ELLA Universe

Inspired by sweet ingenuity, Doughnut Plant NYC

2012-01-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

The most rustic and delicious doughnuts I've ever tried! Doughnut Plant is a bakery that makes very unique and creative variations of the classic doughnut: Yummy Pistachio, Meyer Lemon, Tres Leches, Valrhoma Chocolate, Coconut Glaze, Peanut Butter Glaze among others. The owner Mark Israel, started out in a basement, making doughnuts based on his grandparents’ recipes and delivered them on his bicycle to Dean & Deluca, Balducci’s and other NYC coffee shops. He finally opened a storefront in 1999 on Grand, East Side. Now he has 2 shops in New York and 9 in Japan that he opened with a Japanese partner. By the way, the adorable doughnut pillows on the wall are not edible!

Normann Copenhagen, Danish most innovative

2012-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Normann Copenhagen has been awarded the Denmark global innovation award (gia) for ‘most innovative store’ for our 1,700 m2 Flagship Store at Østerbro in Copenhagen. Gia is an international award presented to the most innovative and exciting store in the field of interior design and décor in Denmark. The international award will be given in Chicago during the International Home + Housewares Show this upcoming March and Normann Copenhagen will be competing with another 20 stores around the world.

"Normann Copenhagen is a way of living - a mindset. We like to think of it as putting on a pair of glasses and seeing the world in a different way. We love to challenge the conventional design rules"

In 2005, Normann Copenhagen opened the 1700 m2 Flagship Store in the heart of Copenhagen. The former cinema is now home to a unique shopping experience with an extensive selection of design and lifestyle products, as well as fashion, by high-end brands. The experiential side of the old cinema has been preserved, and exhibitions and events provide the platform for extraordinary design experiences.

Beam & Anchor, home to Portland's artsy scene

2011-12-17T04:57:00.000-08:00

Beam & Anchor , created by Robert and Jocelyn Rahm, Portland-based artists and designers, will open in Spring 2012. Beam & Anchor is a home to makers, artists, upholsterers and carpenters who work in the top floor and is retail space on the first floor which features curated items from both new and vintage sources. Local makers and artisans contribute to the curious mix of furniture, art, household items, and miscellaneous blend of rediscovered and reinvented objects.

Dark Gareth Pugh makeup line for M•A•C

2011-12-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

London-based style subversive Gareth Pugh infuses his shadowy, esoteric vision into an exclusive collection for M•A•C. Check the new line at maccosmetics.com and learn more about Gareth on my previous posts gareth-pughs-dark-side and halloween-proper-gareth-pugh. Also read a full interview about the new line at dazeddigital.com

Geishas & Haute Couture, Dior by Patrick Demarchelier

2011-11-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

The famous Rizzoli Bookstore will launch this upcoming December the Dior Couture by Patrick Demarchelier book containing more than one hundred iconic gowns from the entire era of Christian Dior haute couture; including dresses designed by Dior himself and those of his successors, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, and John Galliano. Each of these portraits were shot by French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

Chanel Shade Parade, so iconic.

2011-10-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

So well thought out, every detail is iconic Chanel. I was in a taxi today and it caught my eye, the hand going down the famous Chanel stairs, without seeing the logo I knew it was Chanel. Great creative showing the brand's shades Dragon, Black Pearl, Inattendu, Particulière and Orange Fizz.

Perrier Jouët alive in Jo Lynn Alcorn's paper

2011-10-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

The art of Jo Lynn has found her own canvas, paper. Now adding a new dimension to the French Perrier Jouët bottles and presentation. Adorably feminine, delicate and fresh like champagne bubbles. You have to visit the site www.perrier-jouet.com an enjoy the experience.

You can learn more about her amazing creative process at www.jolynnalcorn.com

Karl Lagerfeld & his Crystals for Orrefors

2011-10-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

After designing Coca-Cola bottles, the restless Karl Lagerfeld now is creating his first line of crystal products with Orrefors of Sweden. Always with paper and pencil at hand to draws whatever comes to his mind at any given moment. Learn more at orrefors.com/karllagerfeld Read my previous post about Lagerferld's collaboration with Ruby Helmets at ellauniverse.ruby-helmets

“I am a black-and-white person. Some grays, some dirty pinks, not flashy pinks. I have never been obsessed with color, I cannot explain why. I wanted to become an illustrator as a child. Black-and-white always looks modern, whatever that word means.”_ Karl Lagerfeld, discussing his new collection of glassware for Orrefors, in an interview published in Architectural Digest October 2011.

“What I enjoy the most

is doing something

I've never done before".

Steve, The Creative Mind of Our Generation

2011-10-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

Before & After Steve.

He taught us to Dream Big & Not Stop Until Done.

He changed our lives with his Vision, not only once but many times throughout his life.

We will miss you.

Send Steve one last email to rememberingsteve@apple.com

My vintage Apple treasury collection in memory of Steve: etsy.com/treasury/ellauniverse/i-will-miss-you-steve

Open
This treasury had 1064 views, 387 clicks, 92 admirers and 83 comments in only 10 hours.

The ones who see things differently...

They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them,

About the only thing that you can't do is ignore them.

Because they change things.

They push the human race forward.

While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world,
are the ones who do.

Now you know that my drink is Lemon Drop

2011-09-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Following my previous post on Lemon Drop and after a memorable trip to LA now I have to learn how to make one!

1 part Absoult Citron
1 part Triple Sec
1 part fresh lemon juice
Mix, shake, strain into a sugar rimmed martini glass, et voilá!

Sweet & Sour, like the good things in life... mmmm yellow Diva!

Ladurée macarons now in NYC Upper East Side

2011-09-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Maison Ladurée, the famed centuries-old Parisian macaron shop and now global chain, opened its first US store on Madison and 70th on August 30th and has plans for another one soon in Soho. Visit Laduree and follow them in facebook MaisonLaduree

The small storefront is tastefully French style with a long counter displaying chocolates, the famed macarons, and small pastries and sorbet, while nooks and crevices offer collections of candles, collectors edition boxes, and towers of macarons.

Ladurée, which first established a tea room near the Place de la Concorde in 1862, is said to have originated the French macaron as we know it: not the little round cakes, but the idea of sandwiching a pair with a filling. That happened some 60 ago. Read my previous post about macarons.

Ladurée, 864 Madison Avenue (71st Street), (646) 558-3157, open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6. Macarons in 15 flavors are $2.70 each; chocolates, $10 and up; ice cream, $8.50.

We can all make a difference. Ideas are welcome.

2011-09-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am looking for a cause, something that would inspire me and others! and I will create a non-profit or similar. I love children around the world... a better future... a better and healthier world. Share with me some ideas!! And I will make it happen!!
We can all make a difference. It is time. Please leave your comment below.

Finally the Prius is not the only Hybrid Spaceship! Meet Ora-Ïto's UFO and EVO

2011-09-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Fench product designer Ora-Ïto created two hybrid cars: The “UFO” & the “Evo mobil”, both inspired by the iconic ‘DS’ and ‘Traction Avant’ cars from Citroën. He build these sculptures combining the dream of the formal and the future of technology. So, they are not real cars, well... anyways I don't know if I am looking to the future of the interpretation of the future in the past. Visit his design and architecture studio at ora-ito.com

Learn more at ora-ito.com/ufo-citroen, ora-ito.com/evo-mobil-citroen and ora-ito.com/evo-mobil-citroen

Heal the food chain, go back to basics

2011-09-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

Johnny Kelly produced an animated video for Chipotle, the Mexican food chain, to support its efforts towards responsible food production. The entire stop motion piece was shot on a table top that is cleared off halfway through the video to make room for building the factory. Originally trained as a graphic designer, Kelly is an innovative creative and animation director. Learn more at nexusproductions/johnny-kelly

You can watch more steps of the production at flickr.com/photos/johnnykelly/sets

Ella Universe's New Website powered by Muse

2011-08-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

I used the new software Muse A new free beta by Adobe. It's the best ever invented for graphic designers that hate code like me!!

Check it out!! http://ellauniverse.com/

PLAYTYPE, a Ludic Physical Store about Type

2011-08-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Danish design firm e-Types opened the concept store Playtype in Copenhagen fully dedicated to typefaces. This temporary "physical store" will be opened until the end of 2011.

The Playtype concept store was launched in conjunction with the revamp and redesign of Playtype.com. Located in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro, the store is the physical manifestation of the online shop – and then some.

Created as a place to further our typographic practice, the store provides a street level entry to typography - it is a place to share our passion with the general public and a place where our designers can experiment with their craft outside of the studio.

Aside from type, the store continuously features new editions and products created by e-Types alongside friends and colleagues in the design and art world.

Ella Universe @ Etsy Grand Opening Event!

2011-08-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Get 15% off, use code at checkout:

ELLAGRANDOPENING at etsy/ellauniverse

Dana Tanamachi's Nagging Doubt and her chalk

2011-08-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Dana Tanamachi is a graphic designer and custom chalk letterer living in Brooklyn, New York. After hours, Dana moonlights as a custom chalk letterer, creating large-scale chalk installations in New York City. She also applies her chalk lettering to a wide variety of uses for publications, packaging, and apparel. Wath her work! Visit danatanamachi.com

In June 2008, Dana moved to New York City and began working at SpotCo designing posters for Broadway shows. Currently, she works at Louise Fili Ltd, a NYC-based studio specializing in logo, package, restaurant, and book design. Visit Louise Fili and Louise-fili studio

Ella Universe presents her vintage collection @ Etsy

2011-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

When the lights go off, the voices disappear and this mundane theatre is inexorably empty... Ella comes, the most enticing creature to behold.

Ella universe, la femme and her universe, the muse from the 1920's till now.

Ella Universe presents her new Vintage Collection at Etsy. An enticing lifestyle collection intensively dreamed, inspiredly designed & thoughtfully curated by Cecilia Zalazar.

Preview & Shop at etsy.com/ellauniverse

Shop Now

The talent and pulse of Aaron de la Cruz

2011-08-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Aaron De La Cruz's work gracefully mingles between design, graffiti and illustration. No computer, just the incredible pulse of his hand and years of practice create such harmonious but yet free mathematical pattens. Visit aarondelacruz.com

The lack of deliberation while moving creates a tension in his work caused by the almost computer generated grid like systems he creates by unplanned mark making. The marks themselves are very primal in nature but tend to take on higher meanings in the mediums and contexts they appear on.

From tomorrow August 11th to September 1st you can see his work, and maybe get to chat with him, during his exhibition at Project Space at 603 N. La Brea Ave. in LA. The best of luck Aaron!

The Mast Brothers Chocolate from Brooklyn

2011-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Two brothers, Rick and Michael Mast, set to conquer the chocolate gourmet market with a unique proposal, true tradition and high quality ingredients. Using only the best cocoa in the world and sugar, dedication, resourcefulness and nothing else. After their crafty process the chocolate bars are finally hand wrapped in beautifully crafted papers, designed by our friends and family. Visit mastbrotherschocolate.com

They began their enterprise in their apartment, using a homemade machine to process cacao beans. Over time they cultivated their creation, sourcing beans from family farms in Madagascar, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. Each bar is handmade with incredible reverence for the process and history of chocolate. They are bound in ornamental papers and golden foil like a collection of rare books. Each bar offers its own story of flavors, and no two are exactly alike.

Strangled by knitwear, Nanna van Blaaderen

2011-07-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

The designs of textile designer Nanna van Blaaderen are as gentle to the skin as they are to the environment. Specialized in hand- and in machineknitting, she blends craft, materials and innovation to develop textiles that integrate comfort, elegance, quality and sustainability. She plays with scale and texture, while animals and nature are her source of inspiration. Visit her website at nannavanblaaderen.com

"Fashion is so much more than a piece of fabric and a sil-houette. Hard, soft, furry, smooth, rough, fine, open, closed, warm or cold, even the finest layer of textile can change the human figure from being naked and vulnerable, into being protected, strong or seductive."- Nanna van Blaaderen.

"What does textile do with body and skin and how important are comfort, functionality, and the materials in the fabrics we wear?

From an early age, I have been fascinated by the interaction between textiles, clothing and the body. During my studies I have explored textiles, fashion design and photography. In my search I have gained strong affinity with these different disciplines, which seemed to be separated at first. However with my rediscovery into knitting, some years ago, I have found a form in which my diverse interests come together.

In knitting I have found a language that brings together textiles and design. A language through which I can express my passion and fascinations. The opportunities, offered by this technique, to create structures, textures and shapes in infinite amounts of materials and variations are a source of inspiration and motivation in my current work." - Nanna van Blaaderen.

New York by Gehry at 8 Spruce Street

2011-07-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

The rippling stainless steel exterior of Frank Gehry's masterpiece covers three faces of the tower and creates bay windows for some of the 903 apartments inside. At 870 feet tall, New York by Gehry is the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere and a singular addition to the iconic Manhattan skyline. The 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces offer residents an experience found only in world-class hotels and resorts.Visit newyorkbygehry.com and dezeen.com/new-york-by-gehry/

McQueen on his own terms, Savage Beauty

2011-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

“There’s blood beneath every layer of skin.” - Alexander McQueen.

The work of Alexander McQueen is the subject of the exhibition Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York until the 31st July. It's an unique opportunity to experience up close his geniuses mind, exposed, in his own terms. An artist sometimes misunderstood and many misinterpreted. Learn more at blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen

“My friend George and I were walking on the beach in Norfolk, and there were thousands of [razor-clam] shells. They were so beautiful, I thought I had to do something with them. So, we decided to make [a dress] out of them. . . . The shells had outlived their usefulness on the beach, so we put them to another use on a dress. Then Erin [O’Conner] came out and trashed the dress, so their usefulness was over once again. Kind of like fashion, really.” - Alexander McQueen.

“[This] collection is . . . romantic but melancholic and austere at the same time. It was gentle but you could still feel the bite of cold, the nip of the ice on the end of your nose. . . . With bustles and nipped waists, I was interested in the idea that there are no constraints on the silhouette. I wanted to exaggerate a woman’s form, almost along the lines of a classical statue.”- Alexander McQueen.

“Working in the atelier [at Givenchy] was fundamental to my career . . . Because I was a tailor, I didn’t totally understand softness, or lightness. I learned lightness at Givenchy. I was a tailor at Savile Row. At Givenchy I learned to soften. For me, it was an education. As a designer I could have left it behind. But working at Givenchy helped me learn my craft.”- Alexander McQueen

“I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.” - Alexander McQueen.

“Remember Sam Taylor-Wood’s dying fruit? Things rot. . . . I used flowers because they die. My mood was darkly romantic at the time.” - Alexander McQueen.

NYC Garment District, the place to start.

2011-06-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

New York City is planning for the future of the Garment District, the heart of American fashion. This could transform the fashion industry and Midtown Manhattan and the Garment District is fighting back.

The cluster of fashion-related businesses in the Garment District creates a district-wide incubator that supports startups and entrepreneurs -- no other fashion capital supports this kind of outsourced infrastructure. Learn more at madeinmidtown.org

“All my resources are here. It would only make sense for a designer who’s very hands-on to be in the midst of where it all takes place. This is where the magic happens.” - Jason Wu.

“I couldn’t have started my business if it wasn’t for the New York City Garment District. If you start out like I did, out of my apartment, I could sell 20 of something. I would go see the buyer at Barneys every month and show her a new dress, and she’d order 50. And I could take it to a factory around the corner.” - Nanette Lepore.

Watch more videos at vimeo.com/designtrust