I didn’t go to Milan Design Week this year, but my dear friend Kristina Dryza did. Her perspective is pretty great, and sort of what I expected to hear. Excerpt below:

In the West, we crave experiences that help us know ourselves better, and better express ourselves. The companies showing at design week needed to use ‘illumination' as the filter from which to deliver their brand experience as the world doesn't need another chair, light fixture or cabinet. The world needs design steeped in meaning. And as many social commentators keep reiterating, meaning is the new currency.

Read the rest over here.

Too funny. Want a bigger court? Click here.

Via Zoomdoggle

Our friends at COTO, makers of some very fine Sustainable Luxury Accessories just dropped us a note with some of their new products. We’re big fans of the ties (both bow and round/point tip) made from natural silk woven in England, hand sewn here in New York City. They’ve also got some great cufflinks made from things like South American corozo nut, natural briar root, leather rope, and indian head nickels.

Pictures of the collection after the jump. Readers can use discount code “joshspear” for 20% off.

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Well, I’m impressed (and a little bit surprised) to see Tumi moving away from their core black and grey look towards a more youthful oriented and hipper design. In their own words: “The digital camouflage print is applied to ballistic nylon creating the ultimate statement in utilitarian style… With the intent to disguise or blend with the natural surroundings, this camouflage print instead will attract some attention and be easily identifiable among the sea of black bags.”

They seemed to have pulled off the digital-camo quite well here– and with the sturdy build quality (and lifetime warranty) of Tumi products to boot. No word on price and availability yet though.

Picture and Info Via Selectism

Amidst the dead-til-friday strip of bars in Philadelphia’s Old City, one store front boosts its allure with searing pink. Smak Parlour is the brainchild of Abby and Katie, two Philly girls whose aptitude for design brought to life their vision of girliness. The duo claims they found inspiration from the old school Barbie wardrobe; not hard to believe when you walk into Smak Parlour. In a domain of pink, a pallet of gaudy flare is harnessed to create designs that embody the Abby and Katie’s expertise, self-professed as all things vintage-inspired, girly, fun and flirty. Smak Parlour is at 2nd and Market Streets in Philly.