I’m a big fan of these City Map Plates created for the American Institute of Architects Convention in June of last year by Rios Clementi Hale Studios. From left to right, Cairo, two versions of Los Angeles, and Berlin. Each porcelain plate is a snapshot of the downtown area in each city– key buildings and public spaces are in red and white, while green signifies new development that is taking place. These were limited to 400 pieces but it looks like notNeutral has a few of each style left. Via Apartment Therapy

Our friend OGI just dropped us a note about a group show he’s in from Feb 1st through Feb 25th at the Compound Gallery in Portland, OR. The group show has Deth P. Sun, Jack Long, Manny Silva, Monica Canilao, Rizen and of course, the one and only OGI. The opening is February 1st at 7pm– above are some sample pieces from the selection of new work OGI will be showing. Full flyer after the jump.
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As I write this, I am wondering to myself how the hell I’m going to get one of these jackets. The vaunted Moncler outerwear lines are sold mainly in Italy and Japan, and although Moncler is sold in 1500 stores world-wide, it’s not the easiest to come by. It’s a brand with tradition and time in its front pocket, possessing a unique story– it was founded in 1952 as a ‘keep you warm’ brand, and has evolved since to become a ‘make you look like a million dollars’ brand. The evolution of Moncler has endured tough financial times, court-ordered foreclosures, and a re-birth that has propelled it into an enviable position in the luxury outerwear market. Now created by world-noted designers, these jackets kept Italian climbers warm in the 1950’s, clothed the French Olympic team in the 1968 Grenoble games, and are now a symbol of performance and the utmost in slope-side style. My favorite jacket in this year’s winter line is the Plomb (pictured here). The allure for me comes from the super-warm loft, the nuanced details, and the fabric itself, which you need to see up close and in person to appreciate fully.

Ever wanted to design a UniPo? One of those cute little toys the guys over at UNKL have basically become world famous from? Now is your chance– use there product template (download here), submit it via email or snail mail and cross your fingers. They’ll be picking their favorite submissions for a full production run– you’ll get a case of 20 to enjoy and they’ll spread your Unipo all over the world. The due date is March 9th, 2007– so get cracking.

Part wine country magic, part soda pop pleasure, Vignette Wine Country Soda is the grown up’s version of grape juice. The varietal grapes make all the difference. Available in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flavors, this sparkling, no sugar-added, 100% natural beverage is the first of its kind to be made with California Wine Country grapes. It’s non-alcoholic, so you won’t be waking up the next morning with a hangover, but offers a level of taste sophistication that can provide for great pairing options. Wichcraft SF (owned by Tom Colicchio of Top Chef) and several other fine Northern Californian establishments carry Vignette, and you can also buy it online– it runs for about $2.50 per bottle.

If you have a Bluetooth enabled phone and an iPod, and you’re tired of toggling back and forth between your devices, you need the Lenntek Hookup ($130). The Hookup works through a wireless receiver with a built-in microphone that connects iPod to mobile phone, and provides a toggling function so you can use one controller to control two devices. The wireless transmitter runs off of a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and is small and slim enough so that you’ll barely notice it. The Hookup’s ‘2 into 1′ functionality allows you to throw your phone and iPod into your pocket or bag and forget about them– finally! Lenntek also just launched similar products for iPod Nano (the Hookup Lanyard) and your auto (the Hookup Auto).

We have a thing for top-notch time pieces– whether they’re unconventional and quirky, exceptionally functional, or just plain gorgeous, we view watches as a great way to make a personal statement– whatever that statement may be. The Bell & Ross Steel Case watches fit into that ‘just plain gorgeous’ catagory. With a big face, simple military-style layout, and understated sophistication, I wish I had a watch from this line for every day of the week. You have your choice of either a rubber or heavy-duty fabric band, and can opt for the Steel Case, Carbon Finish Steel Case, or if you’re lucky enough to manage one of the limited run of 250, the Carbon Finish Steel Case with orange dial. At upwards of $2700, this watch isn’t going to pop out of your Wheaties box, but if you’re in the market for something nice, one of these may be the ticket.