(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
To those who stepped in late: here at Crave, we like things that light up. So when I saw these huggable light-up pillows at ICFF, I more or less concluded that no matter what they were, they had to be blogged. Turns out they're the inaugural product from designer Diana Lin, and they're called the Rei Huggables (pronounced "ray," you know, like sunlight).
Basically, a Rei pillow is a set of 12 LEDs encased in soft silicone cases that are stashed inside a fuzzy pillow cover. The ellipse-shaped silicone cases give each pillow a sort of amoeba-like look, and they're available in white, pink, and gold. They can be powered either by four AA batteries or an AC adapter, and they're warm to the touch so that they can help keep you nice and toasty when it's cold out.
Luminous pillows, I should note, are generally not among our favorite glowy items. And the Rei's eyebrow-raising price--$125 for a single pillow--isn't really our style. But they sure are cute!
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
One of the most noticeable trends at this year's ICFF was the prevalence of nature-inspired design, whether it be pillows with birds printed on them or wall fixtures with antlers. There was also, predictably, a heck of a lot of "green" design and LED lighting. This prototype, called the Corona Solar Light, was one of my favorites.
Designed by Shane Kohatsu and Emi Fujita, these are long skinny outdoor lights that resemble sunflowers or some other kind of tall, long-stemmed plant. In the "head" is a solar panel, which charges the light during the day so that the LED-infused "crown" (get it? Corona?) will be illuminated at night.
Corona lights can also be removed from their "stems" and attached to walls or placed on tables. Cool, right? Unfortunately, they can't turn to face the sun like real sunflowers would, but I suppose there's still some R&D to be done in the rapidly evolving field of luminescent biomimicry.
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
The 'C' in ICFF stands for 'contemporary,' and indeed, you're not going to see any Chippendales or mahogany armoires on the show floor. So it was a tad bizarre to see an old-school Adirondack outdoor chair among all the experimental pieces. As it turns out, however, this chair by Douglas Homer for Loll Designs isn't your average piece of patio furniture. That's because it glows in the dark.
This line of furniture is appropriately titled "AfterGlow," and in addition to the Adirondack, Loll has also designed an ottoman and an armless double seat. These could look very cool and eerie at night when they give off that cool green glow. Perfect for the beach house!
The best part? They're made from 100% post-consumer recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), primarily derived from recycled milk jugs. Go buy one and make Al Gore proud!
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
One of my favorite pieces on the show floor at ICFF, which is headquartered at NYC's Jacob Javits Convention Center through Tuesday (and on Tuesday it's open to the public) was this piece, which is actually a project made by Philadelphia University sophomore Gary Bugno as part of the school's industrial design program. It holds three remote controls. That's what it does. And it tells you what it does, too. It might not be quite as ingenious as Sheriff John "Wayne" Falcone's holster-like display of five remotes at once, but it's quite clever and aesthetically pleasing in its simplicity.
My only problem with it? I've definitely got more than three remotes. I suppose that means either I could obtain more than one of these cool remote holders (assuming they ever hit the consumer market, which I certainly hope they do) or I could invest in one of those scary-looking universal remotes that can control everything from the TV to the fish tank.
A few months back, the Transport pod created by Alberto Frias gained some serious blog buzz, and with good reason--what self-respecting tech blogger wouldn't want to write about a space-age sleeping pod equipped with speakers and color-changing LEDs that pulse along with the music?
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
Consequently, while wandering around at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC on Sunday, I spotted one of the cocoon-like Transport pods on display and more or less squealed. Frias himself was there to show it off, and the first question I asked was, "Can I go inside?" I wasn't expecting Frias to say yes, but he did, so I promptly kicked off my sneakers and dove in.
The view from inside. That's my right leg, for the record.
(Credit: Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)Well, here's what it's like. First of all, it's super comfortable. I mean, really sink-in-and-immediately-fall-asleep comfortable. The LEDs aren't too bright, and cycle through a sequence of soft colors that are indeed very soothing. Frias recommended that I stare at the ceiling because the colors would dilate my eyes and start to create a sort of 3D illusion--tough to explain, but it did actually happen. Very trippy indeed.
The only negatives: it's a little bit tough to climb in and out, and additionally, there does appear to be strong potential for whacking one's head on the ceiling. Nevertheless, I'm totally enamored by it. Prices start at around $10,000. Who wants to buy me one?
P.S.: I'll be posting a few more ICFF recaps over the course of the day. Want more? NOTCOT blogger Jean Aw has been snapping lots of photos too.
First person to burn their thumb on this thing gets their geek cred boosted 10 points.
(Credit: Mixco.co.uk)Dim the lights, chill the Courvoisier, and blow the dust off that Asteroids cartridge. It's time to give your vintage video-game system the affection it deserves. What better way to show you really care than lighting up a romantic display of candles sitting in ceramic replicas of the Atari 2600 joystick. The design is by Mixko and was spotted at this week's New York ICFF showcase.
(via BoingBoing)
- prev
- 1
- next
