The Fab Blog

Clean And Serene: AMM Jewlery

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:22:23 -0400

A self-described “novice photographer, DIY-er, fashion fan, sometimes foodie, and aspiring globe trekker,” AMM Jewelry’s Jennifer Hagler is a talented Jill of all trades who somehow finds the time to create stunning baubles, keep up with a three-year-old son, and curate a swoon-worthy style and design blog. We jumped at the chance to chat with this Idaho-based designer about her jaw-dropping home, jewelry, and busy life.

What’s a typical day like for you?

My daily routine doesn’t always follow the same pattern. Because I’m the mom of a three-year-old, my mornings are spent with him doing mundane stuff like breakfast, some picking up, and a bit of housework. I try to reserve the morning for non-business things, but sometimes I just have too much to do, so I may be catching up on customer conversations, filling orders, or taking a look at supply levels. I have to be prepared to stop in the middle of a project to read a book, or pretend to be a super hero—it’s a lot of multi-tasking. Fortunately though, my husband gets home from work in the afternoon, and then he will take care of our son so I can get in an hour or so of uninterrupted work done. In addition to my jewelry business, I also have an interior design blog so if it’s not shop work needing to be done, it’s emails or photo editing that awaits me. Really it’s a give and take all day, not letting my family or my business feel neglected.

What’s the most fulfilling thing about making jewelry by hand?

It’s so simple really—making something from almost nothing is such a reward. I love looking at so many little earrings or necklaces finished, packaged, and ready to go to their new homes. It’s such a sense of accomplishment.

We’re obsessed with your signature clay bead jewelry. How do you come up with your pieces and what do you like best about working with clay?

I admire so many styles of jewelry, but I’ve chosen to keep things simple and stick with the same materials, and somewhat of the same shapes as well. The geometric shape mimics that of metal or stone jewelry, but is made of clay instead.

Flipping through your blog and Instagram feed, it’s instantly clear that you have a very distinct personal style. Can you describe your design aesthetic?

I do try to have a consistent, authentic style. I’d like to think if you met me in person you wouldn’t be surprised. This is really the way I am. Honesty is so important to me so I want to be true to my style in every part of my brand.

Your jewelry is so colorful but you home is decorated entirely in blacks, whites, and neutrals. What’s your relationship with color?

I personally feel shy with color but a lot of my customers like it. I try to keep them in mind but am also inspired by groups of colors. I usually buy three or four colors at a time because I like the way they look together, even though they may all be made into individual pieces.

Where do you find inspiration for your home and jewelry?

I can’t think of just a few greatest influences. It’s an accumulation of life experiences, people I’ve learned about and admired, the idea that simple is better, and a lot of experimenting that’s lead me to this. Having a blog has kept me constantly looking at new design, be it in fashion or in interiors, and I try to keep up with some of my favorite magazines. When I really feel uninspired I try to turn everything off. I walk away from my phone or computer and just try to let my mind wander a bit. Sometimes at home I strip everything off the walls and shelves, put it in one big pile, and start over. I have to think really purposefully where things will go again and what I want to keep. I force myself to look at something I’ve seen a million times in a new way or in a different room. This will usually bring about a new idea, inspiration.

You have a beautiful at-home workspace. What’s important for to have to be creative? What things do you like to be surrounded by when you’re making jewelry?

The most important thing for me to work is clean, open space. There’s nothing like a big clean table to spread everything out on to get me excited to work again. An empty space has so much potential!

Calla Salinger

Uncle Nat's Clock

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:40:00 -0400

As an editor at Fab, I see a lot of fun, quirky, innovative, and exciting designs. Actually, I see a lot of designs, period—over the course of an average week, I’ll read copy that describes at least 900 different items. But it’s not every day that one of those items was designed by a member of my family.

I was editing the copy for the Auroras Dagger sale in tonight’s Vintage shop when a phrase jumped out at me: Nathan George Horwitt Clock. Excitedly, I opened the images folder and scrolled through lamps, tableware, cameras, and hat boxes, until I found what I was looking for—Uncle Nat’s clock, also known as the Movado Museum Watch.

Uncle Nat is actually my Great Grand-Uncle Nathan, my Great-Grandmother Sarah’s youngest brother. He was born in Russia in 1898, and came to the U.S. as a boy, making the long voyage by sea alone after the rest of the family had already emigrated. He must have been brave and resourceful to make the journey on his own at a young age; in my childhood memories of him, he was simply fascinating. He spoke to me with none of the preciousness some adults fall into around children, instead asking serious questions and listening carefully to my answers one moment, and telling captivating stories the next.

With research for this post as an excuse, I asked my family for Uncle Nat tales. He was a skilled forager of wild mushrooms, as are many of my relatives on my mom’s side. Uncle Nat’s skill in mycology was probably developed in his early childhood to supplement a sparse diet, but it served him well in the U.S. in the ’60s, too. He would drive out into the woods, patiently gathering the fragrant, intricately ridged morels prized by chefs. Then he would speed back into the city in his little European car (family accounts vary; some say it was a Renault, others a Peugeot) to sell the mushrooms to Lutèce; a meal was included in the price.

One of my favorite stories is simply known as “Uncle Nat and the reporter.” He was being interviewed for an article, and the reporter asked to see some of his books on mushrooms. As they leafed through pages of illustrations, the reporter zeroed in on a particularly colorful specimen. Knowing Uncle Nat’s reputation as a gourmet, he asked what wine would pair best with this particular mushroom. Uncle Nat immediately named a renowned Château Lafite Rothschild vintage. Astonished, the reporter asked why he would choose such an expensive wine to accompany this dish. “Because,” Uncle Nat replied, obviously enjoying himself immensely, “that mushroom is so toxic that you might as well relish your last meal as much as possible.” I imagine that his life as an industrial designer was flavored with the same care, thoughtfulness, and mischievous humor.

Uncle Nat earned degrees from City University and New York University, and studied at the Art Students League; following a brief career in advertising, he and some colleagues founded Design Engineers, Inc. The company’s slogan was “Beautility: Without use there is no beauty/without beauty—what is the use.” He designed the Beta chair at the Brooklyn Museum; his Museum watch, which is still promoted proudly by Movado, is striking in its simplicity. The single dot at twelve o’clock evokes both the sun at noon and a full moon at night, referring to ancient means of measuring time. The wall clock on sale tonight, which was created for the Howard Miller Clock Company, is part of the permanent collection of the Museum Of Modern Art.

I asked Genevieve, the owner of Auroras Dagger, how she had come across the clock. She told me it was from the estate sale of an architect from Laguna Hills, California, who collected some of the finest art and furniture from the 1960s: designs by George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, and William Dunbar. Genevieve and her son waited in line overnight to view this collection, and she fell in love with the clock immediately.

It’s simply amazing to me, this practice of tracing numerous lines from this whimsical, intelligent man of many talents—through his designs, through his career, through the family stories that have become a very personal mythology. And now, 66 years after he completed his truly timeless timepiece, it appears on the very site that celebrates good design for everyone.

I hope that would have made him smile.

-Ali Butterfass

Smoke It Up: Hak's BBQ Sauce

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:46:00 -0400

Tonight we’re selling the best bbq sauce you’ll ever find, Haks BBQ. Antonia Blair checks in with its maker.

A self-taught chef and food entrepreneur, Sharone Hakman was immersed in a career as a financial planner when he decided to quit his job and pursue his passion for food. The L.A.-based culinary fiend soon became a contestant on the very first season of MasterChef, a hit reality cooking show that sought to find America’s most promising amateur chef. Hakman finished in fifth place, crafting a BBQ sauce along the way that judges declared his “secret weapon.”

Three years has passed since that season of MasterChef, and Hakman now sells a high-end line of his BBQ sauces under the name of Hak’s BBQ. His goal is to redefine BBQ and elevate it with real body, developed flavor, and sophistication. The result? A deliriously good sauce that chef Gordon Ramsay has called “the most delicious BBQ sauce ever made.”

Hakman was kind enough to chat with us about his sauce and how he got started as a chef.

As a self-taught chef, how did you learn to cook so well? Without a doubt, with the help of my grandma.

You left a job in the corporate world to pursue your passion for food. What brought about this huge turn of events?

I’m now doing something that I love and am passionate about, and I’m raising my kids to do the same. My son, Lukah, was born three days before I made the change.

What was your favorite part about the experience of being on MasterChef?

Mystery boxes. There is no better kick for me than cooking on the fly.

Is there anything that you would say is a must try with your barbecue sauces?

Haha. That’s a tough question, as you know I’m going to say everything! It’s hands down a flavor enhancer to the 10th power. Besides grilling and smoking, you can braise with it or caramelize it. I even make an award winning Bloody Mary with it!

Do you have any advice for aspiring chefs?

The only real failure, is the failure to try. And the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.

Hungry yet? Hak’s BBQ Sauce is available on Fab in three different flavors—Chipotle Bourbon BBQ, Thai Chile Tamarind BBQ, and Habanero Pineapple BBQ. For recipe ideas, visit the Hak’s BBQ website.

Antonia Blair

Sink Your Teeth Into Some True Blood(y) Stuff

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:00:00 -0400

Are you feeling thirsty? Or perhaps suffering from a truly insatiable hunger? Fear not, mere mortal. Or at least, fear less: Fab has partnered with HBO to feed you right with True Blood-related treats. We’ve all got our favorite characters (Fab staffers live for Lafayette…and would die for Eric), and this sale has something to satisfy everyone. So channel your spirit vampire/faerie/shifter/werewolf (vampfaeshiftwolf?) and stock your candlelit home with this collection of goods honoring Bon Temps’ finest.

If you’re a Lafayette: What’s up, hookah? You sure do need a vacation. Can we come?! After all that heavy medium work, make sure to pack light—grab that Fangtasia tote Tara left at your house and cut the sleeves off your old Merlotte’s sweatshirt (you can use ‘em to make a cute headwrap). You’ll come back relaxed and refreshed, ready to get back to making the best damn grub in Bon Temps. Wait—did you write this True Blood cookbook?

If you’re a Sookie: Oh, Sookie. Bill has broken your heart (again!), your epic affair with Eric is a distant memory, and your faerie powers are dwindling…what’s a Southern belle to do? Girl, go sit down somewhere and paint your nails. This sweet polish set from Deborah Lippmann is just what you need to keep you from going out and looking for trouble like you usually do. While your nails dry, catch up on some reading: A Touch of Dead, by Charlaine Harris, should have all the answers you’re looking for.

If you’re a Bill: Then you’re a traitor. And a liar. What the hell’s gotten into you?! We’re praying a revenge so fierce will rain down upon you that even Lilith won’t be able to save you. Neither will this True Blood umbrella…but you should be prepared for anything.

If you’re an Eric: OH HEY ERIC. Did you find the house okay? Mmmm, come in, come in. Let me take your ~~clothes off~~ coat. Oh, you brought me a present! I love ~~you~~ presents! My own fangs?! This should be fun.

If you’re a Pam: I wish I could be Pam. I wish I could be friends with Pam. Don’t you? We could all go out for cocktails and simply stare lesser beings to death over cold, dry martinis—or chilled Tru Blood, obviously. Served in these Fangtasia martini glasses. Pam would never be caught drinking from a bottle.

If you’re a Tara: Tara, on the other hand, would never be caught drinking from a martini glass. She downs pints quicker than most of the men in Bon Temps (probably because she’s so pissed about the arc of her storyline). Toast to Tara finally (hopefully!) seeing some happiness with Pam and these Fangtasia beer pint glasses.

If you’re a Sam: You’ve got the biggest heart of all, Sam. Now that you’ve found true shifter love with Luna, go get her daughter Emma back…and then LEAVE ALL OF THE CRAZY BEHIND. Go back home and try to live a normal life. You’ve still got Merlotte’s, after all: Go pour some pitchers, serve up some cold ones, and hang out with Terry and Andy. Trouble will walk through the door again eventually—it always does—so enjoy some peace while you can.

If you’re a Jessica: First Hoyt, then Jason—who’ll be your next victim? Men find it impossible to resist you. Maybe it’s your perfume: You strike us as a Forsaken girl. It boasts a mix of dark and light that sounds just about right. Here at the office, we’re rooting for you to win Jason back, so double down with this perfume and body cream set.

If you’re a Jason: You sure have been through a lot, Jason Stackhouse. Excuse me: Officer Stackhouse! An addiction to V, the loss of your true hippie love, that crazy warepanther (who lived in what we’re betting was a meth lab—her name was Crystal, after all), Maryanne the maenad, the Fellowship of The Sun…damn, that list sure is long. You also killed Eggs and betrayed your BFF Hoyt, and now you’re trying to fight the feelings you have for Jessica—plus avenge your faerie parents’ murder. What you need is to go for a nice long run and think back on those good ol’ quarterbacking days. Slip on this Bon Temps Football Sweatshirt and go back to a simpler time. You’re better off sticking to simple.

Thirsty for more? Our True Blood sale is here. And remember:

—Mariel Cruz

Get in RAREFORM!

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:00:00 -0400

Tonight we’re offering amazingly cool surfing gear from RAREFORM, a California company that is dedicated to saving the beauty of our planet while helping help its customers enjoy it. Jordan Shavarebi investigates the story behind the brand.

If you’ve ever thought about trading in your business suit for a wet suit, this eco-friendly surfer dude fairytale might be of major interest to you. The surfer dude is one Alec Avedissian, and the fairytale begins as most fairytales do: With a discontented protagonist in a somewhat oppressive place.

Alec worked in investment banking and renewable energy, but had a tsunami-sized urge to go on a six-month surf trip through South America with his buddies. So that’s exactly what he did. He divided his time up between surfing perfect breaks and consulting with rural businesses in El Salvador. The place was beautiful, but the lakes and rivers were dangerously polluted and the beaches were littered with trash.

As if visited by an environmentally conscious Fairy Godmother, he had a revelation. He decided he wanted to reduce the waste in the world and sustain the mountains, rivers, and oceans that he loved so dearly. A friend told him that billboards could be recycled and turned into bags. This is when the fairytale gets good.

In 2012, Alec recruited a handful of friends and business partners and founded RAREFORM. They began intercepting billboards before they reached landfills and transforming them into unique, eco-friendly bags for surfboards, paddles, and wetsuits. It’s a modern day pumpkin-to-carriage miracle. Bippity-boppity-cool.

Each product is manufactured in California. 1% of each sale is donated to an organization that’s dedicated to saving the planet. And Alec got his fairytale ending: A company with a heart for the planet and an eye on the waves.

We’re totally obsessed with every sustainable, stylish, one-of-a-kind bag from RAREFORM, so naturally, we wanted to know more. We got some answers from the enchanted prince surfer dude himself, Alec Avedissian.

Is the act of “intercepting billboards” as daring/exciting as it sounds?

Haha, no. RAREFORM now has partnerships with outdoor advertising companies, specifically Lamar Advertising. We help them reduce their waste, they get to do something positive for their customers, and together we can reduce the amount of material going to the landfills

What sort of charities and organizations does the 1% go to?

We work with an organization called 1% For The Planet. They take 1% of our sales and work with environmental groups around the world, doing things to change the world for the better. We do this as a simple pledge to the environment.

How does surfing compare to investment banking?

I love surfing. I could surf everyday—especially if the waves are good and I’m with my friends and family. As far as my short time with the investment bank went, I learned that life is too short to put off the things that you really want to do…the things that are really important to you. A revelation like that is pretty “surfer,” if you ask me.

You made a pretty drastic career switch. How’s it been?

Right before I started RAREFORM I was actually working for a US solar panel manufacturer. The switch has been exciting, stressful, and fun. I have learned about so many aspects of business, things that I never could have learned if I’d stayed where I was. The career switch was not “safe,” but I have great co-founders, great mentors, and great friends who have helped and guided me along the way.

Where did your interest in the environment come from?

I first became interested in the environment when I was living in El Salvador. The rivers, beaches, and forests were so pristine but littered with trash and plastic. I think seeing that in a new setting, outside of California, was eye-opening.

And what do you think it will take to get everyone at your level of interest?

I think everyone is actually becoming more and more aware of how our actions directly affect our environment. It will take time, but when people are given the opportunity to work with eco-friendly companies, I think they’ll feel compelled to do the right thing.

The pictures and videos on your site are pretty awesome. What can you tell us about the location?

The videos and photos on our site were all taken near Ventura County. We wanted to relate to our community and those close to us, so we thought Ventura would be the perfect place.

We think repurposing is awesome, too. Any crafty ideas when it comes to using your surfboard bags, paddle covers, and change mats when we’re away from the waves?

Definitely! I know some people use the surfboard bags as snowboard bags. Others use the paddle covers as tennis racquet covers, and the change mats as dirty clothes hampers or beach bags.

Now that you know all there is to know about RAREFORM, why don’t you take a peek at its products Who knows… a single bag just might set off a magical chain of events that leads you into your own eco-friendly surfer dude fairytale. It’s possible.

Jordan Shavarebi

The Milan Furniture Fair. Part One: Arik Levy

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:50:00 -0400

If you love new design, exciting ideas and, umm, an awful lot of prosecco, there’s one event you really shouldn’t miss: The Milan Furniture Fair. One of the world’s biggest design events, Milan is the place where design careers are made. This year, we were thrilled to co-present Tom Dixon’s MOST—an exhibition featuring some of the world’s most exciting designers.

Among them was Paris-based designer, Arik Levy. To celebrate the launch of the Milan Furniture Fair Pop-Up Shop in Fab Europe, we wanted to share a little more about this multi-disciplinary designer.

Arik Levy has it all—except for limits: “I don’t know what I’m doing“ is his favourite response when asked what exactly his profession is. Taking note of the slight twinkle in his eye, you’re immediately clued in to his fine wit. It’s one that not only exhibits a self-effacing penchant for understatement, but also a lovable coyness that is echoed throughout his impressive body of work.

(Video)

Born in 1963, the designer, artist, filmmaker, photographer, architect, and technician has experienced the art and design world in a truly holistic way. His works for Vitra, Molteni, Baccarat, Vibia, Swarovski, and Issey Miyake are known all over the world. He’s exhibited in galleries (click here for a full list), in fairs (Vienna Design Week, Art Fair Paris), and in some of the world’s most renowned design institutions, including the Istanbul Modern and the V&A. He’s also a familiar face in design magazines such as Dezeen, *Wallpaper, and Designboom.

Following a residency at Art Center Europe in Vevey, Switzerland and a stint in Japan, he recently set up shop with his team in Paris to focus on high-tech clothing and furniture design. But it was in Milan where we met and fell in love with Levy and his brand-new conceptual lighting design.

At this year’s Salone Del Mobile, French lighting house Forestier debuted his lampshade Spi: a bewitching creation that bridges the gaps between art, fashion and industrial design. It’s truly stunning, and as Levy himself would probably say, it’s made especially for you, the design enthusiast. Levi once said, “The world is about people, not objects” and we couldn’t agree more.

If you fancy trying your hand at creating an Arik Levy lampshade, check out this video of the visionary polymath himself (sorry—it’s only in French!).

And if you’d rather have an Arik Levy original (with no DIY required) check out the Milan Pop-Up Shop at Fab Europe.

- Miriam Rauh

All images courtesy of Arik Levy or Forestier

Chasing Amy or: How I Stopped Worrying And Learned To Love The Zen of Crafting

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:41:55 -0400

Today Fab features an assortment of fabrics from the one and only Amy Sedaris, the comedian, author, and domestic artist extraordinaire who possesses the uncanny ability to hold her face in a “who farted?” repose for extended periods of time while assembling a stunning autumnal wreath on morning television. The collection of printed 100% cotton is full of ricrac, Dallas-inspired dollar signs, and darling dotty prints inspired by Amy’s favorite colors and patterns that will suit the needs of both super sewers and well-meaning needlepoint novices.

Additionally we’ve included Amy’s pitch-perfect paeans to the study of entertaining and crafting, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence and Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People.

Each educational text is packed with craft ideas, recipes, helpful tips, and charming anecdotes, as well as a bounty of full-color photographs featuring the author. Easy-to-use and breezily written, these New York Times best-selling tomes inspire hours of enjoyment for crafters of all levels.

I dove in Amy’s books (emphasis on Simple Times) with all the academic intentions of a Rhodes scholar. However, I’m not only a Girl Scout dropout, but my small motor skills are so abysmal they were cited as a contributing factor to my last breakup. The results of handiwork ranged from embarrassing to unidentifiable. In the past week, I’ve learned you can’t just slap some pompoms on a stick and call it a day.

Crafts I succeeded at:

Lil Smokey Cheeseball (excellent reviews from eaters; versatile recipe; presentation on-point)

Penny Bookmarks (made two, one for each book)

Fuck It Bucket (literally a bucket with profanity written on it, to be filled with emergency candy rations)

Tissue Ghost (impossible to mess up, you just glue googly eyes to tissue paper).

Crafts I failed at:

Matchstick Cross (hours spent burning matches: 2, hours spent assembling: 1, hours spent crying and praying over result 1)

Kit Potholders (not in stock at Duane Reade)

Macaroni Alien Mask (forgot to phone home)

Hair Lamp (not enough friends willing to donate; bald spots)

Kazoo (sloppy paint job)

“I Can’t Do Anything Right” Box (too many conflicting feelings to initiate craft)

Vanishing Dented Ping-Pong Ball (didn’t boil water fully)

At the end of it all I found myself in the midst of an existential crisis over my failures, surrounded by matchsticks, super glue, and paper scraps. Then it dawned on me, these were crafts for simple times. Simple times. Simple crafts. Would Amy care that my Tongue Depressor Characters didn’t have hair? Or that my Salt Igloo was structurally unsound? No, no she would not. Crafting is not about getting it perfect or right. Crafting is about resourceful creativity and killing time. As Amy says in her mid-book pep talk, “The only person you have to please is yourself, and let’s face it, what do you know about art?”

Don’t over-complicate it.

Newly enlightened, I attempted one last project. This one isn’t in the book (creative!). I took my leftover pile of scraps (resourceful!) and wove together a headpiece with the Holy Trinity of craft products: pipe cleaners, nylon lanyard, and googly eyes. Then I slapped some pompoms on it and called it a day. And it’s perfect, if I do say so myself. This crown is for the craft queen, Amy Sedaris. Long may she reign.

Meredith Spencer

A Day In The Life Of Hello Kitty

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:35:52 -0400

Kitty White, better known to the public as Hello Kitty, was in a quandary. She’d just learned about an important trip and was packing in a great hurry.

First of all, she knew she had to be fierce for the journey, so she pulled out her leopard print luggage. With her trademark image subtly infused into the animal print design, there would be no confusion at baggage claim.

Her first stop of the day would be a speaking engagement to an auditorium full of eager young students. Hello Kitty smiled. She had the purr-fect tote bag and composition book-inspired iPad case to demonstrate how to mix in some sass with classwork.

Next on the agenda was a ladies’ luncheon. The pretty floral barrel bag and embossed hot pink iPad case were surefire choices for a refined feline, but Kitty wanted to go the extra mile. Aha! A pair of knee socks with rows of her famous bows would add an extra special touch of purr-sonality.

Whew, what a full schedule! Luckily, it’s not all work and no play for this captivating cat. Hello Kitty would be attending a rock concert to end the day. Her classic faux leather wallet would allow her to dance unencumbered, while a pair of Kiss socks—complete with flame motifs creeping up the toes—would complete her ensemble.

After Kitty tossed in a few extra daytime bows, she paw-sed and peered into her suitcase. “All done! Well, that wasn’t so hard after all.” She even had time for a catnap before her flight.

Live like she does with goods from this Fab sale that’s full of tech and fashion accessories to die fur. We’re not kitten around!

Shirley Chan

(RED) Alert! Shop Now, Save Lives!

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 09:24:31 -0400

Today we’re partnering with (RED) in a very special pop-up shop. With the help of great brands like Beats by Dre, Bugaboo and FEED, we will donate up to 50% percent of the profits to fight AIDS. We thought you might want to know more about this amazing organization and the difference it makes in the world.

(RED) was founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver, who saw that there was a need to get the private sector to contribute to the fight against AIDS. So far, the results have been remarkable; (RED) has contributed close to $210 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

There are a number of organizations that help fight AIDS and extreme poverty. But (RED) is unlike all of them. It’s not a charity that relies on donations from the public, it’s an innovative model that collaborates with some of the world’s most iconic private sector brands to create (RED) products and experiences. So how does that work?

(RED) partners donate up to 50% of the profits from the sale of every (RED) product directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. That money is then used to finance Global Fund grants which provide HIV/AIDS programs on the ground in Africa. To date, those programs have impacted the lives of more than 14 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

To better illustrate what this looks like we’re going to zone in some numbers from one region where (RED) has made a big difference—South Africa.

South Africa’s population is 50.5 million. There are over five million people there who live with HIV and almost two million children who have been orphaned by AIDS. (RED) money supports HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa that have provided support to more than 33,300 families affected by HIV and AIDS, provided more than 35,000 people living with HIV and AIDS with access to community home based care, and tested more than 245,000 people for HIV.

There’s a long way to go before we can eradicate AIDS and HIV, but (RED) has brought that goal a little closer. So, do your part. Choose life. Shop (PRODUCT) RED.

FIRMLY ROOTED FURNITURE

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:45:00 -0400

Today, we’re selling Ethan Abramson’s beautifully crafted wood furniture. Kate Canary delves deeper into the mind of this creative woodworker.

For most of us, inspiration doesn’t grow on trees. But that’s right where Ethan Abramson finds it.

The New York-based furniture designer allows gorgeously grained, richly hued hardwoods—new and salvaged— to dictate his design process.

Photograph by Garrett Ilardi

Having worked in both Brooklyn and East Hampton, he’s ventured from stark industrial lofts to sweeping coastal landscapes and back again, feeding off the visual dichotomy. Lush scenery breeds boundless inspiration, while urban limitations demand efficiency and innovation.

Fusing the two comes naturally to Abramson, who injects life and character into every handcrafted piece. The wood appears to breathe and swell from a few soft, strategic curves. The legs are carved and angled as if they were about to take a step.

Photograph by Jenny Gorman

There’s no doubt Slade, the shop cat, brings his own frisky personality to the operation. But like his boss, he’s a consummate pro: One of two felines in the shop, Slade gets a shout-out for having recently graduated from apprentice to foreman.

(And as Ethan aptly put it, “He matches the chair.”)

Photograph by Jenny Gorman

Seamless, simple, and truly inspired, this is the kind of furniture you want to live with. I could go into the designer’s history—and how this down-to earth guy gives back to the environment—but a little bird (my Editor) told me you’d rather hear it from the man himself.

You’re clearly no novice. What led you to designing wood furniture?

With a background in advertising and high-end commercial interior design, I have always worked in creative environments. I enjoyed both industries, but the limitations of corporate culture and the disappointment of continually sending my ideas “up the ladder” started to wear on me. I have always created things.

Photograph by Jenny Gorman

Define “always.” Did you build Lego masterpieces as a kid? What was your outlet?

I spent a lot of time painting, drawing, and sculpting with clay. Then as I got older, I began to build things. But I still rely heavily on my studio art background and the techniques I learned way back when.

So I started working with wood professionally in 2008. I worked with two high-end furniture companies—eventually becoming the head foreman of one—and during that time, I designed and sold my own work. As interest grew, I opened up my own shop full-time.

What is 1% for the Planet?

I recently joined 1% for the Planet, a global network of independent designers who donate 1% of their proceeds to environmental causes. I always aim to approach my work in an environmentally conscious way, but this allows me to formally show that commitment to the world.

Photograph by Jenny Gorman

Okay, enlighten us. What gets the creative juices flowing?

I am mostly inspired by the everyday visual world. An idea for a piece can come from an interesting structural bend in a house, or a discarded scrap of metal that has just the right look.

When I sit down to design, I get overwhelmed by the innumerable directions I can go…function, style, material…so I limit myself to a few basic curves, and then build a piece from that. You can see the repetition of these curves throughout the work.

The outcome of this organic process does not disappoint. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in the Irving Chair, and I’ve had the displeasure of having to eventually get up. Who knew solid wood could be so comfortable?

See for yourself: Ethan Abramson’s sale on Fab begins today.

Kate Canary

All About Jack In Three Acts

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:40:00 -0400

We think the world would be a better place if men learned more about accessories. Angie Nagel breaks it down in a three-part master class.

When thinking about ways to incorporate today’s Jack Spade sale into our blog, we tossed around a lot of ideas. We discussed researching the history of the company. (Did you know the first Jack Spade bag was sold to a hardware store in 1997?) Then, we thought about how men’s accessories often skimp out on the details, and how important the little things are when it comes to making an impression (amiright, ladies?). Lastly—and to me, most amusingly—we thought it’d be fun (and educational) to give some of the men at Fab a little lesson in ways to add adult sophistication to their wardrobe.

Because we’re such big fans, (and maybe a tiny bit indecisive) we decided to do a little bit of everything.

Act 1

A Bit About The Brand:

The Setting: Mid-nineties. A loft on Warren street, lower Manhattan.

The People: Andy Spade and his wife Kate.

The Concept: To make workman-style bags that go beyond basic, but are by no means precious.

The Result: A messenger bag made from waxed cotton and heavy canvas. To test its durability, Jack Spade sells its prototype bag to a hardware store. It passes.

The Company Today: Jack Spade has seven of its own brick-and-mortar’s in the U.S., and its apparel and accessories stacks the shelves at high-end retailers and specialty shops worldwide. The brand’s success is attributed to its die-hard dedication to keeping things simple, stylish, practical, and impeccably well made.

Act 2

It’s All In The Details:

Let’s talk about men’s accessories. Listen up, okay, because there’s more to it than you think.

Now, while society does not encourage you to sport layer upon layer of pearls, peacock feathers, silk scarves, headbands, and toe rings (though, if you do, we’re jealous and would you please send us pics and tips ‘cause we’d love to be able to pull it off but are just not sure how), you do still have a plethora of products to choose from. Men’s accessories are a little different than women’s in that they almost always serve a purpose.

Let’s take a watch, for example. Unlike a statement necklace, or say, a couple of chunky bangles, timepieces actually do something other than make you look adorbs. They tell you the time. This, my man-friends, is the defining factor of a men’s accessory. It’s function over fashion.

What’s that you say? Can’t I have both? The answer is Yes. Thanks to stylish timepieces like this one from Jack Spade.

Designing primarily men’s accessories—wallets, bags, tech cases—Jack Spade pays attention to utility, but doesn’t override the fact that it’s the details that really makes something special.

Moving on to wallets. If your wallet is A) A rubber band, B) Falling apart at the seams, C) A pretentious solid-gold money clip engraved with your initials, or D) Has Velcro—anywhere, consider this Credit Card Holder from Jack Spade.

With its super slim silhouette, credit card slits aplenty, Sailor Jerry-inspired lining, and anchor embossment, this wallet is a prime example of the fine details we’re looking for. It’s chockfull of helpful features and, it’s really nice to look at.

Score this wallet and score major points with the ladies. (I mean, who doesn’t want to be reminded of a 7-bedroom yacht in Monte Carlo. That’s what comes to my mind, anyway.) This billfold will also help you eliminate that awkward bulge in your back pocket (gross), not to mention, you’ll never have to worry about the crippling effects of the over-stuffed wallet, which we all learned about from poor Mr. Costanza.

Here’s another example of details-done-right. This iPhone protects your tech while telling the world: “I have nice things and I take care of them, but I don’t take myself too seriously”.

Do you see what we mean about details? How men’s accessories can do their duty as a helpful-extra but with the right details, an accessory will actually get you noticed.

Because the way you carry your things has a major impact on how you carry yourself. Which, in turn, has a major impact on how people perceive you and then judge you. And trust us, they will judge you. Hard.

Act 3

Style Tips For Fab Guys:

We’ve rounded up three dudes from Fab’s HQ that we thought could use a little help in the style department.

Here’s Matt Daly: Senior Director of Order Management Products. While he describes his personal style as: “I dunno. I like western shirts and whatever’s comfortable,” his chain wallet says otherwise.

Matt, ditch that chunky hardware and bring out that hunky man! May I suggest Jack Spade’s Wesson Card Holder. It’s thin, so it’s really comfortable, and it’s bright yellow to match that sunny personality!

Say hello to Kevin Miller, our fellow Copywriter. Here’s what Kevin had to say: “ I have the style of man who grew up around preppy people but has always strived for street-wear sensibilities. Most of the time I try to do a causal blend of the two, meanwhile retaining my masculinity. I’m certainly in touch with my fashionable side”.

And here’s Kevin with his “bag”.

A plastic bag Kevin, really? While your outfit is on-point and that penny skateboard is seriously the jam, it’s time you get a grown-up version of your “carryall.” This tote is a little off-kilter, a little rebellious, but it’s sophisticated and has that prep factor.

David Ward is one of our beloved Project Coordinators. David works really hard but it seems that his iPhone case might be working a little harder. It’s chipped on the corners and the color is fading: It’s falling apart. David’s style go-to is “old T-shirts from shows…I’ll wear them ‘til they’re in tatters.” Which is cool and all, but you shouldn’t apply those same sartorial standards to your tech.

Okay, David doesn’t have an iPhone 5. But this iPhone case from Jack Spade will be his as soon as he gets one. (That’s a personal promise from me, David. ‘Cause you need one, bad.) This one’s rugged yet refined, and according to your dark denim jeans and bountiful bristle, so are you.

Now, dear reader, it’s your turn. Find a sophisticated version of your favorite accessories, along with swim trunks, Henley’s, and cotton crewnecks, right here.

Angie Nagel

One Editor, One Cardboard Robot Mask, Infinite Possibilities

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:41:09 -0400

You know how people always say, “I remember exactly where I was when [insert momentous occasion here] happened”? I can say the same for when I found out that Fab was going to be doing a special Daft Punk album launch sale. I was talking to my friend David, the buyer for Books & Media at Fab, and I said, “Hey, have you heard the teaser on that new Daft Punk single? So good.” And he said, “Yeah. We’re doing an album event with them,” and grinned. I felt like I was in that moment in The Sound of Music when Maria Von Trapp is on top of the mountain and starts spinning around in circles. I would have replicated that move, but ultimately I lack the effortless grace and lightness of Julie Andrews.

I sat at my desk and immediately g-chatted my co-worker Aja, who responded with the following:

Aja: SHUT YOUR FACE

OMG STOP

She was right. It was exciting news.

To get myself in the spirit—the Random Access Memories spirit, that is—I tuned into The Collaborators, a series of videos produced by The Creators Project that focus on the stories of the collaborators on the album, from Giorgio Moroder to Pharrell Williams. In each of the videos, the collaborator shares what he loves about music, providing refreshing insight into the passions of these artists, and their experience working with the amazing French electronic duo, Daft Punk.

Fueled with even more excitement about the album release, there was only one thing left for me to do. It was time to put on a cardboard Daft Punk mask, and get down to business (the mask is available in a special bundle in the Fab sale).

I edited:

I napped (being a robot is exhausting, mind you):

Even cardboard Bradford got in on the fun:

As I was feeling Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, and Human After All, I took a trip Around The World, One More Time (and also learned how fun it was to speak sentences in Daft Punk song titles!):

Transformation complete, I got to listen to an advanced copy of Random Access Memories. I’m not a music critic, but I am your friend. Here are my immediate thoughts on the new album. Spoiler alert: I am 100% onboard with this entire album.

Give Life Back to Music: I would love to! Also, where are my glitter roller skates so I can cruise with this? Being stationary simply won’t do.
The Game of Love: Can I play? This is smooth. So smooth.
Giorgio by Moroder: All I want to do is listen to this guy’s life, and then dance with him. Hope that’s cool.
Within: Nothing warms my icy heart like an existential robot.
Instant Crush: You’re absolutely right. I am instantly crushing on this. Hard.
Lose Yourself to Dance: That won’t be a problem, Pharrell. Let’s boogie.
Touch: This starts off a little dark, and gets a lot amazing. It feels like an epic, electronic ballad.
Get Lucky: If this was the only song in the entire world and it played all the time, everywhere, I’d be totally fine with it.
Beyond: This opening fanfare is beyond my wildest dreams, honestly. I feel like flying. Neon dreams? Neon life? I am completely committed to this tune.
Motherboard: I thought this song was ending and I was like, nooooo, come back, and it did. With a vengeance.
Fragments of Time: It’s “crystal clear that I don’t want this to end,” either. Ever. Fill it up again.
Doin’ it Right: Uh, yeah, you are. You are doing it so right. So impossibly right.
Contact: I’d love to tell you what I thought, but my mind just blew up.

Get your Random Access Memories here, in Fab’s Daft Punk sale.

—Marianne Colahan

Getting To Know Anni And Josef Albers

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:42:59 -0400

He is hailed as the father of color theory. She is revered as the modern textile artist. The distinctive works of the Josef and Anni Albers hang at museums all over the globe, and soon they’ll be hanging around your house. Seriously! Today we have a very exciting debut at ICFF in New York (and online)—we’re partnering up with The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation for an amazing, artful collection of products for the table, living room, bedroom, and bath.

You know the story: the two were visionary pioneers of modern art and dedicated, dynamic teachers (spending time at Bauhaus, Black Mountain College, and Yale). Yet for some, the name “Albers” synonymous with a single image: the square. And while Homage To Square’s significance cannot be overstated (nor explained in our humble blog post), there’s so much more to the story of Josef and Anni.

Seeking to break outside the box and engage a new audience, the Foundation has worked with Fab to open up the wonderful, colorful world of these modern masters. Today’s launch is full of designs inspired by Anni Albers’ prints—Triangulated Intaglio, E, Meander, and Camino. Nicholas Fox Weber, the Foundation’s Executive Director and the foremost expert on all things Albers, kindly shares his expertise and memories of Anni with us today.

First things first, can you tell us a little about the establishment of the Albers Foundation and your mission?

The Foundation was created by Josef and Anni Albers in 1970. Its goal and mission are ” the revelation and evocation of vision through art.”Anni knew she wanted to study art from a young age—which was a pretty radical decision for a woman at the time.

Can you tell us about other ways that she defied conventions and fought for her independence?

There was one obstacle after another. But her parents hired an art tutor for her, Toni Meyer, nicknamed Tonuscha, who had her draw from the nude. Odel. her art teacher, Martin Brandenberg, forbade the use of black, and Anni wanted to use it anyway. A scene came. There were tears, an argument with her mother, and then an apology. For an exam at school, she was told she had drawn a seated woman with her skirt too short. She went to study with Kokoschka, who told her she should go home and become a housewife. She told her father, a furniture manufacturer, about the Bauhaus, and he said, “What do you mean a new style? We have had the Renaissance. We have had the Baroque. There are no new styles.” But she made her way to Weimar, met Josef, and the rest is history.

Many know Anni primarily as a textile maker, but her prints are amazing. Even more amazing is that she started this new medium when she was in her 70s! How did the change in medium open up new creative possibilities for her?

Anni always listened to the materials and the technique. She saw that lithography allowed her to give the impression of an acid bat. Screenprinting meant that lines which in were jagged in weaving could now be straight. Photo offset allowed for instant reversals of images, and for the effects that occur when you put a negative over a velox. Each printmaking technique was an invitation to explore.

Anni had an affinity for practical objects—used as materials and on their own—do you think she would gravitate towards a particular set of objects from the Fab collaboration?

The melamine. She loved synthetic materials that were easy to clean.

When considering Josef and Anni Albers, how can we see the influence of each on the other?

They were like a two person religious sect. They believed in creation as the essence of life. Everything for them was about morality and honesty and beauty, in art as in living. They never worked side by side, yet they believed absolutely in the same values.

Anni and Josef were also highly respected, influential teachers. What are some lessons artists and creative minds can take away from their teachings?

The need to experiment, to respond to what happens during the process, to keep your eyes open and to impose ideas, to recognize that self-expression is personal, whereas pure art can provide balance and beauty in life for people all over the world.

Are there any prints of Anni’s that have special resonance for you?

The Line Involvements are haunting, with a rich sense of discovery and liberation. The Orchestra series shows such courage, the eagerness to go on even when she was so frail. She showed that even when her hand was shaking, she used rather than fought the shake.

Curious to learn more about the Albers and their impact on the art world? Dive into their history at The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation. And pick up a piece of artful tabletop, inspired by Anni’s work during today’s sale.

Meredith Spencer

A Conversation with Todd Bracher

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:57:52 -0400

NY-based industrial designer Todd Bracher creates furniture, lighting, and home accessories that are handsome, engaging, and strikingly simple in form. Named the New Designer of the Year at ICFF in 2008, he was previously the head of Tom Dixon’s design studio, as well as the Creative Director of Denmark’s Georg Jensen. Several of Bracher’s home goods are currently available on Fab, including some beautiful pieces he created for Fritz Hansen, Cappellini, HBF, and more.

Todd was kind enough to chat with us about his influences and share some photographs of his studio, which is located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Can you tell us a little bit about your process?

When you first see our work you may think of minimalism or some process of reduction. I like to see our work as ‘essentialism’, or meaning in an additive way… We add one element at a time, just enough to communicate our idea and nothing more. I am not interested in complexity, I am interested in simplicity, however, it has to be simplicity with soul and richness.

What are your current inspirations or influences?

I am most inspired by travel. I prefer experiences that I have never had before. Food I have never eaten, music and sounds I have never heard. This for me is the fresh air I need to find inspiration. When the simple aspects of the world appear new again.

You have worked in Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, London, and now Brooklyn. Do you feel like your surrounding environment has an impact on your work?

I would say yes and no. Depends on the work we are doing. I can say the destination for the work is most important. We tailor our approach to suit which culture is intended to live with our work. There is something to say however for the context we are in while working. I prefer to think all of those cities are my ‘studio’. It is not like we only do the work from a single point in the world… with the travel and the collaborators, the space in which we work from is truly global.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

Projects that we have never done before. We are currently working on a public vending machine, a wall panel system, new lighting technologies, consumer electronics, and so on. I hope to continue our growth in new avenues and adventures. This is how we learn… we research these new projects and become experts rather quickly. Life, and therefore work, is so much more interesting this way.

In other words, I would love to design the food on the menu as much as designing the restaurant itself.

If you could collaborate with anyone, from the past or the present, who would you pick?

I would love to collaborate with Charles Darwin. We share similar ideals about the world around us. I like to think that I approach my design work with the same approach and processes that Darwin had in mapping out his theory for evolution. That logic aligns to the ‘essentialist’ approach I’ve developed for my work.

Antonia Blair

A Meeting With Monsieur Fox—A Discussion of Style, Confidence, and Cuff Links

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:43:00 -0400

Listen up, gentlemen! Today, we’re selling the most exquisitely dapper cufflinks you’ll ever come across, courtesy of Monsieur Fox. We were curious about the mysterious muse behind these handcrafted gems and asked Kevin Miller to investigate.

Dashing, daring, with enough panache to go around the whole forest, he just might be the most interesting fox in the world. Monsieur Fox is the allegorical animal that represents the suave accessories brand by the same name. His likeness and limbs are ever present in the brand’s sterling silver cufflinks, so we thought we’d ask the sly devil what makes him so dapper. We got a whole lot of wisdom back, channeled through Monsieur’s human counterpart, Adrian Azodi.

What makes accessories like cuff links and tie clips so crucial to an outfit?

It’s one of those little details that put the bow on the gift, so to speak. It’s easy to wear a blazer, shirt, and tie. But, when you add in a few key elements, these accessories add a sense of panache that can’t be beat; it’s the difference between someone who likes having their time taken from them and someone who takes time for themselves.

How can men of intrigue connect with their fashionable side in a masculine way?

Men of intrigue are rare these days, although there seems to be resurgence in the past few years. From the 1500s onwards, those with the ability actively sought rare, unique items to furnish their wardrobes, collections, or manor houses with worthwhile little treasures. For the modern man, a sense of mystery and desire can be evoked in those around him, by wearing something truly unique or unusual, giving him just the right touch of the eccentric that will rouse the interest of a passing lady to spark up a conversation.

You seem to have lived a full life. What’s your advice for men looking to get the most out of their life, and looks?

Ah, well thank you, to be honest, for me the secret is serendipity. Time and time again I’ve found that had I not done things of my own accord, acted on my wishes, life would be far more dull. Many people get into the “I can’t because…” trap; all we need to do is to think “Would I want to re-watch this life being lived?” If the answer is no, it’s time to go out and do something about it.

What is about your name that is representative of men’s fashion? Plainly put, why a fox?

Well, the House of Fox goes back many generations, and the story is bit of a tale, but we’ve felt the Fox is a keen allegory for the modern man. He is known for his adaptability, for his cleverness, for that rather dapper reddish coat and white breast, with blackened nose and ears (second only to the Penguin within the animal kingdom, I might add), he has a suave and debonair look about him. Men really connect to this and women are always attracted to a man that is put together, but a tad disheveled, too; if he was completely safe, it would be boring!

Name one of your fashion icons.

The style eras I consider iconic are the ’50s Italian Riviera, and the early, roarin’ ’20s in the U.S. Both of these periods were filled with wonder and excitement over future possibilities and an exuberance that I think we have yet to match, and both occurred very shortly after World Wars. Oscar Wilde is another favorite (arguably the first “dandy”, and quite the dresser), so I’d say he’s an icon.

Where do your cufflinks get their names?

The names for each piece for this collection come from mainly French characters that I’ve read or known about, from princes and kings to paupers and farmers. They each had at least one daring story or small local legend about them, and that really attracts me, as those kinds of folk tales usually go missing from our collective histories, but they often, in my opinion, provide the most color to humanity.

Kevin Miller

United Nude: Skyscrapers For Your Feet

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:51:28 -0400

Today we’re selling United Nudes’ architecturally inspired footwear. Sarah Fones investigates the connection between buildings and shoes.

For the past oh, eight seasons or so, chunky, clunky, vertiginous, (as in painful,) footwear has dominated designer runways. Said wedges and platforms have often been dubbed “sculptural” and “architectural,” when in fact they’re essentially just “high”. What separates the truly chic from the weak? Well, the easiest answer would be a bonafide architect-as-designer. Consider Zaha Hadid for Melissa and Lacoste; Frank Gehry for J.M. Weston; or Rem D Koolhaas (perhaps you’ve heard of his uncle?), for United Nude.

Zaha Hadid for Melissa. Photo by David Grandorge. Courtesy of www.zahahadid.com

So what’s the connection, here? How come these oh-so-serious master builders are all of a sudden interested in fashion? Well, designing a shoe and designing a building is actually not that different. Of course the scale and technicality is much greater in a building, but many of the same principal tenets come into play: equilibrium, surface volume, materials, and of course, aesthetics. And since the past decade has ushered in a much more form-driven and experimental attitude to footwear, it’s all of a sudden a rich medium for forward-thinking architects.

United Nudes’ Eamz shoe

And this is where United Nude comes into play. Design history, more so than any trend or designer whimsy, drives the construction of the brand’s shoes. Take the Möbius: A sleek, open-toe slip-on style, it’s created like the titular band, with one strip forming the upper, heel, foot bed, and sole. Or the Eamz: A classically curvaceous shoe whose heel closely approximates a leg of the iconic chair made famous by Charles and Ray Eames.

The Eamz shoe by United Nude

If fashion isn’t always accorded the respect it deserves, it might be because it’s often spawned from less-than-original ideas. Legitimately inspired brands like United Nude are helping to counter this trend, melding the worlds of fashion and architecture, one historically influenced, sculptural heel at a time. The sky’s the limit.

Sarah Fones

John Derian's Enchanting Universe

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:40:00 -0400

Photo by Matthew Sandager

John Derian has a rare talent for taking bits and pieces of vintage imagery and reimagining it as an enchanting object. His decoupage plates, platters, paperweights, coasters and bowls, which are on sale on Fab today, are rich with mystery and history, and all tell stories of their own. His interiors display a similar magic.

Photo by Matthew Sandager

His New York City shops are filled to the brim with his own designs along with vintage and antique imports, bed and table linens, stationery, plate-ware, vintage and new lighting, and an ever-changing assortment of one-of-a-kind curios, which all come together to create an otherworldly environment, kind of like stepping into a fairy-tale. We were curious about his inspirations and the way he sees the world, and were lucky enough to get a quick chat.

Photos by Matthew Sandager

What are your main inspirations right now?

I seem to be mostly inspired by nature, and at the moment I’m inspired by spring. I am working on opening a third shop, a sort of furniture showroom, and that has been fun. I have recently come into a lot of images of nests and eggs and am having fun using them in my next collection.

If you could live in anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A house in the country by the sea with a lot of land to roam around on. I love the ocean and I love to be outdoors. The house could be a cottage with fireplaces, sunny rooms, and from the 1700s.

Photo by Matthew Sandager

What makes an object beautiful to you?

Its purity; how I instinctively react to it, its patina, texture, and history.

Is there anything that you find beautiful that other people find ugly?

I have a great selection of people imagery but people images are not very well received.

What is your fantasy design project?

My fantasies seem rather dull, but I would like to redesign the for-sale recycled shopping bags at Wholefoods (I think I could do some pretty ones), and also design some wallpapers for StudioPrintworks.

The Record Book Prints

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:55:41 -0400

Today we’re selling Christophe Gowans’ addictively witty art work, which features albums-reinterpreted-as-book-covers. AJ Kushner tunes in.

Christophe Gowans’ career as a graphic designer and art director implies a refined knowledge of how we respond to text and images in different contexts. His work in the recording industry designing album artwork suggests an appreciation for the power of music to stimulate visual responses in the brain. And his fascination with book covers as artifacts allows his brilliant series of Record Book Prints to make perfect sense. The project imagines bestselling pop and rock albums as popular novels, pulp magazines, and self-help titles from every decade of the last century.

While admiring one of Gowans’ pieces from your favorite reading chair is entertaining enough, a real treat is a journey to his website, where his full catalog is on view. Within each print’s page is a brief “synopsis” of each title, and as such the reasoning behind the choice of book cover, all of which are hilarious. Gowans’ summaries reveal a silly and acerbic wit – at the expense of the personal integrity of his “characters,” but at great enjoyment for the reader. Some of our favorites:

The Beatles – Abbey Road:

Classic paperback. The story of two catholic sisters growing up in a swiftly changing post-war Britain. Guess what? It doesn’t end well.

Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks:

Fast-paced 1958 thriller: a jilted train driver hi-jacks his New York subway train to exact revenge upon his love rival, only to threaten the life of his ex-lover. The last 30 pages are missing. Don’t know if she survives.

Michael Jackson – Bad:

Gruesome schlock from the prolific Jackson. In this relentless stalkerfest, private eye Dwight Blackman takes on the ‘Shamone’ Killer for the 3rd time. Will the psycho slip through the dick’s fingers yet again?

Yes.

AJ Kushner

Show Us What You've Got!

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:10:00 -0400

As we recently told you, Fab is coming to ICFF. We’re holding a competition to find, new, innovative, amazing designs for us to produce and sell. Wanna play? This is what you do:

Pre-register with your name and country to: designforus@fab.com

Bring your product ideas, portfolios, and prototypes to:

The ICFF Theater

Jacob K Javits Convention Center (11th Ave at 38th Street)

1 PM – 3 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

Present them in front of our Design Jury.

Bradford Shellhammer, Founder and Chief Design Officer, Fab

David Trubridge, Lighting Designer

Eames Demetrios, Director, Eames Office

Ben Watson, Executive Creative Director, Herman Miller

Harry Allen, Founder, Harry Allen Design

Lucy Swift Weber Youdovin, The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation

Dan Rubinstein, Editor in Chief, Surface

Jerry Helling, President, Bernhardt Design

Jill Singer, Co-Founder, Sight Unseen

Alan Heller, President and Founder, Heller Inc.

Your work should be of high quality and be a functional object made through handcrafted, high-tech and/or experimental processes.

Designers must be registered to attend the ICFF.

No fee trade registration through May 14. Please register on www.icff.com

CONFESSIONS FROM BEHIND THE WHEEL British ceramicist Keith...

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:17:39 -0400

CONFESSIONS FROM BEHIND THE WHEEL

British ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones has built a beloved brand on his succinct vocabulary and utilitarian typeface. But some things can’t be said on ceramic alone.

In honor of today’s Fab sale, Jones breaks out of his chosen medium to reveal the dark side of throwing. It’s an intimate glimpse into the man behind the potter’s wheel—forgotten at the furnace; jilted at the kiln.

Check out his cup-shattering rendition of everyone’s favorite fuming breakup song. (But maybe…don’t try this at home.)