Author Archives: Long Tran

The Contemporary Japanese Project 2017

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The focus for the 2017 Contemporary Japanese Design Project is “Tabletop”. Tabletops are their own flat worlds, and whether a desk or a dining table, the items are most always curated. To this end, Matthew Waldman set out to create a cohesive theme for all four manufactures – and this theme is “Skyline”. Whether a modern take on a fruit bowl made with hand-woven bamboo sudare mats, a ceramic carafe and cups, a mini bell tower, or a cedar vase – architectural silhouettes draw the eye upwards, even in the miniature scale of the tabletop world.

SUDARE Fruit Hammock + matching placemats For DAIKO
The “Fruit Hammock” is an innovative centerpiece for any table – a hand-woven bamboo mat set with natural tension across an elegant metal frame creates not just a striking form, but a natural way keep fruit fresh with natural airflow.

Check out Big Lake

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HITOTACHI Carafe and Cups for KUMAGAI
Kyoyaki, or the art of Kyoto style ceramics is a traditional craft that has maintained its beauty and contemporary even today. Matthew Waldman designed this beverage serving set initially inspired by sake serving vessels and the many forms of Kyoyaki to encompass any and all types of drinks, from Japanese sake to fine scotch. The form is as ergonomic as it is elegant and evokes the modern lines of evolving skylines.

Check out Kyoto Kumagai

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MASU Cedar Flower Highrise
Masu cedar cups are used for sake and celebrations in Japan for hundreds of years. Inspired by this, Matthew has created a centerpiece for any table – an architectural set of flower vases. Most flower vases are glass or ceramic. Cedar is an unconventional and unique material to feature the beauty of every season. No flowers? Use these containers to present silverware, chopsticks, utensils and napkins for a bold design statement.

Check out Masukoubou

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Designer: Matthew Waldman

Cats Love Modern Design Too

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My friend has a cat. The cat has a scratching post. It looks like a stick wrapped in twine. The cat uses it but my friend keeps it tucked away in the corner of his living room because it’s fugly. Nobody got time for that. That’s why I’m excited to see our pal James Owen has put his Leo cat scratching post up on Kickstarter!

Constructed of a wood scratching column with a polished 11” diameter aluminum base. The smooth and sculptural form is timeless. It is designed to fit into a modern residential space and be complimentary to the home environment when not in use. The wood grain is pliable enough for a cat’s claw-sharpening activities but sturdy enough to keep it’s overall shape. The contrasting pattern and direction of the grain help to disguise kitty’s claw marks allowing for years of use.

Support this project people. CAT LOVERS REJOICE!

Designer: James Owen, Kickstarter

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Yanko Design
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(Cats Love Modern Design Too was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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3D Printed Gold Plated Jewelry

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Mocci provides 3D printed jewelry but takes it a step further by gold plating the end result. Let me clarify. The 3D print is actually used to create the molds that inform the master. Once you’ve got the master, you can pretty much replicate it and do anything you want with it. 3D printing enables the designer to quickly alter and customize the design. They’re currently running a Kickstarter campaign and their first collection celebrates geometry and the year of the horse! Hit the jump!

Designer: Mocci, Kickstarter page

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Yanko Design
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(3D Printed Gold Plated Jewelry was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Launching My Clothing Line

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Hello there YD’ers. As some of you may know, I’ve started a fundraising campaign for my men’s fitness clothing line called TRANISM. YES, I’m going to launch a clothing line! But I need your help. I have a $5000 goal I need to reach before sample production can begin. With the help of you loyal readers, I know that goal can be reached! Hit the jump for more info.

It’s called the #TILTforTRANISM campaign. Contribute a $1, $5, $10, it doesn’t matter. By contributing, you bring the clothing line one step closer to reality. Don’t have money to give? You can tell a friend. Use that hashtag. Spreading the word is just as important because the more people who know about the campaign, the better chance it’ll have at succeeding. It’s all safe and very secure.

The concept? Performance oriented men’s fitness clothes. Devoid of the gaudy graphics so pervasive in fitness apparel. It’s minimalist, sleek and emphasizes all the gains you’ve worked hard for in the gym. Hi-tech fabrication and styling that lets you mix and match with your casual clothes outside the gym means versatility.

Thank you from the bottom, top, and sides of my heart for your many years of support here on Yanko Design. I’ve come to know quite a few of you and am excited to share this project.

Chief Editor – Long Tran

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Yanko Design
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(Launching My Clothing Line was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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A Stand for All Your Tablet Needs

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Remember way back when, I wrote about these minimalistic iPhone stands with space age “gecko feet” instead of using traditional adhesives or magnets? Well the genius behind the SETA Smartphone Stand is back at it again with the SETA Tablet stand. Same idea, similar design, and of course – awesome “gecko feet” which is technically called NanoSuction. Those that already have the smartphone stand can get a matching tablet stand because your mother told you to always coordinate.

There’s just one day left in this Kickstarter project but they’ve already surpassed their funding goal. This is your chance to lock in the special pricing of $49. I got my hands on an early model and it works just as beautifully as the smartphone stand despite the iPad and iPad mini being heavier. Not an Apple fanboi? No worries because it works with any tablet. I’m looking at you Galaxy and Nexus owners.

Designer: Project by George Bashaw + 1.0 Innovations

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(A Stand for All Your Tablet Needs was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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NOOKRONO, Chronograph Watch by Nooka

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You know I’m a huge fan of Nooka, purveyor of the most unique watches you can decorate your wrist with, but all their timepieces were digital, until now. The NOOKRONO is their first chronograph and true to Nooka form, it’s eye catching and minimalistic while retaining a sexy level of futurism.

The movement is neither Swiss or Japanese. Nooka has taken all aspects of engineering in-house. Not an easy task but their attention to detail and craftsmanship is reassuring. All hands will move smoothly around that beautiful face. I personally love the NOOKRONO MULTI (blue and orange) and the NOOKRONO NIGHT (black with stainless steel band).

So how do you get one? It’s already reach its funding goal on Indiegogo eclipsing its original 10k goal 6x. With 30 days left on the “clock” (bad pun I know), that means you still have time to get yours and lock in the special price. This is not a paid advertisement. I’m just a fan who loves the design. I don’t even wear watches but I’ll wear the hell out of these.

And if you’re wondering when you’ll get them – Decemberish 2014… what a nice holiday gift!

Designer: Nooka, Indiegogo

NOOKRONO from NOOKA on Vimeo.

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(NOOKRONO, Chronograph Watch by Nooka was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Editor’s Note – Tranism Episode 13

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Meant to post this Monday but you know a cat gets busy. MEOWWW. That made no sense. So what? I’m the editor. I do what I want around here. I love you. It’s been cray here at the YD offices. I say offices because we’re located in LA, NYC, TOKYO, VANCOUVER, and MUMBAI. YASSS we international! New site coming soon. New developments in our CKIE store. Possibly a collaboration with a manufacturer to launch a contest. On top of all that, I went to a wedding. Hit the jump!

I went back up to my stomping grounds in San Francisco for a friend’s wedding. EVERYBODY is getting married now and I’m still single. I guess playing with futuristic products has its own perks. I’m sure marriage is wonderful but I’m not the marrying type. Fast forward to 5 years later and you see my sashaying down the aisle screaming “I got married y’all!” in episode 122. In the meantime, check out episode 13.

Around the web:

  • The rear of Honda’s Civic Type-R reminds me of an angry samurai.
  • Google officially launches androidTV. Checkmate Apple?
  • Does that mean RIP Google TV?
  • One of my fav minimalist note taking apps for the iPhone isn’t available in the U.S.
  • A teddy bear masquerading as your GF’s vibrator.
  • Next Black, amazing documentary on the future of fashion design.
  • Bye bye Tide sticks, here’s a glove that literally disintegrates any stain.
  • In Japan, news anchors are being replaced by robots and Skynet wins.
  • Fav mens clothing line at the moment.
  • Obsessed with fitness, learn how to get v-cut abs without watching Mike Chang.

Subscribe to: TRANISM

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(Editor’s Note – Tranism Episode 13 was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Just Mobile Gum++ and AluFrame, Metal Goodies!

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Another day, another slew of accessories for the best phone in the world. THERE, I said it. You hate me now? They’re just electronic gigety-gadgets. No need for fanboism. Hug it out. With that said, the best phone in the world got a little better with the addition of the AluFrame and Gum++ both from Just Mobile. Y’all know I’m honest so hit the jump for my review.

Designer: Just Mobile

What are they? The Gum++ is a high capacity battery backup for your phone, not necessarily iPhone. It’ll work with anything that can suck up juice via USB but they do coincidentally come in the 3 colors currently available with the 5s – just saying. Inside is a 6000mAh battery with enough capacity to charge up your phone 3x. In practice, I found that to be true although my phone was never less than 1/4 empty before I went in for a refill. The Gum++ itself is quite small and surprisingly lightweight. Solid metal construction with a convenient row of LEDS to indicate how much power is left. I never saw much need for a battery backup until I was stuck in an airport and instead of sitting on the floor next to the two outlets LAX has (seriously tho?), I just whipped out this little thing and all was right in the world.

The AluFrame is an aluminum bumper that wraps around the iPhone 5 and 5s in one piece using a clever latch and lock system. Most bumpers come in two pieces that slide together. The AluFrame feels more solid because of its one piece construction. It too comes in array of colors that match the iPhone. It even has a textured brushed surface just like the iPhone. All your phone’s functions are retained. In use, the AluFrame does what it’s supposed to. I especially appreciate how the inside is lined with rubber. My only gripe is how much bulkier it made my phone feel. As I said, I’m totally honest. I even reached out to Just Mobile and explained how the AluFrame is much thicker than a comparable metal bumper from another company. Just Mobile countered with a challenge; drop both phones in their respective cases and see which one holds up. Touché. I did not take the challenge. I’m scared like that.

In a nutshell, the Gum++ is definitely worth the $70 if you’re someone who is always on the go and needs a battery backup. The AlumFrame offers great protection but at also $70, is a tad steep. However like Just Mobile pointed out, you do get what you pay for – an immaculately constructed case for an immaculately constructed phone.

Buy the Gum++

Buy the AluFrame

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Yanko Design
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(Just Mobile Gum++ and AluFrame, Metal Goodies! was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Editor’s Note – Men’s Performance Clothing ISAORA, Episode 12

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I discovered ISAORA a few months ago and feel lame for being so late in the game. The designs are minimal, technical, and performance oriented. After a Google Hangout with the 2 founders, I got my hands on some of the items; the surfer inspired collab with Thomas Meyerhoffer called SURFORWRD and the Mac coat from the RAINWEAR collection. What an awesome blend of technical fabrication and style! I’m a huge fan and convert now. Hit it us up tomorrow for my interview with them

Subscribe to my vlog series TRANISM on YouTube

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(Editor’s Note – Men’s Performance Clothing ISAORA, Episode 12 was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Phiaton Bridge MS 500 Headphones Review

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Winning a 2014 iF product design award is no small feat. These headphones, like all of Phiaton’s headphones, are sleek and ooze with style. In lieu of flashy, colorful polycarbonate bodies, the MS 500 is made of metal wrapped in soft Italian leather. If Beats by Dre are for the hipster urbanites, the MS 500 must be for the kids that graduated that class a few years ago and are looking forward to something a little more sophisticated. My only gripe is they can get a tad uncomfortable after extended use. Hit the jump for my video review!

Designer: Phiaton, Buy it on Amazon

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Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(Phiaton Bridge MS 500 Headphones Review was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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