Cropped Circles

I love the graphic sensibilities of these Thomas Paul Souk Rugs. Thomas Paul takes traditional rug patterns and literally does a creative crop on them, slicing out just an almost zoomed-in view of what would normally just be a section of a bigger whole, giving the patterns a whole new energy. Keeping the colors to easily incorporated interior standards maintains that graphic focus. It's this kind of off-kilter thinking that really illustrates the tired but oh-so-apt phrase, "Classic With A Twist." If you want these underfoot in your apartment, go check them out at Design Public.

Design Is Key

I can't find my portable Flash drive. I bought one a couple of years ago and it's so small, I've lost it. That's the beauty and trouble with these mini jump drives - they're small enough to lose. I attached it to my key chain on more than one occasion, but the model I had back then was still too bulky (it was making a mark in my skinny indigo APC jeans) so I would remove it when I didn't need it and now it's gone. So I love this bit of practical design from Lacie, a bit of camouflage that will make the product stand out by not standing out: make the thing look like a key since it's likely going to go into your key ring anyhow. Available in 4 and 8 GB capacities, it's more than enough storage for transferring what could fit in a few CD-Roms or a DVD, but in a much more convenient form... not that I need to extol the virtues of Flash drives. Get the 8GB version (why even bother with less if it's available anyhow?) from Tekserve for a mere $28.

In Charge

This is by no means new but something I've had and tested for the past year now, and I can honestly say it works really well. The Blue Lounge Sanctuary Charging Station is the perfect repository for most people's mobile electronic lives. It's great to have a set place where you know all your things are (so you don't have to call your phone in hopes of finding where you lost it) and the range of included compatible connectors allow you to dump all those charging cords and adapters for a single sleek tray, wires hidden neatly away under a nappy liner. Granted, it can comfortably fit maybe only 4 or 5 items at a time, but if you have more than that, you either need several Sanctuaries or should seriously consider editing your gadgets. Available in glossy Black (shown above) or White, it's a case of clean, simple form coupled with perfectly modern function. Get it here for $129, and never worry about forgetting your dead cellphone in your jacket pocket again.

Sit Down To The Wire

Wirework's been a pretty popular motif in interior design over the past few seasons, with high-end designers touting products that are more form than substantial (in a manner of speaking). So it's inevitable that the trend trickle down to the more affordable design purveyors sooner or later. Enter the Onyx chair from Chiasso, a substantial shape made open and airy by the wire construction. In gloss black powder-coated steel, it's a graphic look that evokes the near-omnipresent Platner chair that's been making the rounds of many a shelter mag editorial, at a not too exorbitant price of just under $600. I can't speak for its comfort, but it's certainly a way to indulge in the wire trend. Dress it up even more with an au courant hot pink fabric cushion cover for a punch of color, or maybe put some stuffed birds inside the framework for a bit of humor. There's also a table available (I originally thought I saw a footrest) that was featured in the Chiasso catalog. Anyhow, go check it out here.

Art Bodies

There is a continuous debate about whether or not fashion should ever be considered art. While it's true that the function of clothing can rarely be removed from the equation, there will always be designers who think so far out of the confines of commercial success that art seems to be the only applicable terminology. The work of Iris van Herpen, a female designer from the Netherlands, inspires that kind of thinking. Her more conceptual clothing is often hardly wearable for road or red carpet, yet the pieces truly come to life when worn. From modern takes on mummification to wispy constructions evocative of billowing industrial smoke, there's no denying the vision, and more importantly, the talent and crafstmanship behind some of the more outrageous outfits she sends down her runway. There are enough references in her ouevre to traditional clothing, but they're twisted and shaped like the metals and leathers she favors, into her own fresh and unique vision. In a world crowded with fashion extremists all trying to be heard, her work stands out with its own voice, loud and clear. For more, go to irisvanherpen.com.