Franny Choi explores queerness, femininity, identity and autonomy as an Asian American woman in Soft Science, a book of poems that often center on futurism and technology in a remarkably human manner. While cyborgs feature as a vehicle for otherness, Choi also uses them in many other nuanced ways. Rhythmic and melodic, her poems enthrall readers.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Alice James Books
Unconventional fashion and footwear designer Mihara Yasuhiro takes the familiar silhouette of the slip-on and turns it on its head with the introduction of striking faux fur. Available in beige, black or brown, the shoes are emblematic of the irregular, bold and unequivocally unique style that garnered the Japanese designer his cult following.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Mihara Yasuhiro
From Bowers & Wilkins, these over-ear, noise-cancelling Px7 S2 headphones utilize custom-designed 40mm drive units that are carefully angled in the ear-cups to deliver precise, sharp sound. Six microphones and a 24-bit-capable wireless platform further ensure enhanced noise-cancellation and music dynamics. Replete with memory foam ear-pads, these sleek headphones (available in black, blue or gray) elevate both comfort and high-quality sound.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Bowers & Wilkins
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bloomingdale’s, Polo Ralph Lauren has released a covetable limited edition automatic wristwatch. Crafted in Switzerland, the stainless steel timepiece incorporates a sapphire crystal exhibition case back, as well as a commemorative crest. The watch face features a charming 3D-printed rendition of the Polo Bear clad in a cricket sweater, herringbone blazer and duffel coat. Each comes with a black and white tie silk fabric strap, designed specifically for this collection. Only 20 watches have been produced—and they’re available exclusively at the department store’s iconic 59th Street location in Manhattan.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Polo Ralph Lauren
Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982 is the first official archival box set of the iconic NYC band. It comes in five variations, but the Super Deluxe edition (limited to 500 copies) includes the most. It features the original line-up’s first six albums, plus four LPs full of outtakes, B-sides and demos. Additionally there’s a 10-inch with the 1975 Alan Betrock demo, a 45 featuring their almost-mythical cover of The Doors’ “Moonlight Drive” and more. Altogether there are 124 tracks, 36 of which are previously unissued. The set also includes two hard-cover books containing everything from cover art to session notes from band members, liner notes by music journalist Erin Osmon and essays from producers Richard Gottehrer and Mike Chapman.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Numero Group
Whether combined with olive oil to create a drizzle, added to marinades or used in any number of recipes, Liquid Sunshine—a preserved lemon concentrate—adds zest, zing and brightness to any meal. Made by Maine-based Rhea Goods (run by Abbye Churchill), the condiment comprises lemons, chilis and various flavorful spices.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Rhea
Made is Osaka, Japan, this minimalist toolbox from Toyo Steel combines modern style with compact design to refine the ubiquitous household necessity. The sleek box, crafted with stainless steel, is the perfect size for storing handy tools, classic gadgets and miscellaneous gizmos. The toolbox comes in vibrant blue, red or black.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Toyo Steel
Located in NYC’s LES neighborhood, Chop Suey Club prides itself on celebrating contemporary Chinese culture through books, magazines, homeware, art, apparel and accessories. With plenty of products that aren’t widely available or super-familiar, their store (both online and brick and mortar) is a treasure trove. One such item is this Mahjong Mold. Made from FDA-approved, food-grade silicone, each tray features 21 Mahjong “tiles.” Use it for ice, chocolate, stock or just about anything else.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Chop Suey Club
Crafted from premium materials in the UK by luxury leather goods brand Ettinger’s highly skilled artisans, the Capra Single Watch Roll offers a safe, secure and stylish way to stow a wristwatch while traveling. Inside, a timepiece wraps around a removable padded roll, and is further cushioned by a soft suede insert. It’s all securely snapped shut with one silver popper button.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Ettinger
Brooklyn-based ceramicist Eleni Kontos eschews traditional chess pieces for unconventional and otherworldly figures in her handmade chess set. Featuring dyed clay pieces and a board with hand-painted gradient details as well as ebru marbling, this set acts as both unique decor and a fun take on a classic game.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by eekontos
Designed by STUDIO NARI (founded by award-winning graphic designer Caterina Bianchini) for renowned cycling brand Rapha, this cotton cap celebrates the 10th annual Rapha Women’s 100—a 100km ride that the brand hopes will draw 100k competitors this year. The design incorporates bold graphics and bright colors, but it’s also a practical accessory. The cross-back design includes a hole for a ponytail or bun, and the elastic trim ensures a snug fit. Made from 100% cotton, this cap is made for use in all conditions.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Rapha
Packed with micro-crystals (evenly ground magnesium oxide particles), Soft Services’ bright blue Buffing Bar exfoliates the body and provides immediate results. This utilitarian creation (which comes in simple recycled packaging) feels like a hybrid of the humble bar of soap and pumice stone. The tiny crystals are ideal for keratosis pilaris, rough and dry skin, as well as areas that are prone to ingrown hairs. Use once a week for soft, smooth and fresh-feeling skin. Price is for a set of two.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Soft Services
Epara (which means “to cocoon oneself” in the Nigerian dialect Ebira) crafts high-quality skincare products using natural ingredients ethically sourced from co-ops and small farms in Africa. Their Balancing Face Oil combines moringa, marula and ylang ylang III oils. Gentle yet potent, this formula helps to brighten and soften skin, while also reducing hyperpigmentation. Price is in Pounds.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Epara
Jaunty and rounded, the Splat Side Table successfully plays with conventional furniture design. It’s made by Brooklyn-based designer Sophie Collé, whose practice encompasses her love of queerness, toys and the dramatic. Available in different heights and a range of colorful and classic hues, the side table stuns on its own or can be stacked alongside others for whimsical combinations.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Sophie Collé
In honor of Sacred Bones Records’ 15th anniversary, the Brooklyn-based label is repressing the cult classic Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson on limited caladium pink and green vinyl. First released in 1976, the album, suffused with Moog synthesizers, was composed specifically for plants and only available to those who purchased a plant from Mother Earth on Melrose Avenue in LA or a Simmons mattress from Sears. Almost 50 years later, the album’s legacy continues to grow with a remastered vinyl that also comes with a fully restored original booklet and seed paper.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Sacred Bones Records
Designed to be paired with Snow Peak’s Takibi Tarp Octa or the HD Tarp Hexa Evo Pro Ivory, the limited edition Tarp Extension Tent creates a designated sleeping area that fits up to four people and enhances the tented outdoor space with an inner room and ground sheet.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Snow Peak
Skateboarding is a culture traditionally rife with homophobia and exclusivity, but artist and activist Jeffrey Cheung and his partner Gabriel Ramirez are working to change that through their radical, queer skate collective UNITY and brand THERE Skateboards. From the store comes “Ice Cream,” a standard 8.25-inch board that fittingly features Cheung’s charming portraits stacked like scoops of ice cream.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by THERE Skateboards
David Owen’s new book, June Newton Best Seller, is the story of a floor manager at a regional department store. While it may seem her life is dull, it’s anything but. Filled with quirky diary confessionals and imaginary conversations with Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Nicholas Cage, the book turns from an off-kilter journal to a rollercoaster of a story. It’s the publisher’s first foray into literary fiction, and has been illustrated and designed by Karla Jarvinen and Dominik Pollin.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by IDEA
From the beloved queer-run Hudson Valley restaurant Lil’ Deb’s Oasis comes merch made in collaboration with artist Nico Fontana. The “Tasting Gay” shirt, a long-sleeve garment that’s available in black or amethyst, is a whimsical celebration of the equally enchanting establishment. In wriggly font, the words “Tasting Good” adorn one sleeve while “Tasting Gay” runs across the other. The back of the shirt features a mountain range, peppered with flying butterflies along with Fontana and the eatery’s name.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Lil' Deb's Oasis
Intimate storytelling merges with club bangers on Rina Sawayama’s second album, Hold The Girl. Traversing a multitude of genres—from country to disco, rock, dance and grunge—the album attests to the British Japanese artist’s ingenuity. Within, Sawayama comes to terms with her past, deftly transforming the deepest of emotions into soaring anthems. This version of the album, released by Rough Trade, is on red marbled vinyl.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Dirty Hit
Smiley faces, fruits, yin-yangs, hearts and pearls fill this glass bead necklace from Copenhagen-based Pura Utz. Handmade by a team of artisans in Guatemala, the playful piece promises to be eye-catching on its own, but pairs beautifully with other jewelry. The colorful necklace is available in two sizes: 42cm or 50cm. Price is in kroner.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Pura Utz
Across 76 pages, this volume from collaborative publishing project Colpa Press acts as a mesmerizing archive of Detroit’s rave culture from 1993 to 1999. From sci-fi aesthetics to kawaii imagery, the collection’s varied and bold designs document an equally vibrant, thriving party scene in the birthplace of techno. Price is in Pounds.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Colpa Press
More than a serene getaway, Bali abounds with nightlife, surf culture, innovative bamboo architecture and more. It was this lush amalgamation that inspired Elora Hardy to found her sustainable design and architecture firm, IBUKU, after growing up on the island. In Bali Mystique, published by Assouline, Hardy traverses multifaceted destinations within the tropical locale through 200+ images and personal anecdotes that serve as an ode to the island’s kind community.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Assouline
The Spirulina Botanical Bar is a thoughtfully fragrant and nourishing product from scent and skincare line Redoux NYC. Weaving lavender, ylang ylang, palmarosa and eucalyptus essential oils, the aroma evokes bathhouses and their cleansing properties. Meanwhile, spirulina helps diminish acne and support collagen production, and rice milk, a centuries-old Chinese and Korean ingredient for skincare, fights inflammation.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Redoux NYC
Brandi Carlile’s memoir, Broken Horses, charts the singer-songwriter and producer’s upbringing in the impoverished outskirts of Seattle, as well as her experience being openly gay within a homophobic faith. As the book describes, these difficult moments shaped Carlile as well as her art, from her early days singing in local competitions to opening for Dave Matthews Band. Honest and insightful, the memoir is an unflinching look at identity, rejection and Carlile’s well-deserved and earned success.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Penguin Random House
Pieter “Parra” Janssen’s colorful curves and post-pop imagery translate to multicolored apparel and, even more fittingly, swim shorts from the Dutch artist’s own clothing brand, By Parra. These 100% nylon trunks feature a soft mesh inner, rear pockets with closures, patch panels and, of course, Parra’s signature waves.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by By Parra
