Project Le Tour Photos by Brent Humphrey
While one famous Texan has been getting all the Tour de France headlines, perhaps another Texan will end up best capturing the legacy of this year’s tour. Austin-based photographer Brent Humphrey’s Project Le Tour portfolio captures the grace of the racers and the morning fog coming down jagged hills, yes, but also the tents of campers waiting for a brief glimpse at the riders, rotisserie chicken being grilled at roadside stands, and the proclivity of sunbathers along the roadside. In all, a fascinating, quirky glimpse at the world’s most famous bicycle race. Lance who?
See more images of this collection after the jump.
The Malcolm Interview with Richard Haines
Perhaps even more inspiring than Scott Schuman’s The Sartorialist blog is Richard Haines “What I Saw Today.” A veteran of Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, and Bill Blass, Richard’s quick sketches of New York’s most stylish capture the essence of his subject’s cool, which allowing enough vaugeness for the look to be interpreted by the viewer. Since starting barely over a year ago, the blog has led to Richard producing in-store portraits and catalog covers for J. Crew. Read his current interview with The Malcolm here.
More images after the jump.
Regina II Classic Armchair by Poltrona Frau
Because of its harmonious combination of classic proportions with modern lines the Regina II, an updated take on the traditional bergère, is as perfect in a Wall Street condo as in a South Beach summer home. Made of Pelle Frau® leather upholstery, polyurethane foam and Dacron® padding, with a painted steel base; designed by Paolo Rizzato and produced by Poltrona Frau Italy. A matching pouf is also offered.
More images after the jump.
Sperry Two-Tone Chukka Boot
While traditional Sperry Topsider may look a out of place when not worn in the appropriate setting, the new Two-Tone Chukka boot suffers no such problems. Another in Sperry’s diversification of product, and coming on the heels of successful partnerships with Band of Outsiders and J. Crew, the Two-Tone Chukka is distressed with contrasting uppers. Available fall 2009.
More images after the jump.
Jaguar Mark XXI Concept – Bionomic Autonomous Limousine
As conceptualized by British design student Christopher Pollard, the future of automobiles–and in this case the Jaguar Mark XXI Limousine–is in streamlined, swooping, incandescence. And, more importantly, that the design’s excitement is strongly influenced by it’s engineering–that the design of the vehicle is literally what powers it. For the Mark XXI is solar-powered, with leaf-like panels that follow the movement of the sun. These same panels are lit at night. Beyond the uniqueness of design and forward-thinking technologies, Pollard’s demonstration of conceptual phases is particularly intriguing.
More images and the video of the Jaguar Mark XXI concept car after the jump.
Sydney Police Mug Shots from 1912-1930
A Time To Get showcases what is undoubtedly the coolest set of mug shots you will ever see. Taken in Australia in the early 20th century, the accused are generally shown photographed twice, once from roughly the chest up (for facial detail) and again as an off-center full portrait. Dressed in their own clothing, the subjects project an air of casualness and confidence, some with arms around another, many with satisfied postures, and all accentuated by the variety of backgrounds—including a trees, plants, and other people. Similar to Richard Avedon’s American West series, the pictures highlight a peculiar mixture of hard-times and informality. For a fascinating in-depth explanation of these photographs and how they were rediscovered, visit Scan.Net.
More images after the jump.
Bug Chair by Isak
By Norwegian designers Sigurd Strom and Benjamin Stenmarck, the ISAK’s Bug chair appears like something out of a 1940’s The Rocketeer cartoon, very retro-futuristic and space-inspired. Made of a reinforced glass fiber outer shell and inner steel frame, it literally was inspired by a 50’s bike lamp. Says Sig Dugal, ISAK’s CEO: “Developing this chair has been a true dream project for ISAK. From the moment I saw the design ideas on this chair I fell in love with it. Its retro form combined with its modern look is sure to command attention in any environment.”
More images of ISAK’s Bug chair after the jump.
Shocker Chopper
Taking design cues from Easy Rider (or perhaps West Coast Choppers), German studio Team Tentakulus’ Shocker Chopper is a one speed bike with serious cache. Colored like an old-school Jeep, with a minimalist, linear frame, the bike is one part cruiser, one part rugged, and all-around cool. Don’t forget your helmet.
More images after the jump.
Crate & Barrel Fulton Collection
Streamlined and paired with industrial materials, modern rustic moves further away from it’s vintage-influenced, cluttered roots with Crate & Barrel’s new Fulton collection. Solid teak and reclaimed teak veneer paneling and faux oxidized industrial black metal frames create an aesthetic usually considered too sophisticated for a mass retailer. Unfortunately, the collection is limited to media and office pieces, because it would be great tto see the aesthetic carried into a bedroom set. Available in-store and online.
More images of the media after the jump.
Photographer – Daidō Moriyama
Japanese photographer Daidō Moriyama, of the innovative photographers’ group VIVO, boasts a stunning archive of jarring work consisting of gritty, black and white images depicting the proverbial forgotten alleyways of city life. Born in 1937, his stark lens unflinchingly explores everyday objects, cultural interactions, and the contradictory nature that shape his perception of post-World War II Japan.
See more of Daidō Moriyama’s work, particularly his famous 1971 photo of a stray dog, after the jump.
