modes
Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Philips' BR-1X (Brick) "SB5200" is a Bluetooth-compatible wireless portable speaker. It features two modes: "Indoor" and "Outdoor." In outdoor mode, it increases volume and enhances bass. Multiple units can be connected with the included cable for even more dynamic sound. Philips' proprietary "wOOx technology" reduces sound distortion, delivering dynamic and precise low frequencies. Approximately 3 hours of charging provides about 6 hours of continuous playback. As the seasons change, enjoying music without being tied to a location sounds appealing. Open price.
Philips Support Center
0120-336-634
https://www.japan.philips.co.jp/audio/
2014.04.24

Titanium Frames Shine
OG×OLIVER GOLDSMITH
The eyewear brand "OLIVER GOLDSMITH," founded in 1926, is launching a new line, "OG×OLIVER GOLDSMITH," to commemorate its 100th anniversary. While the brand is typically known for acetate frames, this new line features titanium frames across all 16 models. By refining the brand's cultivated aesthetic down to the finest details, three-dimensional and modern shapes have been created, resulting in "products with functionality." An advance order event is currently being held. The model shown is "Clef-2." ¥37,000 (excluding tax).
Continuer
Tel. 03-3792-8978
http://www.continuer.jp/
2014.04.24

California Leather Brand
Exclusive Handling Begins at ACME
The concept of "MADE SOLID," a leather brand led by artisan Peter Maxwell, is "SOLID = dependable, trustworthy." With a focus on materials like leather, hardware, oils, and threads, all processes—cutting, shaping, and stitching—are done by hand in their California workshop. The "VINTAGE BOTTLE OPNERS" are vintage openers designed for simplicity and efficiency. These are exquisite pieces that promise further character development with age. Sales begin Saturday, April 26th. ¥5,400 (excluding tax).
ACME Furniture LIMITED STORE
Tel. 03-5728-5355
http://acme.co.jp
2014.04.17

Scan by Tracing
New Model of Mouse Scanner Released
A new model of the "mouse scanner" has been released, allowing users to capture necessary parts of newspapers and magazines as image data simply by tracing over them with the mouse. The scanned data can be edited for trimming, contrast, and more through its dedicated software. It supports seven save formats, including PDF and JPG. It handles documents up to A4 size. Business cards can also be digitized using the included scan pad, making it useful for organizing information. Furthermore, OCR functionality allows text to be saved as text data. Scanning becomes more convenient and practical. Available in black and white. Released April 25th. ¥8,000 (excluding tax).
King Jim Co., Ltd. Customer Service
0120-79-8107
http://www.kingjim.co.jp/
2014.04.17

Legendary Eyewear Brand
Complete Revival with Italian Production
"TART OPTICAL," an eyewear brand founded in New York in 1948 by the late Julius Tart, has made a complete comeback. After a period of dormancy due to the lack of a successor, the brand has been revived by the Hart couple, who worked under the founder. It has now re-landed in Japan. Production has moved to Italy for this release, with many past models being reissued. "Bryan" is one such model. At first glance, it has an authentic form, but meticulous attention has been paid to details such as the hinges and decorative hinges, with even the molds being recreated. ¥40,000 (excluding tax).
blinc
Tel. 03-5775-7525
http://www.blinc.co.jp/
2014.04.17

Captured by an Italian Photographer
A Book to Understand Calder
Alexander Calder is known for his "moving sculptures" or mobiles. Before inventing mobiles, Calder performed with wire sculptures in a show called "Calder's Circus." The circus, featuring wire performers and animals, captivated Parisian artists of the time, including Jean Cocteau. "Ugo Mulas. Circus Calder" features photographs taken by Ugo Mulas in 1963-64 of the circus troupe in his studio. It's a book that offers a glimpse into Calder's journey before he created his mobiles. ¥3,900 (excluding tax).
Kuwano Trading
Tel. 03-5825-3053
www.kuwano-trading.com
2014.04.10

Re-released After Approximately 10 Years
Mirror with Detachable Hand Mirror
"Jump Out Mirror," the debut work from "MicroWorks," a design studio label led by product designer Shunsuke Kaiyama, is being re-released after approximately 10 years. This product solves the common storage issue of hand mirrors by placing their storage "within the mirror itself," integrating a simple mirror with a hand mirror that has a handle. Attached by magnets, the hand mirror can be easily detached for use. The hand mirror comes in three shapes: "Circle," "Square," and "HandDrawing." The mirror is made of acrylic. ¥14,000 (excluding tax).
Little Bit Service
http://littlebitservice.com/
2014.04.10

Color Customization Available
Jean Prouvé's Masterpiece Chair Reissued
The "Fauteuil Direction," first released in 1951 by French architect Jean Prouvé, has been reissued. This chair, featuring highly cushioned urethane foam, is characterized by the rear leg shape, identical to Prouvé's representative "Standard Chair." Armrests are included, promising a comfortable seating experience. For this reissue, customers can select their preferred combination of colors for the cover, legs, and armrests. It will be a valuable addition to spaces ranging from work areas to dining rooms. ¥198,000 (excluding tax).
hhstyle.com Aoyama Main Store
Tel. 03-5772-1112
http://www.hhstyle.com/
2014.04.10

Compact and Bluetooth-Enabled
Speaker with Carabiner Clip
The "TDK Life on Record" TREK series offers tough, rugged, dustproof, and waterproof Bluetooth speakers designed for outdoor use. The "TREK Micro A12," launching Monday, April 21st, is the most compact in the series. It comes with a carabiner clip attached, allowing it to be carried by hooking it onto a bag or belt loop. Additionally, by pairing two units, the "TWS (TrueWireless Stereo)" function enables completely wireless stereo playback. Available in three colors. Open price.
Imation Customer Service
0120-81-0544
www.tdk-media.jp/
2014.04.03

By a New York Design Duo
Contemporary Limited Edition Mirrors
"CHIAOZZA," a design duo based in Brooklyn, New York, values direct connection with users and handles all aspects of design, production, and sales themselves. They have created the "A-Frame Mirror," a limited edition of 10 pieces. Using joinery techniques, they've achieved color variations with acrylic paint and stain, resulting in vibrant and contemporary pieces. They can be hung on a wall or stand on their own, fitting into various settings. Consider incorporating them into your new lifestyle. ¥35,000 (excluding tax).
black&white
Tel. 045-228-8430
www.bkandwh.com
2014.04.03

MOOMIN×amabro
Moomin's World on Traditional Ware
The brand "amabro," which creates products with the concept of integrating design and art into daily life, has introduced new items to its "MOOMIN×amabro SOMETSUKE" series. This series expresses the world of "Moomin" through Arita ware painting. The fantastic world of Moomin unfolding on traditional Japanese small plates offers a sense of nostalgia yet feels refreshingly unique. These pieces are perfect as gifts or as collector's items. There are 5 designs in total. ¥1,000 each, ¥5,000 for the set of 5 (excluding tax).
Murakami Art
Tel. 03-3402-8484
http://www.amabro.com
2014.04.03

Motif: Architect Barragán's Residence
Acapulco Chair in Limited Edition Color
The "Acapulco Chair," redesigned by the interior brand "Metrocs" based on the outdoor chair popular in Mexico in the 1960s, features a simple structure of an iron frame wrapped with PVC cord. Its elasticity provides a unique, body-hugging seating experience. The limited edition color, Barragán Pink, is inspired by the colors of the residence of Luis Barragán, a representative Mexican architect. It harmoniously blends vibrancy and calmness, creating an elegant presence. Suitable for indoor use, as well as by the poolside or in the garden. W630×D890×H963mm ¥42,000 (excluding tax).
Metrocs Tokyo
Tel. 03-5777-5866
http://metrocs.jp