apotheke: great concept, great execution

My previous post about the Alembic Bar identity design reminded me of my favourite absinthe bar in Manhattan, Apotheke (which I believe, is the German word for apothecary) that opened during Fashion Week in '08. I had the privilege of going for a private event the week before it officially opened it's doors. The two names are related: an alembic is a vessel used in the distillation process often used in apothecaries or perfumeries. 

Apotheke is more than an absinthe bar. The concept behind it and the name is carried all the way through — which is what I love about it. It's more than a bar, it's a "cocktail apothecary". It's the first of it's kind. It is a place that one might find unique drink concoctions designed to soothe whatever might be ailing them. There are exotic herbs, fruit and essential oils thoughtfully infused in their (apparently, trés expensive) cocktails. Delicious, however... in more ways than one. They think of the bar as a chemistry lab or even a stage. 

The interior design carries through the concept as well. Located in a former opium den (among a host of other shady previous lives), it's history makes this place all the more intriguing. The shelf behind the bar instantly reminded me of the Fragonard Perfume Museum in Paris which I loved. I happen to go while in Paris in '05 because I was researching perfume and essential oils for a client at the time. Apotheke is the darker, sexier version of the museum. Everything from floor to ceiling was well considered without looking over the top. Even the light fixtures are made from old beakers. Love it! I had the most amazing (flaming) shot of absinthe there. I must stop by again soon. Go check it out!

gorgeous visual identity design: alembic bar in SF

I absolutely love the visual identity design for this The Alembic Bar in San Francisco! It's old world, somehow modern at the same time (and not overdone). Their website is very well done as well. Check it out. 

Photos are from CommArts.com

ALS (lou gehrig's disease) print campaign

The execution of this print campaign for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Society of Canada is both poignant and effective in increasing awareness about the disease. It is a follow-up to a very heartbreaking advertising campaign – please view the ads here.

a quick look at modern rattan chairs

Rattan furniture has come a long way since those (painted) white and very 70s peacock chairs I remember seeing everywhere during my early childhood in the Philippines. In tropical countries outdoor and indoor furniture can be interchangeable. So it wasn't unusual to decorate one's indoor spaces with outdoor furniture. 

Designers are pushing and rethinking the potential of the material. They are sleeker than ever. I spotted these gorgeous B&B Italia chairs on Apartmenttherapy this week and I decided to look around a little to see what else is out there...

 

This one from the Repro Furniture Company in the UK is French Baroque meets the tropics.  The unexpected combination somehow works here. 

These are by a company called MOSS Outdoor and are designed by Kenneth Cobonpue who is originally from the Philippines. The chairs are handmade in Cebu, Philippines. I find it interesting that the first chair is part of a collection called "Lolah". The word Lola means grandmother in Tagalog (the main Philippine dialect). I happen to associate rattan furniture with my grandmothers, so I found it quite aptly named. However, these look nothing like the ones I remember from my Lola's house!

I snapped these during my stay (with Lexie) at The Standard Miami in December of 07. They were very cozy, especially at night when the fire was lit in the middle of the cabanas ;) My smiling dog's face kind of says it all.

new math: the kind i enjoy

The New Math by writer and artist Craig Damrauer is brilliant. It's great to see he's continued the work after publishing a book in 2006 called New Math. Very clever, humorous and the kind of math I actually enjoy ;)

quiet = beautiful packaging design

I adore this packaging design for massage oil. I came across it on Communication Arts magazine online. Goes to show exactly (what I believe myself) that not everything has to be loud and obnoxious to be beautiful. In this instance, it's very appropriately quiet considering where these products will live – the spa. I think the typographic design couldn't be more delicate, spot on and gorgeous. 

environmentally-friendly art: henrique oliveria

I love these amazing large sculptures by Brazilian artist, Henrique Oliveria. His installations are made from recycled layers of found wood from dumpters and landfills in Sao Paolo. The textures and landscapes he painstakingly creates are beautiful, even sexy. Some pieces are reminiscent of ocean waves or of the curves of the human body. Almost to remind us that everything we consume (and throw away) remains part of us and inevitably, the earth.

lexie gets her scarf on

Lexie's scarf collection is quickly surpassing mine! Here she is wearing her lovely new oatmeal colored wool scarf. This one is hand-knitted by our office mate, Juliette Spencer. Lovely!

wishing for spring/summer: look 3 (neutral nautical)

It's technically spring but see no signs of it in New York! WTF? Anyway, here's what I'd love to wear if it ever gets warm enough (or if I could afford to buy everything). 

THE TOP: J Crew Tissue roll-up camp shirt (I love the effortless camp shirt!) I dig the long gold necklace with it too.

THE SHORTS: Last week's Gilt.com purchase, Walter Sailor Button Shorts – only $58! (hopefully they will fit me)

THE BAG: Hayden-Harnett's Erol Canvas Tote

Assuming I'd be vacationing somewhere where shorts and heels wouldn't look slutty when worn together... THE SHOES: L.A.M.B. Trianna Lace Up Sandal from ShopBop.com

pop.dot postcard

Say what you mean... analog style with the Pop.Dart Postcard. The idea is to 'pop-out' each dot out of the plywood 'card' to form your own letters/message or a picture. Then snail mail it to someone. Clever. Adorable. I like it. 

mor cosmetics packaging

Spotted these on The Dieline. Sumptuous textures. Absolutely love the muted color palette... and the use of wood texture... of course(!)