Society6 Art Microgalleries

Not exactly related to jewelry or fashion, but this was interesting enough for me to show you guys. It's a Digg-like site where users vote on items to boost them up for higher visibility, but has a lot more functionality around art rather than, say, random news stories. Lots of stuff around artist networking, etc. as well too. Here's what the society6 site says about themselves:

Society6 is a platform for emerging and established artists from every creative discipline to showcase their talent as it unfolds. An online community where no one who is doing good work remains undiscovered and without opportunities - anywhere in the world.

Society6 pushes the physical boundaries of creativity inviting everyone who is inspired by the artistic process, as much as the end-result, to contribute to the cultural commentary.

Society6 is the nexus of original artistic works created and curated by the artists and supporters themselves - providing direct access to quality people, art and events that you want to know about.

Check it out, here.

Cyborg 009 x Quolomo x CASIO G-SHOCK 25th Anniversary DW-5600

Based on the popular Japanese manga stemming from the 1960s, Cyborg 009 and Japanese brand Quolomo team-up with CASIO G-SHOCK on the original DW-5600. The premise of Cyborg 009 involved a team of 9 humans originally captured to undergo a series of robotic tranformations yielding a group of 9 cyborgs who band together against their kindnappers, Black Ghost. The watch itself is featured in all-white body with a black dial. Both CYBORG and Quolomo mark the top and bottom of the watch respectively while the watch band also features a printed deisgn. The watch as part of Cyborg 009’s 25th anniversary will release on July 19th at e-casio. Via Hypebeast.

Royal Atelier - Monarch Classic Ring

One of the more classic designs I've been looking at lately, this Monarch Classic ring from US-based designer jewelry house Royal Atelier takes traditional lines and works with them for a piece that has lasting and enduring appeal. Picked up the premium monogram version from RA a few years back, and it's always done well on my list. Comes in for just over a hundred dollars at Elysieme, here.

Nicolina Royale - Guitar Pick Necklace

Interesting oxidized take on the usual guitar pick necklace from Nicolina Royale. If you follow the scene, their work is actually worn by quite a few American celebrities. Can't say I'm too interested in the Hollywood folks though, so I'll leave picking out the celebs to you guys. Done in sterling silver, and selling for 260USD on their site, here.

Undercover Pointy Toed Shoes アンダーカバー ラバーソール シューズ

These may be the coolest shoes I've seen this season. Done in suede with a sleek and slim profile, these lace-ups from Undercover's 09 S/S collection are infinitely wearable, with pretty much every outfit. Of course, they're selling for about 800USD in Japan - and probably more, after you take into account shipping and import tariffs - but if you've got the cash, check 'em out here.

Kapadesigns - Ancient Sculpture Copper and Black Steel bracelet Watch Wristwatch

A heavily oxidized and weathered piece - bracelet watch done in copper and black steel from Kapadesigns. Was looking at this, and it definitely caught my eye, but made me think about something that's been coming up more and more often. It seems like Americans are in a constant search for authenticity. Not authenticity as 'what's real and what's a knockoff', but rather true authenticity - a sense of identity, of being real. A lot of people work in the office, a lot of people work in the retail or service industry. We do what we don't identify with and has no cultural relevance to us, or who we are. It's necessary, of course, but being "false" so much - keeping up a double fascade for your boss, coworkers, etc. - leaves us searching for something that "looks" real.

Hence the oxidized pieces, the distressed jeans, so on so forth.. I wonder how many people nowadays have jeans that were really distressed by their own wear, pieces that are broken down because of the love and how often they were used.

DisCordelia Designs Polymer Necklace

I've been beginning to see polymer necklaces and jewelry pick up traction lately, from humble beginnings at craft fairs, etc. to wider response online. Check out this necklace from DisCordelia Designs - eccentric, eclectic, and .. well, insert another clever word starting with an e. It'll be interesting to see if anyone continues to offer more 'masculine' products for polymers - a lot of what we're seeing lately is flowers, etc. which is why I thought this was pretty interesting. Anyways, check it out guys, it's only 13USD on Etsy, here.