Cool product lines for summer
Shortly after the pandemic hit, sales of fire pits and outdoor furniture exploded as people looked for ways to transform their outdoor space into a place to de-stress and connect with each other safely. As summer approaches and cities reopen, the boom on all things outdoors is going strong and has inspired designers to create new, inventive products to make your outdoor experience even better.
The Prism Chiminea designed by New York architect Drew Seskunas is a crazy-cool outdoor wood-burning fireplace crafted from laser-cut, perforated aluminum that transforms the humble fire pit into a chic, architectural statement.
“I grew up camping, that was a big part of my family’s life,” said Seskunas. “We would camp almost every weekend, and a fire was always such a big part of that. When the pandemic hit, spending time outside became a big thing. Luckily, I could go visit my parents, and one of the things we started doing was prototyping a fireplace so we could spend more time together outside.”
Seskunas’ first design for Prism launched in November and quickly sold out. The lightweight, portable fireplace was designed for small, kindling fires and made to be placed in your backyard or on a patio when you need a little extra warmth. This month, Seskunas is launching a larger version through retailer Design Within Reach that can handle a more substantial fire.The Prism Chiminea is available at dwr.com.
Glassware that takes your outdoor party to the next level:
It’s time to bring together your family and friends to catch up and celebrate summer. The outdoor entertaining season is ramping up with inventive designs that bring indoor style outdoors and break away from the expected.
Italian glassmaker Ichendorf Milano has collaborated with artists and designers to produce whimsical collections that are part fairy tale, part science lab. The handblown glass bottles and carafes look delicate but are made from durable borosilicate glass and are dishwasher safe, making them the perfect upgrade for your next dinner party on the deck.
The minimalist Cactus collection of pitchers designed by Bologna-based design studio Urge takes inspiration from the silhouette of a saguaro cactus with branches that act as handle and spout.
Handblown glass creatures inhabit designer Alessandra Baldereschi’s whimsical Animal Farm collection of water bottles and jugs. A white dove, squirrel or owl sitting on a branch becomes optically enlarged when liquid is added. Go ahead and pour your next lemonade from a work of art.
Cactus jugs, Field & Florist, Chicago fieldandflorist.com. Animal Farm Bottle and pitcher, ichendorfmilano.com.
Levi’s and Clarks team up for
summer’s hottest shoes: Levi’s Vintage Clothing has teamed up with Clarks Originals (the Wallabee and Desert Boot) for a special edition men’s shoe collab that takes inspiration from the influential late ’80s music scene in Manchester, England.
As the ’80s were coming to a close, the Manchester alternative rock scene collided with indie-dance culture, creating a new music scene that included bands like Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. Along with the refreshing sound came new fashion; a loose-fitting, baggy style and the footwear of choice, the Clarks Wallabee.
The Levi’s x Clarks collaboration, which is part of the Loose Fix collection from Levi’s, celebrates the era by reworking Clarks’ iconic styles in playful, bright colors that will make your summer style pop. The Desert Boots in sky blue suede, the Wallabee in pale pink suede and the cult-classic moccasin, the Weaver, in bright yellow suede all come with matching laces and Clarks’ signature crepe soles.
The collection is available at clarksusa.com and levi.com.