Design Lover: Silvia Stave Modernist Cocktail Shaker

The story behind a piece can greatly influence the value.

For over sixty years, design enthusiasts incorrectly attributed this modernist cocktail shaker to the head of the Bauhaus metal workshop, Marianne Brandt. However, the original drawing for the piece surfaced and was confirmed, shortly before her death in 1994, by Swedish designer Silvia Stave to be hers.The piece also appears in the original 1930 catalogue for C.G. Hallberg, Stave's employer.

Stave is noted for her assured, serene, unbroken, and undecorated designs. Confident in her talent and understanding of the art of silversmithing, Gustav Hallberg quickly promoted Stave to Director of Design for Hallberg's. She went on to win an award at the 1937 Paris International Exhibition.

In 1996, an original of the above cocktail shaker sold at auction for $11,675 (price adjusted to 2009 currency rate).

Silvia Stave's modernist cocktail shaker has been reintroduced by Alessi. Available online.

Related Posts:
Design Lover: Harry Bertoia Bird Chair
Design Lover: Fredrick Färg
Design Lover: The Bahaus Birdhouse

10 Things You Should Know About Desert Boots

The inspiration
Chupple Sandal and WW II Dutch Army Boot

1. the idea for the Desert Boot started taking shape during WWII when officers began having boots made for them in the markets of Cairo
   
2. the comfort of the boot was inspired by the moldable leather chupple worn by Indian troops on the North West frontier and admired by Western officers from the Western Desert visiting Burma
3. based loosely on the style of the Dutch voortrekker boot that was introduced to Western Desert warfare by the South Africa division of the Eighth Army
4. created on the original army boot last (the original wooden form used to shape the shoe) that provided comfortable footwear to the Eighth Army
5. created by Clarks in 1949 by bringing the moldability of the chupple together with the strength of the voortrekker boot and the comfort of the combat boot
6. first Clarks shoe to be marketed in America
7. over 12 million Clarks Desert Boots have been sold worldwide since their creation
8. the boot was launched at the Chicago Shoe Fair in 1950
9. construction of the Desert Boot has remained virtually unchanged since its inception
   
10. the Desert Boot celebrates its 60th anniversary this year

1950s Reissue

6 Different Ways to Tie a Shoe

• Classic crisscross - outside, inside, outside and tighten from the bottom
• Combination crisscross - an easier version of the classic. Outside, outside, outside and tighten by pulling laces.

• Spaced crisscross - X-pattern eyelets in the center.
• Horizontal lacing - Bring one end straight up to the top of the eyelet, lacing the other end in the desired effect.

• Zigzag - one end straight up to the top of the eyelet, but the other end laces in a crisscross pattern.
• Horizontal underlacing - outside down, inside up across, outside down.

Tips:

• Experiment with shoes or boots with any number of eyelets. 
• Hint --> combat boots are fun.
• Pull the laces up so the longer end is on the right. When you tie your bow, twist the longer end twice around the first loop before pulling it through.
• Cotton laces tie better.

Related Posts:
How to Wear a Handkerchief
How to Tie a Skinny Tie

Vintage Missoni

Missoni
1984

Quote of the Week - Susan Sontag

Fashion becomes the discovery that anything is all right if worn by the right person. Susan Sontag

12 Do's and Don'ts for Dining Out

Don't

1. start eating before anyone else is served.
2. gesture with silverware.
3. lie to the waiter saying everything is okay when it is not.
4. snap your fingers for attention.
5. order for your partner unless they have given you permission.
6. lay anything on the table - including your phone.
7. order a vodka paralyzer before dinner.
8. talk to your menu - the waiter is beside you.
9. wear your running shoes and distressed denim unless you're at a concession stand.
10. get drunk.
11. hold your cutlery in a death grip.
12. settle for anything but the best.

Do

1. give compliments where compliments are due.
2. fill out the comment form - management really does read them.
3. keep your voice down.
4. use your napkin often.
5. send your wine back if it is unacceptable.
6. tip 20%. More if the service is outstanding. The waiter has to share that tip with the bartender, bussers, host, kitchen staff, floor supervisor and management.
7. break off a small piece of bread, butter it and eat it. Don't butter the whole thing at once.
8. look the waiter in the eye.
9. place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. When you're finished your meal use your napkin, fold it loosely and place it on the table.
10. pull the chair out for your female date, wait until she's seated then sit down. If this is too old fashioned for you at least wait until she takes her seat before you sit down. If you're out on business wait for the women to be seated then take your seat.
11. rise to shake someone's hand if you are introduced.
12. get your bearings straight on manoeuvring a typical table setting.

Design Lover: Harry Bertoia Bird Chair

Harry Bertoia won his first award (a scholarship) in 1932 at the age of seventeen. Yet another scholarship followed which enabled him to study at Eliel Saarinen's design school, the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The accolades continued throughout Bertoia's career. He was awarded the American "Designer of the Year" (1955), a Certificate of Merit, from the American Institute of Architects, the AIA Craftsmanship Award (1956), the Gold Medal from the Architectural League of New York (1955-56) , the Design Center Stuttgart Award from West Germany (1962), the Fine Arts Medal from the Pennsylvania Association of the American Institute of Architects (1963), the AIA's Critic's Award (1968), and an honorary doctorate from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (1976).

Bertoia worked briefly with Charles and Ray Eames and collaborated with Florence and Hans Knoll. It was while working with the Knoll's that Bertoia developed the iconic Bird chair and ottoman. Made from molded chromium-plated steel wire, the chairs are still being made and marketed by Knoll today. There are variations on the basic model but the original design has not changed much. Like all classics, it is what it has always been.

Dimensions:
Bertoia Bird Chair: 40.25" H x 38.5" x 33" D
Bertoia Ottoman: 14.5" x 23.5" W x 17.25" D
Available online at Knoll.

Related Posts:
Design Lover: Mariano Fortuny Desk Lamp
Design Lover: Charles Martin AD 11 Light
Design Lover: The Bauhaus Birdhouse

How to Paint Your Front Door

Next to the mantle piece, the front door is probably one of the most popular backdrops for family photos. It is also the first impression your home makes on visitors and passersby. I like to think of the front door as the gate keeper that both guards and greets. Sprucing up your front door can be an economical way to add some zest to your home or, don't make me say it -> curb appeal.

Some things to consider when planning for your front door redo:

• give your door its own special character such as, but not limited to, a contrasting colored trim, French tile numbers, or a brass lion's head knocker
• bushes, plants or vines such as honeysuckle not only add a welcoming scent but also soften any imposing lines leading to your door
• your door should be of the same period or style as your home
• if your front door is actually on the side or around the back, a path, canopy or entrance courtyard indicate this is the way to the main entrance
• your front door is an extension of you and your family. It welcomes visitors into the home you've created out of a house.

A selection of front doors from Vancouver's West End:








Related Posts:
The Decline of West Coast Modernism
Windows: Keep it Simple
Tips for Decor in 620 Square Feet

1989 Went back to the future with Nissan Figaro

I grew up in a body shop. My father restored Camaros, Corvettes, T-Birds, 57 Chevys, you name it. When we spotted this car we were both curious. Initially, we thought it was a vintage Italian model but the rear brake light and window markings convinced us otherwise.
Nissan Figaros were a limited edition coupe (20,000) produced for Japan's domestic market in 1991. The Figaro came in four 'jewel' colors, each representing a season. The model here is Emerald Green (Spring). The other 'jewel' colors were Pale Aqua, Lapis Grey and Topaz Mist (the rarest).
The Figaro was designed by Shoji Takahashi for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the slogan 'Back to the Future'.
As for speed, let's say the Figaro is a perfect car for motoring around the city. Fuel economy 7.4 L/100 km. Fuel capacity 40 L (11 US gal.; 9 imp gal). 3 speed automatic transmission.
A sliding soft top is standard on the Figaro, as is extremely water repellent paint and white leather interior.
Eric Clapton's Figaro is for sale.

For more information on the Figaro check:
Figaro Cars Are Us
Figaro Owners' Site

Versace Men 1992

Versace
1992

Quote of the Week - Christian Dior

Individuality will be always one of the conditions of real elegance. Christian Dior

How to Choose Eye Glass Frames for Your Face Shape

Eye glasses have been a celebrated fashion accessory for men since the late 1950s - think of iconic photos of Yves Saint Laurent, Buddy Holly, Woody Allen or John Lennon. As of late, the trend in eyeglasses has moved from the inconspicuous frameless glasses to the obvious, bold frames with oversize lenses. There are wire frames and heavy frames in oval, round, hexagonal, octagonal, square or what have you. Find a pair that proportionally suits your face, like you would a hat, and the frame will flatter your positive facial features. Think of the image or look you want to create for yourself.

• Round face - angular frames
• Square face - long narrow frames
• Diamond face - wide wire frames
• Oval face - you're perfect go for anything
• Large face - large frames
• Small face - small frames
• Large nose - heavy dark frames
• Dark circles/wrinkles - heavy substantial frames

Related Posts:
8 Men's Eyeglass Trends
2009 Sunglasses: 7 Reviews
80s Sunglasses Revival: Oliver Goldsmith

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent

1980

 

Related Posts: Style Quiz 1 Style Quiz 2 Style Quiz 3

Sheila White - The Mysterious West Coast Potter

I came across Sheila White's ceramic sculptures by way of John David Lawrence, proprietor of DODA Antiques in Vancouver, British Columbia. The only pieces I have seen of White's are of birds such as owls and robins. All the pieces are heavily textured, simple and beautiful.

collection of Stacy Reynaud

I've searched for information on Sheila White but have come up empty handed. I am assuming that she was a student of Thomas Kakinuma at the UBC Extension Department between 1955 - 1968. The pieces I own are marked with White's stamp and one has Kakinuma written in ink.

Her work is highly regarded among collectors of BC Pottery. Watch for it.
Related Posts:
Thomas Kakinuma
Rose Cabat
Paul Evans

How to Remove Wine Stains and Other Delicacies

Many delicacies we enjoy, such as wine, pomegranates, coffee, strawberries, pecans and chocolate can leave behind a stain reminisce of a random tattoo from some lost night in Vegas. You can lay blame on the tannin found in each.

Absorb stains before they set by using the tip of a white paper towel to soak up excess liquid. Never scrub or press with the towel, this will ruin the fabric's texture. If your garment reads DRY CLEAN ONLY do not try to remove the stain yourself - take it promptly to your cleaner.

If your garment is machine washable try the following to remove the stains left behind by the delicacies above:

1. Absorb excess liquid with a white cloth or paper towel
2. Soak the garment in cool water
3. Put detergent and white vinegar on the stain
4. Wash out thoroughly with water
5. Air dry

If the stain persists, wash the garment with detergent and appropriate amount of bleach in the hottest water the garment can withstand.