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| background arrangements |
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| cards are ready;) |
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| no 1 |
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| no 2 |
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| no 3 |
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| no 4 |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Do-it-yourself Easter postcards
Looking around Warsaw for some atypical Easter postcards proved to be very disappointing. I decided that I am not going to give up and will take some time and send my friends happy cards with inspiring thoughts for this upcoming celebration.. Below you can see the outcome of my (home) work! I am very proud of them. What do you think? ;)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
From an Alpine Swiss resort...to Japan
I was once said that all fashion trends that the West absorbs and promotes every season have already been tested in Japan. This time is the other way around: it is an European grown idea, made in China, successfully sold in Japan.
It is another brilliant Swiss idea (along with Freitag bags, in my opinion). Bruno Bike is a business idea born to perform Bruno's "pride and philosophy of Switzerland to provide a comfortable riding". It provokes users, preferably office workers, to rethink their daily travel to work. It is a smart alternative to a company car, a 'mini-velo' which shares the style, ergonomics and shape of a normal road bike, with one difference: Bruno Bike is folding (!), small and very light. They sell like hot cakes in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. They have become fashionable as the frames are fabricated from chromoly, a high carbon steel, which puts their prices up. According to an article in Monocle: "Bruno Bike accounts for 16 per cent of the 50,000 mini velos sold annually" in the Asian countries listed above.
It is another brilliant Swiss idea (along with Freitag bags, in my opinion). Bruno Bike is a business idea born to perform Bruno's "pride and philosophy of Switzerland to provide a comfortable riding". It provokes users, preferably office workers, to rethink their daily travel to work. It is a smart alternative to a company car, a 'mini-velo' which shares the style, ergonomics and shape of a normal road bike, with one difference: Bruno Bike is folding (!), small and very light. They sell like hot cakes in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. They have become fashionable as the frames are fabricated from chromoly, a high carbon steel, which puts their prices up. According to an article in Monocle: "Bruno Bike accounts for 16 per cent of the 50,000 mini velos sold annually" in the Asian countries listed above.
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| brunobike.jp |
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| brunobike.jp |
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| brunobike.jp |
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| brunobike.jp |
The bicycle distributor Bruno d'Arsié is running and promoting the company from the Alpine village of Klosters, close to Davos. He is a retired cycling champion that did represent the Swiss team from the mid 70s. He came second at his last official championship in 1990.
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| www.cyclingarchives.com |
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| www.cyclingarchives.com |
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Lamps - part I
The Artemide Group is one of the global leaders specialising in residential illumination. They started lamp manufacturing in 1960 in Italy. Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza founded Artemide in Milan and launched their first product, Alfa lamp.
One of the most famous Artemide lamps is Tizio, usually mentioned in the design books and albums, manufactured in 1972 by Richard Sapper with a halogen light source, became a world known symbol of the label.
Their first awards were obtained for Vico Magistretti project Eclisse (1967) - see below his similar idea Dalu. These small, colourful, table lamps in a style related to 2001 Space Odyssey by Stanley Kublick (1968), contributed to the history of international design.
Below you can watch an interesting animation on a famous Tolomeo lamp (1989) of Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina. This beautiful, minimalistic desk lamp is usually an inspiration for modern office lighting. Tolomeo is one of the bestselling Artemide product worldwide made of cantilevered polished structure in polished aluminium.
Artemide Tolomeo animation - Adrede Art Studio from AdredeArtStudio on Vimeo.
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| Alfa, www.artemide.it |
One of the most famous Artemide lamps is Tizio, usually mentioned in the design books and albums, manufactured in 1972 by Richard Sapper with a halogen light source, became a world known symbol of the label.
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| Tizio, www.artemide.it |
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| Eclisse, www.artemide.it |
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| www.schoener-wohnen.de |
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| Dalu, www.artemide.it |
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| Tolomeo, www.artemide.it |
Artemide Tolomeo animation - Adrede Art Studio from AdredeArtStudio on Vimeo.
Monday, March 7, 2011
At the Medici Fortress
At the Medici Fortress in the heart of Italian Tuscany, fashion and design met this January to discover new trends for the autumn 2011 collection. Pitti Immagine Uomo is a quality clothing and textile fair organised twice a year in Florence. This initiative attracts fashion designers, fashion admirers or amateurs and professionals working with creative contemporary arts. Through lifestyle promotion Italian fashion remains unbeatable and represents a leading reference of inspiration.
As man's fashion seemed to be neglected in the past when fashion industry was strongly dominated by women. It looks like now it revives and even becomes a source for designers working on the female style. As I personally prefer man style to woman sometimes, the next season must haves are based on a 'dandy' essentials and a 'sartorial' look. What is beyond any doubt is that the jacket is the star of the season. There are specific cold- and weatherproof jackets: from the parka to the navy-inspired pea coat. Sophisticated fabrics, doubled wool fabrics, inserts and lapels, jackets with jacquard linings fitting like a glove. And, the cardigan is not alone: there are heavy cashmere pullovers, hand-made looking knits; along with Norwegian style mohair knits and hand-knit alpaca sweaters.
After being extremely counterproductive, I must admit several changes appeared in my life. We moved to a big and crowded city, the Polish capital which one of my friends (surprising, but born in Warsaw) recently compared to an unruly jungle.. No wonder, I think that the reason of our bad mood and negative approach to life is winter which happily, slowly but surely, leaves Poland. The weather improves indeed and it will hopefully mark a change for all of us!
As man's fashion seemed to be neglected in the past when fashion industry was strongly dominated by women. It looks like now it revives and even becomes a source for designers working on the female style. As I personally prefer man style to woman sometimes, the next season must haves are based on a 'dandy' essentials and a 'sartorial' look. What is beyond any doubt is that the jacket is the star of the season. There are specific cold- and weatherproof jackets: from the parka to the navy-inspired pea coat. Sophisticated fabrics, doubled wool fabrics, inserts and lapels, jackets with jacquard linings fitting like a glove. And, the cardigan is not alone: there are heavy cashmere pullovers, hand-made looking knits; along with Norwegian style mohair knits and hand-knit alpaca sweaters.
After being extremely counterproductive, I must admit several changes appeared in my life. We moved to a big and crowded city, the Polish capital which one of my friends (surprising, but born in Warsaw) recently compared to an unruly jungle.. No wonder, I think that the reason of our bad mood and negative approach to life is winter which happily, slowly but surely, leaves Poland. The weather improves indeed and it will hopefully mark a change for all of us!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
TOMorrow's shoes
Not a charity, but a full profit company based on an idea of "one for one". An idea for a Christmas gift.
Traditional alpargata shoes from Argentina served as an inspiration for Blake Mycoskie from California in 2006 to start manufacturing simple shoes to bring a solution to the world fighting with poverty. Every pair of TOMS purchased equals a new pair of TOMS provided to a child in need. Breaking the povery cycle in over 20 countries, TOMS has given over 1,000,000 pairs of new shoes to children from developing countries. TOMS works in collaboration with international organisations and charities around the world. You can buy a pair from 50 $ (around 150 PLN). The company provides several styles of the shoes: from colorful youth designs, vegan-friendly and classic versions to the weeding styles (for brides and grooms).
The alpargatas appeared in Argentina in around 1830 among native rural workers. They are comfort shoes with a soft canvas upper, a soft cotton lining, a cushioned leather insole, and a rubber sole for traction. Orignally, they were only in black or white, but with time a group of friends decided to change their character and introduce funny patterns and different designs.Unfortunately, TOMS are not yet available in retail in Poland, but you may find them online and contribute to the action! Although, you must have heard about another popular alpargatas easy to get in Warsaw and Łódź. Paez are produced and manufactured in Argentina ensuring anti sweatshop practices and limited impact on the environment.
Traditional alpargata shoes from Argentina served as an inspiration for Blake Mycoskie from California in 2006 to start manufacturing simple shoes to bring a solution to the world fighting with poverty. Every pair of TOMS purchased equals a new pair of TOMS provided to a child in need. Breaking the povery cycle in over 20 countries, TOMS has given over 1,000,000 pairs of new shoes to children from developing countries. TOMS works in collaboration with international organisations and charities around the world. You can buy a pair from 50 $ (around 150 PLN). The company provides several styles of the shoes: from colorful youth designs, vegan-friendly and classic versions to the weeding styles (for brides and grooms).
The alpargatas appeared in Argentina in around 1830 among native rural workers. They are comfort shoes with a soft canvas upper, a soft cotton lining, a cushioned leather insole, and a rubber sole for traction. Orignally, they were only in black or white, but with time a group of friends decided to change their character and introduce funny patterns and different designs.Unfortunately, TOMS are not yet available in retail in Poland, but you may find them online and contribute to the action! Although, you must have heard about another popular alpargatas easy to get in Warsaw and Łódź. Paez are produced and manufactured in Argentina ensuring anti sweatshop practices and limited impact on the environment.
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| www.shoppaezshoes.ch |
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
external values
Initially, I thought it would be easy to integrate a new important activity in my life, but with time it turned out that it gets complicated. In 3 weeks I read two books - 500 pages each - and then started to realise that I find difficult to remember important theories and notions digested at once. I was telling to myslef, I have to start taking notes after each chapter, but it was not easy again, to sit by a desk and do it..
I finally began this week. It is very complicated and it disturbs my plan as it slows it down. Notes taking is very painful when you have a full time job and you get tired after a day at work. It also lets grow some new problems when you sometimes want to talk to someone or even meet a friend. Then you really feel confronted with a theory of alternative cost or benefit..
After writing my last post I obviously recieved many greetings and virtual handshakes. I recieved reviews in the local press and I found multiple comments on my blog! I am very pleased and thankful!;)
In fact, there was a friend that inspiried me more and suggested a similar business idea to the Frietag factory in Zurich. The idea is German, for a change, and I am very enthousiastic about it as it is a true discovery for me. Only my dear friend Pedro from Portugal who works for a German company could have come up with such a brilliant thought for a story.
The collective of designers manufactures bags made of sail. 360 Grad Taschen is sold as one proposition among other designer products offered by Klein & More. The idea of a brand is based on a need for presenting objects that transfer high standards with an innovative appeal. Klein & More is a platform selling products of daily use prepared by designers from different backgrounds who take advantage of an experimental character of the company. It gives them a chance to present unconventional projects and bring it closer to a customer. The story of 360 Grad Taschen began in 1993 in designer Edzard Kramer's garage. The bags represent once again individual urge to save the environment from kilometers of unused material ready to be recycled. Various shapes and forms for a personalised use of an original user.
I finally began this week. It is very complicated and it disturbs my plan as it slows it down. Notes taking is very painful when you have a full time job and you get tired after a day at work. It also lets grow some new problems when you sometimes want to talk to someone or even meet a friend. Then you really feel confronted with a theory of alternative cost or benefit..
After writing my last post I obviously recieved many greetings and virtual handshakes. I recieved reviews in the local press and I found multiple comments on my blog! I am very pleased and thankful!;)
In fact, there was a friend that inspiried me more and suggested a similar business idea to the Frietag factory in Zurich. The idea is German, for a change, and I am very enthousiastic about it as it is a true discovery for me. Only my dear friend Pedro from Portugal who works for a German company could have come up with such a brilliant thought for a story.
The collective of designers manufactures bags made of sail. 360 Grad Taschen is sold as one proposition among other designer products offered by Klein & More. The idea of a brand is based on a need for presenting objects that transfer high standards with an innovative appeal. Klein & More is a platform selling products of daily use prepared by designers from different backgrounds who take advantage of an experimental character of the company. It gives them a chance to present unconventional projects and bring it closer to a customer. The story of 360 Grad Taschen began in 1993 in designer Edzard Kramer's garage. The bags represent once again individual urge to save the environment from kilometers of unused material ready to be recycled. Various shapes and forms for a personalised use of an original user.
Some designs are brilliant to organise your bathroom or impress someone that likes tidiness.
Photos from www.segeltuchtaschen.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
Mój ulubiony Freitag/My favourite Freitag
Obiecałam sobie, że napisanie tego posta będzie dla mnie nagrodą za przeczytanie 100 stron książki, która ma ich 450 i do niedzieli mam ją całą przeczytać. Zostało mi jeszcze 250;) Z tego wynika, że w najbliższym czasie będę dużo pisać. To wyjątkowe, że pisanie bloga może stanowić 'motywator' do działania. Mam 12 podręczników z ekonomii do przeczytania do końca stycznia. Zostało mi 10 tygodni. Przede mną lekka masakra literacka, ale na pewno dam radę, a mój Renard Champion będzie mi dzielnie kibicować! Zapraszam też innych chętnych do kibicowania;)
Dla tych, którym już od dawna obiecywałam, że napiszę o Freitagu, obwieszczam, że wreszcie nadszedł ten dzień! Szwajcarską firmę Freitag prowadzą dwaj bracia Marcus i Daniel Freitag, którzy dla wielu zrewolucjonizowali rynek toreb typu "messanger"/toreb miejskich/toreb rowerowych, daleko odbiegających od gustów zmianierowanych panien szalejących za torebkami typu Longchamp;), do których grona, nie ukrywam, należę również i ja.
Odkąd po raz pierwszy pojechałam do Szwajcarii i jakiś czas tam studiowałam, moje preferencje wyboru torebek zawęziły się do dwóch wyżej wymienionych. Nie jestem w stanie nosić nic innego i chyba nic innego w życiu nie kupię. Do tej pory pamiętam jak po raz pierwszy weszłam do małego butiku Longchamp na głownej Bahnhofstrasse w Zurichu i wyściubionymi frankami zapłaciłam za moją pierwszą (i na razie jedyną) brązową torebkę Pliage...
Natomiast, z moimi Freitagami było trochę inaczej. Polowałam na nie długo, zanim nadarzyła się odpowiednia okazja. Najpierw brakowało mi pieniędzy i w przypływanie maniactwa zdecydowałam się kupić coś tańszego (gdzie tu logika?) - podobną messanger bag, których linię wypuścił kilka lat temu the North Face. Kupiłam super czarną, gumową torbę, wykonaną z niezniszczalnego materiału, ale to nie była plandeka, z której są wykonane Freitagi, ale coś innego. North Face mam do dzisiaj, ale dość rzadko używam, odkąd mam moje Freitagi. Idealna, choć niezbyt tania okazja, natrafiła mi się 2 lata później w Londynie, gdzie biegałam po całym mieście w poszukiwaniu 'tego' sklepu. Okazało się, że tam Freitagi sprzedawali w sklepie dla plastyków i wybór nie był największy, ale znalazłam - piękny, srebrny Freitag. Po czasie okazało się, że jest dla mnie trochę za duży, bo nieproporcjonalny i jakieś pół roku temu sprzedałam go w odpowiednie ręce. Świetnie mi służył przez ok. 3 lata. Pomimo, że ma teraz innego 'właściciela', na zawsze pozostanie moim Freitagiem. Prawda K.?
Idealny Freitag kupiłam w HQ w Zurichu, jakieś 2 lata temu. Oto co dla siebie znalazłam. Nieskończone możliwości wyboru nie sprzyjają szybkim decyzjom.
Idea produkowania takich na pierwszy rzut oka zniszczonych i brudnych toreb, powstała w 1993 roku w Szwajcarii. Do produkcji użyto zużytych plandek z ciężarówek, pasów bezpieczeństwa, poduszek powietrznych oraz dentek z opon, które przejechały setki tysięcy kilometrów po całym świecie.. Idea jest rewelacyjna, ekologiczna, dzięki której Wasz carbon footprint ulega stopniowemu zmniejszeniu.
Szwajcarzy są szaleni na punkcie jakości wyrobu, ich torby są wytwarzane oryginalnie w Szwajcarii, nie ma mowy o Made in China or Taiwan. Każdy egzemplarz jest oddzielnie wykrojony z innej partii plandeki, co gwarantuje niepowtarzalność designu.
A oto co nowego ostatnio wymyślili w Zurichu:
Me, in front of the Freitag's shop in Zurich, right after buying a brand new hand bag.
I am the most faithful fan !!!
Dla tych, którym już od dawna obiecywałam, że napiszę o Freitagu, obwieszczam, że wreszcie nadszedł ten dzień! Szwajcarską firmę Freitag prowadzą dwaj bracia Marcus i Daniel Freitag, którzy dla wielu zrewolucjonizowali rynek toreb typu "messanger"/toreb miejskich/toreb rowerowych, daleko odbiegających od gustów zmianierowanych panien szalejących za torebkami typu Longchamp;), do których grona, nie ukrywam, należę również i ja.
Odkąd po raz pierwszy pojechałam do Szwajcarii i jakiś czas tam studiowałam, moje preferencje wyboru torebek zawęziły się do dwóch wyżej wymienionych. Nie jestem w stanie nosić nic innego i chyba nic innego w życiu nie kupię. Do tej pory pamiętam jak po raz pierwszy weszłam do małego butiku Longchamp na głownej Bahnhofstrasse w Zurichu i wyściubionymi frankami zapłaciłam za moją pierwszą (i na razie jedyną) brązową torebkę Pliage...
Natomiast, z moimi Freitagami było trochę inaczej. Polowałam na nie długo, zanim nadarzyła się odpowiednia okazja. Najpierw brakowało mi pieniędzy i w przypływanie maniactwa zdecydowałam się kupić coś tańszego (gdzie tu logika?) - podobną messanger bag, których linię wypuścił kilka lat temu the North Face. Kupiłam super czarną, gumową torbę, wykonaną z niezniszczalnego materiału, ale to nie była plandeka, z której są wykonane Freitagi, ale coś innego. North Face mam do dzisiaj, ale dość rzadko używam, odkąd mam moje Freitagi. Idealna, choć niezbyt tania okazja, natrafiła mi się 2 lata później w Londynie, gdzie biegałam po całym mieście w poszukiwaniu 'tego' sklepu. Okazało się, że tam Freitagi sprzedawali w sklepie dla plastyków i wybór nie był największy, ale znalazłam - piękny, srebrny Freitag. Po czasie okazało się, że jest dla mnie trochę za duży, bo nieproporcjonalny i jakieś pół roku temu sprzedałam go w odpowiednie ręce. Świetnie mi służył przez ok. 3 lata. Pomimo, że ma teraz innego 'właściciela', na zawsze pozostanie moim Freitagiem. Prawda K.?
Idealny Freitag kupiłam w HQ w Zurichu, jakieś 2 lata temu. Oto co dla siebie znalazłam. Nieskończone możliwości wyboru nie sprzyjają szybkim decyzjom.
Idea produkowania takich na pierwszy rzut oka zniszczonych i brudnych toreb, powstała w 1993 roku w Szwajcarii. Do produkcji użyto zużytych plandek z ciężarówek, pasów bezpieczeństwa, poduszek powietrznych oraz dentek z opon, które przejechały setki tysięcy kilometrów po całym świecie.. Idea jest rewelacyjna, ekologiczna, dzięki której Wasz carbon footprint ulega stopniowemu zmniejszeniu.
 |
| Photo from freitag.ch |
Szwajcarzy są szaleni na punkcie jakości wyrobu, ich torby są wytwarzane oryginalnie w Szwajcarii, nie ma mowy o Made in China or Taiwan. Każdy egzemplarz jest oddzielnie wykrojony z innej partii plandeki, co gwarantuje niepowtarzalność designu.
 |
| Photo from freitag.ch |
Me, in front of the Freitag's shop in Zurich, right after buying a brand new hand bag.
I am the most faithful fan !!!
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