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Weird Furniture: Natural Crystal Chair

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:15:04 -0800

Japanese artist Tokujin Yoshioka, who spent years working with Shiro Kuramata and Issey Miyake, and has collaborated with Hermes, Toyota, BMW, and Swarvoski, among others, created this natural crystal chair, titled "Venus." The extraordinary art piece was crystallized over time by submerging a polyester elastomer chair skeleton in an aquarium. Although the chair looks far from comfortable, it's certainly a wonderful example of sustainable design, born out of the laws of nature, not a forest in the Amazon. I'd love to see this technique used to make other products where comfort is less of an issue, such as a lamp base or a coat tree. Yoshioka has curated an exhibit called "Second Nature," which features the chair, at 21_21 Design Sight in Roppongi, Tokyo. The exhibit runs through Jan. 18, 2009, and features the work of a number of other artists, including the Campana brothers. To see more photos of Venus, and how it was made, read more.

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Less or More: Crystal Table Lamp

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:00:48 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these crystal table lamps and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Take the quiz

How Would You . . .

CasaSugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 08:27:43 -0700

For the next round of this challenge, I'd like you to look at this Decorative Crystal Glass Ware ($550) from the Czech Republic. Now, imagine that you've been asked to integrate this glass ware into the decorating scheme of a good friend's bridal shower. How could you use this crystal glass ware at a shower? Yes, they'd be great as vases, but how would you make them stand out? What else could you use them for? How might you change them to really amaze the guests and bride-to-be? Tell me by commenting below!

Artist of the Day: David Wiseman

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:30:48 -0700

David Wiseman works in a variety of mediums including wood, porcelain, crystal, and bronze, and is inspired by the subtleties in nature, like the texture of bark or the pattern of moss growing on a rock. His designs, which can be found on a tabletop, wrapped around a fireplace, or dangling from the ceiling, highlight these organic details, and bring a romantic, Sleeping Beauty-esque woodland quality indoors. His bronze branches, which sprout porcelain blossoms, are kindred spirits of midcentury bronze wall sculptures, but have a timeless sophistication that supersedes them. His deer head-shaped hat hangers bear the childlike playfulness of Rudolph, white still maintaining a distinct maturity. To continue your introduction and see some of his work, read more.

It's no wonder New York magazine said he'd be "Famous by 2010" — the work of the 2003 RISD grad suggests he's a man wise beyond his years. At the young age of 26, his work has already been acquired by notable collections, has appeared in numerous publications, and most recently, been selected for the Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

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If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:17 -0700

. . . would you buy Crystal Edition Swarovski-studded furniture (inquire for price)?

Luxurious Geek: Crystal Tivoli Audio System

GeekSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 07:00:53 -0700

Tivoli Audio has released a special, limited edition crystal Audio System, which while completely impractical provides a fresh look to the usually childish novelty speaker genre. The 30 limited edition speakers cost more than $4,200 (you can get a less exclusive edition for $119.99). No word on whether or not you can connect your $10,000 gold covered shuffle, but I think it's safe to say that's a yes.

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Trend Alert: High-Clarity Jewels

FabSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:01:33 -0700

Clear, sensual, and raw, these high-clarity jewels are simply stunning. With a skin backdrop they take on a life of their own. I've been wearing the same pair of disco ball-ish crystal stud earrings for months and I just love how the light hits them. Plus, I get compliments on them all the time. Trust me, want a unique piece of jewelry that goes with any color outfit? Look no further.

RJ Graziano Square Crystal Flower Ring, $25.
White House Black Market Encased Crystal Bracelet, $38.
Mali Sabatasso Crystal Druzy Pendant, $220.

Flashback: 1986 Crystal Light Aerobics Competition

TresSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Ah, the '80s. The decade of Crystal Light lemonade, Devo, and national aerobics championships. One of the competitors in the clip below says that if he had to describe their act, he would use one word: HAWT. Who could disagree?

For the full '80s experience, you can watch Devo perform the song "It's a Good Thing" on David Letterman from 1982, just read more

Say What? Plus-Size Model Crystal Renn Isn't Hungry Anymore

TresSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:40:00 -0700

"Even though I was accomplishing my dream, I was absolutely miserable. I was torturing myself every day by going to the gym every day up to eight hours a day and starving myself."

- From anorexic to plus-size model and now author of the memoir Hungry, Crystal Renn tells Good Morning America how she suffered to get where she is now. She thought she had signed up for a dream job when a modeling scout told her she had the look. The catch? The 5'9" Renn was told she needed to shave nine inches from her hips and lose around 70 pounds - which she did, at one time weighing only 90 pounds. Older, wiser, and a lot less hungry, Renn should be a lesson to us all: don't lose yourself (figuratively or literally!) to make anyone else happy.

Sneak Peek! Aldo Crystallized Swarovski Elements Collection

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:50:22 -0700

For Winter '09, Aldo is going shiny...majorly shiny. That's because it has teamed up with Swarovski to create an exclusive jewelry collection made with crystallized Swarovski elements. As you can imagine, there's no shortage of bling baubles to choose from. The headlining piece is the Huzzard, a bib necklace made with 582 crystallized Swarovski elements. The collection, ranging from $40 to $180, also includes statement rings, a jeweled headband, chunky cuffs. They will all be available starting Nov. 16 at Aldo stores and Aldoshoes.com.

See more from Aldo's latest collection.