create:YU

Moved my blog

2006-10-06T12:01:00.000-04:00

was working on moving this blog to a more robust platform. visit my new blog some of the images were messed up during the import, still working on that and drafts of posts that have yet seen the world will be ready once i am done. thanks for your patience. bear with the mess just a little bit.

Vivienne Westwood in Bangkok

2006-07-27T06:12:00.000-04:00

Some people adapt themselves to the world, while others adapt the world to themselves. The world goes round because of the latter group. A collaboration between Thailand Creative & Design Center and the Victoria & Albert Museum, the “Vivienne Westwood” exhibition reflects the evolution of her designs—from the outrageous punk rock style of the 70s, to the “neo-romantic” designs inspired by classical costumes during the 80s, and then the one-of-a-kind elegant style since the 90s to the present day, which has earned her world acclaim. Watch the retrospective of Vivienne Westwood, one of the most influential fashion designers of the last 30 years, unfold before your eyes. Vivienne Westwood When: 22 July - 24 September 2006 | 10:30-21:00 Where: Gallery 2, Thailand Creative & Design Center, 6th Fl. The Emporium Shopping Complex. 622 Sukhumvit 24, Bangkok 10110. Thailand

Public Art & Furniture in Roppongi Hills

2006-07-20T03:55:00.000-04:00

“Roppongi Hills Public Art & Design Project” was launched to supply a key element in realizing the grand vision of Roppongi Hills as a cultural center in Tokyo. For this large-scale project with the ambitious theme of creating a new and much-needed cultural center in the heart of the city, over twenty world-class artists and designers were specially commissioned to create works to be placed at sites around the community. Transcending the boundary between art and design, the exquisite yet functional works are shaping the creative landscape of this cultural center.

Karim Rashid in Roppongi Hills

2006-07-20T03:19:00.000-04:00

sKape KARIM RASHID 2003／GRC, urethane paint 0.7 x 9.0 x 1.94(h)m

sKape is an island of flowing color, designed as an extension of the Tokyo landscape. The signature curvatures of Karim. Really stands out at the same time adding vibrance to the area. The urban landscape of Roppongi Hills contains many specially commissioned works of public art and design, which give the town vibrancy and color while affirming its role as a cultural center. Four of the works were chosen by David Elliott, Director of the Mori Art Museum, which is located within Roppongi Hills. A further three works were selected by architect Fumihiko Maki for installation in and around his TV Asahi building. Shigeru Uchida collaborated with 10 designers to produce 11 custom-made benches and one bus stop, all of which are arranged along a 400m stretch of Roppongi Hills' main street, Keyaki-zaka Dori.

Counter Void

2006-07-20T02:54:00.000-04:00

COUNTER VOID TATSUO MIYAJIMA 2003／Neon tube, glass, IC, aluminum, electric wire, etc. 1 unit: 3.2 x 2.2m x 6 figures Commissioned by TV Asahi Directed by MAKI AND ASSOCIATES

Digital numbers on a glass screen excite the imaginations of passersby. The Counter Void is an interesting one; we were fortunate to witness both how it looks during day and night time. The LED flipped from the Black on White to White on Black as soon as it turned dark. Inspirational piece!

Cuddliest Hero of Asia

2006-07-20T01:02:00.000-04:00

When at TV Asahi in Roppongi, we couldn't skip visiting our favorite hero of all times - Doraemon. Doraemon (ドラえもん ) by Hiroshi Fujimoto, pen name Fujiko F. Fujio, is a Japanese manga about a robotic cat, Doraemon, who has travelled back in time from the future to aid a schoolboy, Nobita Nobi. The stories first appeared in January 1970. They were simultaneously published in six different magazines. In total, 1,344 of the original stories were created. They are published by Shogakukan under the Ladybug (てんとう虫, Tentōmushi) comics brand, extending to forty-five volumes. They are collected in the Takaoka Central Library, Toyama, Japan, where Fujimoto was born. Doraemon was awarded the grand prize of the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (手塚治虫文化賞) of 1997. Doraemon Resource

Vestal Monte Carlo

2006-05-28T17:47:00.000-04:00

This is a sweet retro-inspired oak-panel design. One of my favorite watch for the season. Remember those old Cadillacs your grandmom/grandpop drove? Vestal

ICFF 2006

2006-05-20T22:55:00.000-04:00

Left: Lite Brite Neon > Chandelier | Right: Rubber Dipped Chandelier > Tobias Wong

I checked out the ICFF 2006 today. Lots of interesting furniture and furnishing designs, really a great source of inspiration. Also discovered some new materials for my projects. Going back tomorrow to continue my tour of duty. When: May 20 - 23, 2006 Where: Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYC ICFF

Vagary by Citizen

2006-05-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

Vagary is a line of basic watches with basic functions that differentiate themselves with bold and distinctive graphic design, both on the watch face and the exterior form. It says FUN and PARTY all over. It is produced by the Citizen watch company. Vagary

Yellow Ox Mountain黃牛山

2006-05-02T13:47:00.000-04:00

YELLOW OX MOUNTAIN USA, 2006, 27 Minutes, Color & B/W Directed by Miao Wang Cinematography by Ian Vollmer This a short documentary that portrays the artistic endeavors and the personal journeys of two such contemporary Chinese artists, Zhang Hongtu and Zhang Jian-Jun, whose lives and work span from the post-Cultural Revolution political environment of China to today's thriving Chinese contemporary art community of New York. They were determined to escape from the artistic leash imposed by the Chinese cultural control. Each represents a different personal background and experience of the Cultural Revolution, and very different reactions expressed through their artwork. Yet, there is a shared sense of constant cultural negotiations as they concurrently look back to their traditions and forward to the multifaceted creative influences of New York. Ian Vollmer the Cinematographer and Zhang Hongtu the Artist happen to be good friends of mine. Director Miao Wang is a talented young filmmaker. Please support. Screenings: Tribeca Underground Film Festival May 3, 2006, 7-9pm—The Park Avenue Screening Room (500 Park Avenue at the SW corner of 59th St.) San Francisco Documentary Film Festival May 21, 2006, 5pm—Women's Building (3543 18th at Valencia) Yellow Ox Mountain is produced by ThreeWatersProductions

Zhang Hongtu in the interview

Zhang Hongtu's work {The Last Banquet}

Zhang Jian-Jun painting

Quenttin by Jacob & Co.

2006-04-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

Quenttin limited edition watch by Jacob & Co. is the sickest watch out of his whole collection. Only 99 available in white gold, 18 in rose gold and another 18 in platinum. Get your hands on one before them rapper dudes get one!

Mini Wrist Watch

2006-04-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

The Mini wrist watch's form and function defines a state-of-the-art design. A textile strap has been reinforced with a spring steel core, the springiness of which holds the watch to the wrist without a catch. Functional and innovative details are a one-piece strap, which runs through the casing, an interlocking date and day display, a cut sapphire glass as well as the materials chosen. With its geometrical, but nevertheless tight design, the Mini wrist watch reflects attributes typical of the Mini brand. Winner of the 2003 Red Dot Design. Designed by the BMW AG InHouse Design Team / DesignWorks USA

Mini Motion

2006-04-12T13:26:00.000-04:00

Commissioned by BMW MINI, industrial designer Yves Béhar created the "MINI Motion" collection with the idea of fusing design and functionality to experiences in and out of the car. The watch features a soft, gray silicone-covered open wristband with a spring steel core that stays securely on without a traditional fastener. The stainless-steel case houses an innovative LCD display can be switched from a vertical to a horizontal view, optimal for driving.

BMW turned to Béhar when it wanted to create a series of auto-related products to go with its retooled classic, the Mini Cooper. Béhar told his clients that the real mini story was not about the car, it was about the driver's lifestyle. The MINI brand, he says, is about mobility, maneuverability, speed, and fun. So Béhar designed a line of lifestyle gear -- a watch, shoes, a jacket -- and named it MINI_motion. "Consumers want products that tell stories, have magic, and inspire," he says.

Read about Yves Béhar in BrandWeek Yves Béhar's Design Firm

Nixon Dictator

2006-04-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

This Nixon Dictator Watch is the geekiest watch i ever seen and definitely needs to be featured here. This watch can save up to a maximum of 3.5 minutes length for the kinds of non-stop pranks and silliness that only a true blue geek can truly appreciate. Nixon

Red Dot Winner 2006

2006-04-08T11:31:00.000-04:00

The Neolog A-24 II by designer Arman Emami is the winner of this year's Red Dot Design wristwatch category. According to their press material, this watch creates a new way of looking at time. It tells time by counting the digital bars, so for example: if the first column has 7 bars, the second 3 bars and third 5 bars, then the time is 7:35. However, i won't say that this is a new concept, it looks very similar to the PIMP watch... Retails for 189 Euros. Emami Official Site Neolog Site Red Dot Design

Cute watch from Seiko

2006-04-03T07:27:00.000-04:00

This new funky line of Appetime Papilio watches will be launched by Seiko. Looks like it will not be selling outside Japan like the rest of the fun cool watches. Via Seiko Press Release

Adida's Bulova

2006-04-02T07:44:00.000-04:00

I have to mention this Adidas' remake of the famous 70s Bulova LED watch. Adidas has modernised the design to revive this wonderful watch. For example, the bright colors of leather straps, there's also a version with the wide leather wrist band. My favorite is the one with white leather strap. Very cool. Get them at any Adidas boutique.

Issey Miyake watches by Seiko

2006-03-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

Seiko SII launching two wristwatches designed by the Issey Miyake fashion label. They are the TO and the TWELVE. The TWELVE (right) features a very unique design. The polygonal shape of the watch face actually marks the hour segments. The minimalistic date display is really interesting too. The TWELVE retails for about ¥35000 (~US$300). Read our previous mention of Issey Miyake's watch on this blog. Via Nikkei Design

Rotolog from Nixon

2006-03-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

This is a 2005 release which in my own opinion a out-of-the-box design of the year, which inspired and revived the retro-look for wrist wears in 2006. The watch is retro-inspired with the walnut wood inlay. Now it comes in black, white and orange inlays. I have to say this is a winner! Retails for US$200. Nixon

Seiko Spectrum on Ebay!

2006-03-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

Seiko will be auctioning for charity on Ebay the worlds first ever electronic ink watch. The watch goes on sale on March 19 through March 25. All proceeds raised from the auction will go towards the charity Help A London Child. Forementioned, this watch is knowned as the Spectrum, the limited edition (only 500 are being made) watch features a microcapsule-type Electrophoresis display module, offering a thin flexible design that could bend around your wrist. It incorporates a microcapsule-type Electrophoresis display module which is the result of a joint development effort, combining Electronic Ink technology developed by E Ink Corporation in the USA and Seiko Epson advanced display manufacturing and electronic circuitry techniques. In layman terms, that means you can wear it like a wrap-around-the-wrist bangle and still read time, due to this highly contrast face. Watch out for it on Ebay March 19-25, 2006.

Operation Cabestan

2006-03-06T14:11:00.001-05:00

Jean-François Ruchonnet and Vianney Halter have combined their talents to present an exceptional watch, one with a truly revolutionary design and a spectacular mechanism to shake up the watch world. Codename: Cabestan (patented model). Jean-François Ruchonnet is also, quite notably, the inventor and designer of TAG Heuer’s famous Monaco V4 Concept Watch. Vianney Halter is credited with the very innovative Opus III, made for Harry Winston, which is the first watch to totally integrate digital indications on a pure mechanical basis. This design is sort of odd and innovative at the same time. Get this:

Winding the watch and setting the hour and minutes are effected using a winding stem in the form of a movable “winch” that links directly to one of the small “capstans” that are found at the four exterior angles of the case: at the upper left, it acts directly on the fusee and, by the intermediary of the chain, allows the barrel to be wound; at the upper right, it acts on the minute cylinder which is connected to that of the hours. The two other small “capstans” are only there for decoration and to complete the aesthetics of the case. Once the small winch is used, it is easily stored in the buckle of the watch’s bracelet.

One functional prototype will be presented at Baselworld 2006, and a pre-series of the first ten watches is planned for the end of 2006. These watches are now ready to be ordered through Vianney Halter, at Janvier SA in Sainte-Croix. Said retail price: US$220,000 Via Europastar

stick-on-time

2006-03-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

Too lazy to wear a watch? here's a real convenient way to wear time: by just sticking it on your clothes or skin, and use it how ever long you want it. It's disposable. The design is based on flexible touchscreen technology. As it says "flex", the time sticker can be bent or rolled. A conceptual project by designersIgor Solovyov and Maria Solovyova.

Apple Ideas

2006-03-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

These are just some kick-ass ideas from a Flickr site, pretty funny and actually good! Check the site for more!

Mactallic

2006-03-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

Makeover your iMac with these stylishcolorful metallic skins. Available in blue, silver, pink, green, orange and black colors, Mactallic fits all 17″ ($39.95) and 20″ ($44.95) iMac models. Unfortunately, all skins are currently sold out. via ShinyShiny

Backside Watch?

2006-03-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

Everything is backwards on this watch and time is read through the little window, much like an early digital. Ok. It looks like the back of a watch. The numbers run opposite from right to left. I am not sure if one can get the most accurate times with this watch but it’ll definitely be a conversation starter! Conceived by Russian design group Open Concepts Ps. i forgot to mention, it's meant to be worn upside down too....does it make sense?