bltd

Now that there is a bigger effort to create and market bags and totes without all the unnecessary accoutremont it’s fairly easy to find something unoffending, but rarely do I find something that I think is actually designed. I mean that in the sense that the designer is redesigning from square one, reconsidering all the standards of the past in favor of ergonomics, proportions and new materials. I think this is a fine specimin. A bonus (?) is that I don’t think there are any retailers in the states so if you decide to order one it will be the only one on your block.

I bought one of these when I was at ICFF from the design boom young designers display. It’s is a very thick 100% wool felt (4mm) which has been laser cut in the shape of a fox.

Bombdesign is a young label for furniture and product design based in Berlin- looking for new interpretations of the everyday object and rethinking the obvious. Is it a flat hat? Is it a handbag? Flat hat’s most important detail is a zipper that makes it possible to live inbetween the dimensions, between the flat two-dimensional an non-functional shape and the three-dimensional functional shape of a very linear handbag. For travel and storage unzip and roll up…

Such a clever gift for someone you know (or maybe you’d appreciate it for yourself?)…

“an old-school alternative to the palm pilot, the paper palm pilot looks like a palm pilot, but functions with a pencil (included). See technology at its finest. Includes super cool mylar packaging. Designed to fit snugly in a pocket or purse.”

Look! You can glow in the dark.

“Silicon coated and linked by a silver thread to a replacable battery, these little gems are like stardust one wears around the neck. Each light is unique and individually crafted, and unbreakable too.”

“A stylish new way to organize yourself and transport necessary documents. The Valise can be used as a filing system or an attractive briefcase.” Might not make the best everyday briefcase, but is a great way to transport files around an office.

Design Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2003.
Injection molded ABS. Made in Italy by Magis.
14.5″ L x 12.3″ w x 3.3″ d

I’m sure many of you have seen this particular contraption. Ingenius in its simplicity, the shape allows you to set your bike in/on it for display and storage, freeing up valuable space in the hallway, living area, or garage. Soft rubber pads protect the frame of your bike at the main contact points.

-Cycloc is strongly constructed from twin-wall plastic
-Cycle accessories can be conveniently stored inside
-Can be used with a normal lock to keep your bike even safer

Available in orange, black green.

This is pretty. It’s a calculator with a cedar shell sandwiched around cork.

Made in Japan.

A limited edition, foil stamped matchbook by Tobias Wong.

Also available in black ($10.00) and silver ($6.00).

Sorry I couldn’t direct link, they’re using a flash interface. If you click “store” you’ll find it.

This is a great little bag for carrying documents or possibly even a small laptop.

Available in red or charcoal felt.

Something like this would protect your laptop from all the little bumps and bruises that it might endure otherwise.

Built to fit like a second skin
Stretches to fit 14- to 15-inch laptops
Large case accommodates widescreen laptops
Durable, flexible high quality neoprene
Wipe clean; machine washable

Here’s something you may have seen before (possibly from our ICFF summary…she was at the DesignBoom showcase). These are modern and interesting and totally affordable.

These pendants are part of Melissa Borrell’s “How do you wear a drawing?” project. Taking the shape that she developed for the tree necklace and reducing it in size gives another perspective on the same graphic element. The pendant is made from photo-etched stainless steel and comes in a square of metal from which it is easily “popped” out. It comes with a chord so that you can make it into a pendant to wear around your neck. Stainless steel with rubber cord.

Small, unassuming, well-designed. Acrylic keys and requires a 1.5V battery.

Well, look at this. I just might have to buy one and have ‘bltd’ inscribed upon it. You should do the same (but only if you want to).

“A wee polished sterling silver cloud, shiny as a mirror, floats on a sterling chain. The cloud is 5/8″ wide.”

Designer: dottyspeck, Seattle, WA
Dimensions: 16″ chain

The whole silicone bracelet movement has really reached its peak of annoyance but somehow this one doesn’t really bother me.