Reading: The Lab Magazine

I feel a bit sad that I neglected Issue 5 of The Lab Magazine for a couple of months. I was pumped when it first arrived (many thanks to Tony for sending it my way) and I had a good initial browse through it. But then my life became quite hectic and I have barely been at home to really sit and review it. So this past weekend I made it a priority to spend some good quality time with Issue 5.

I have to admit that even though actor Willem Dafoe is on the cover of this issue, when I first got a hold of The Lab Magazine I was actually more attracted to the large format, the shiny gold lettering, and the quality of the paper of this Canadian (woohoo!) publication. I’m such a sucker for beautifully crafted works.

The magazine’s stories and photos are beautifully and artistically arranged which made it a true pleasure to read. And because I’m not as much of a movie or music buff as my friend Drew (who initially introduced me to the Lab), I learned a lot about the lives of some pretty fascinating actors (e.g., Ty Burrell, Shailene Woodley, Greta Gerwig) and musicians (e.g., Electric Youth, Hey Ocean!). (Have I mentioned before how much I like to learn new things?)

While each article has its unique appeal, I really enjoyed the Making the Shoot story toward the end of this issue. The Making the Shoot, an international competition, invited photographers to submit their work for judging. The grand prize – a full editorial shoot – is featured in this issue. Marta Dymek, the winner, was flown to Los Angeles to photograph Selma Blair (amazing) and the results of this shoot are beautiful. I’ve included a sneak peek here and as you can see Marta’s photos of Selma are simply stunning in this editorial spread (if you want to see more – buy a copy!).

Kudos to Editors in Chief Justin Tyler Close and Jeremy Power Regimbal and their team for The Lab Magazine! It’s apparent that a lot of thought and effort went into this – and I’m sure every – issue.

Notes: The Lab Magazine is available at Barnes and Noble, Chapters, and news stands across the world. Stay tuned for more of their online presence. Thanks to Tony for sending me this issue. Thanks to Drew Nelson for introducing me to The Lab Magazine. Photos of The Lab Magazine by Jordana.

The Friday Five: Table Settings

I don’t know about you but I love a beautifully set table. I think my appreciation of table settings may have started when I was a 16 year old exchange student in France. In the family that I lived with it was the responsibility of the youngest son to set the table each evening. I think he was 9 years old at the time and I remember being surprised at how he took such care in setting each place. The cutlery was where it was supposed to be and each family member had a designated cloth napkin which he would arrange thoughtfully at each place. (I’m pretty sure when I was 9, I didn’t care much about how the table was set – even though it was one of my chores too.)

While I can’t say that my own table is perfectly set for each meal, I can say that I love setting a pretty table to welcome guests. The four table settings featured today are beautiful because, while they do differ, they are all inviting, well-presented, and – best of all – they are simple enough to recreate in my own home! The last image of a table setting how-to (for anyone who still can’t figure out the salad fork from the meat fork) completes today’s Friday Five.

via From Me To You

via Black Eiffel

via Pinterest

via Ritzy Bee

via Say Yes to Hoboken

More table setting ideas here, here, and here.

Have a wonderful weekend! I hope you enjoy a delicious meal or two!

Design: Holaria from Brazil

I was recently asked what inspires me. I feel very fortunate to say that I’m continuously inspired by the places I visit, the new people I meet, and the interactions I have with old friends and family. I am also inspired by the books and magazines that I read, and of course, I find an incredible amount of inspiration online (have you scrolled through my blogroll lately?).

Every so often amazing things find their way into my email inbox! Most recently I received an email all the way from Brazil from Rômulo who was eager to share a video that his company, Telecinese, created to feature the work of Holaria, a porcelain design studio in Brazil.

Isn’t the creative process beautiful? I think this short film does an excellent job of capturing the design process while also making it accessible and informative for the viewer. It is additionally attractive because of its whiteness (obviously)!

Here are some of the products produced by Holaria. Which are you most drawn to?

Holaria – Booh salt & pepper shakers

Holaria – Plissan

Holaria – Pinguim Rei

Holaria – Mathelada

Holaria – Glaciar

Images courtesy of Telecinese. Many thanks to Rômulo Z. for introducing me to the world of Holaria.

Blog Spotlight: Brand Spirit

I am loving Andrew Miller’s Brand Spirit – an all white blog (well, Tumblr actually) featuring a new painted-in-white product each day. For 100 days, Andrew will paint “one branded object white, removing all visual branding, reducing the object to its purest form”.

I do wonder how he gets the paint so smooth. There’s no mention of digital work but I barely see any brush strokes on these items. Thoughts?

Images courtesy of Brand Spirit. Via Swiss Miss.

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