by Eric Goldstein
Innovation, functionality, comfort and design all come into play with this beautiful, intriguing line of products from Cybex.
According to many European Pediatricians, it is safest and best for the baby to be carried in a horizontal position. The CYBEX iGO baby carrier holds the baby snug and secure while lying down close to the mother’s body. After the baby is a year old, the iGO allows for vertical carrying of the baby- facing forward or facing towards the caregiver.
by Eric Goldstein
Abel Reels manufacturer of high-precision fly fishing reels is promoting a line of custom reels called the DeYoung Signature Series. Artwork by Montana-based fish and wildlife artist Derek DeYoung will be represented on a limited edition run of Abel Reels.
Abel has chosen two paintings to replicate on their reels from DeYoung’s series, “The Abstract Trout Faces.” One reel finish is based on DeYoung’s “Abstract Rainbow – Serendipity,” a representation of a rainbow trout with a small serendipity fly in its mouth. The other is based on “Abstract Brown – Copper John,” a painting of a butter-colored brown trout with a shiny copper john in its jaw.
Although none of us at Olive are currently fly fishers – we have all expressed the desire to learn more about the ancient angling-centric art of fishing, most associate with trout, salmon, bass and catfish. It’s just fascinating to see such an emphasis of product customization in this genre of sport, often referred as holding onto heritage, simplicity and without regard to cosmetic or vanity.
by Eric Goldstein
I think it was after my father had traveled to London in the late 60’s during the early part of his career as an up-and-coming hair stylist, under the influence of Vidal Sassoon and the like – that he came home with several Biba framed prints, which solidified the “home” aesthetic throughout each home we lived in.
Aside from having very prominent locations in the house, it was impressed upon my sisters and I the importance of the Biba movement in London and retail. It wasn’t till a few years ago, through the use of the web, I did further research to not only validate what I had remembered about the ambient-shot photography and intentionally “pondered” eye gazed prints, but to also have a better understanding of the prints which have now been handed down to me.
Because we have many clients in the fashion, hair, beauty industry and friends alike who just have a sincere interest in design movements – thought you might enjoy.
What is Biba?
Biba is frequently mentioned in the same giddy breath as mini-skirts, Mini cars, the Kings Road, the pill and various other London ‘happenings’ which shall forever define the 1960’s as a decade that swung. It was, however, born of humble origins – garments were initially sold cheaply and to many, by mail order in newspapers. But by the early 1970’s, Biba – a labour of love, a label, a lifestyle – had reached hitherto unknown heights of sophistication, innovation and retail experimentation, via its legendary Big Biba emporium on Kensington High Street (once hailed in the Sunday Times as ‘the most beautiful store in the world’). Biba makes for a true rags to riches story, though one devoid of a happy ending for its creators… fashion can be a very cruel beast.
In terms of design, ideas and presentation, Biba was the brainchild of Warsaw-born (in 1936) Barbara Hulanicki, working in partnership with her husband Stephen Fitz-Simon. Long before her reign as fashion queen kicked off, Hulanicki had endured an unsettling upbringing. Her father – a Polish Olympic athlete and diplomat – was snatched from their home in Palestine in 1948, and assassinated.
When it comes to looking at the Biba movement, from a brand-centric perspective, consider this:
The design movement, was motivated partially because of it’s art nuevo, art deco identity, which was carried through consistently through the life of the fashion period and continues to reflect the air and style of that period today.
by Eric Goldstein
What makes a design a “classic” design?
Looking at the above, some of the designs make our pulse rise a little faster (Ferrari Dino), some a flutter in our hearts, some transport us to a time when we were younger (Darth Vader), and impacted by the visual power of popular culture and mystique.
In the case of the Nike swoosh, for me, it takes me to a time, when I first witnessed the power of branding, where it caused hysteria around possession, and wearing the shoes with the swoosh, “in my head” meant I was wearing something special – meant I was a part of a bigger idea, in many ways, like the Apple ipod, it meant I was a part of my culture purely by the act of participating in the materialistic possession, alone. Then there is the classic nature, by existing in a place of understated simplicity and structure (and many ways, BOLD, and sometimes, CALM) – like the type face of Helvetica.
by Eric Goldstein
Last year, I had the pleasure of touring the Faena Hotel located in Buenos Aires. A haunt for Lenny Kravitz and Madonna, it provides any guest, a mysterious, decadent and luxurious, exclusive experience worth it’s weight in pesos.
Blending the past with the present, the hotel is located on the waterfront of the new Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires, offering immediate access to the city center. Inspired by Alan Faena and designed by Philippe Starck, guest accommodations show the decadence and romance of the Belle Epoque while providing a modern feeling and luxurious comfort.
by Brian Carroll
I have always been a fan of VW, but even more so for their fantastic commericals and fun initiatives. Check out this one from Sweden, where making stairs more fun, resulted in more people taking the stairs than the escalator
by Eric Goldstein
A quick share for my art appreciation friends, family and community.
If you aren’t familiar with Jose Parla’s work, you might enjoy this quick coolhunting video – where we get a little insight into Jose’s style, inspiration and motivation. Enjoy.
by Eric Goldstein
Having lived and worked in the Decatur community over the last 8 years, I have had the pleasure of watching a small city, just a few miles east of the Atlanta downtown, transform into a desirable, attractive and thriving pocket, characterized by commerce, pride, education and good decisions.
From the iconic license plates, showing off the pride associated with where people live, to flag-raising, home improving, parent participating, yogurt-tapping, school improving, student-accelerating and lifestyle embracing – it’s changed the fabric of one of the most approachable inside the perimeter.
What’s brought on the desire to write about Decatur, is being on the heels of Skateraid , this past weekend, where we witnessed skateboarders, their friends, families, artists, musicians and more importantly, community come out to support a great cause , it’s very clear how a simple idea, can be embraced, nurtured and harvested through art, music and community.
For SkaterAid, it was started as a fundraiser, but in my opinion, it’s a way those in the area can celebrate with each other and give in return. A true identifying characteristic and priceless brand attribute.
by Eric Goldstein
I was having a conversation with my family about the 80’s and the resurgence of popular 80’s music, but then the next day was talking about fashion and how it’s snaking it’s way back into our culture once again. Many people acknowledging these cultural trends raise their eyebrows, throw their hands in the air and say “I don’t get it”. “it was so terrible”. But was it? We are in a time where there is so much transition around economy, negativity, challenge and the younger generations are being immersed in media-centric waves through RockBand, GuitarHero, Sirius/XM Radio where a large portion of the music dominating these channels is 80’s. From Journey to Guns and Roses, to Brian Ferry, Erasure, Judas Priest, Bon Jovi – kids 10 years old are now learning all the words and relating more and more with their parents.
On the fashion front – for me it’s quite simple (hopefully demystifying this for a lot of my friends who laugh at reflecting back on facebook images of me and my mullet/perm/paisley shirts) – is to consider this: in the 80’s, the fashion allowed through vibrant color, scale/fit (both oversized and often times, fitted (and often, unfortunately, too tight) was a vehicle for individuality and a visual voice. It was a much more innocent time in our style, music and culture and in the light of so much question around our future – it’s refreshing, nostalgic, easy to digest and familial between generations.
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