French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel (pronounced Fray-nell) invented his Fresnel lens in 1822 as a way to emit the strongest, most focused glow from a lighthouse. Extremely lightweight with less volume required than convex lenses of comparable strength, Fresnel lenses are now used in numerous applications, from traffic lights and headlights to LED magnifiers. Joe Colombo, displaying his characteristically innovative approach, designed his Fresnel Outdoor Light (1964) using an industrial product (the Fresn…read more

A Brazilian version of a Bauhaus classic, Paulo Mendes da Rochas Paulistano Chair (1957) is a piece that holds its own with the iconic cantilevered armchairs from Alvar Aalto, Mart Stam, Mies van der Rohe and other European classics. This chair was not available in the U.S. market until 2006. Details that make a difference are the signature of this architect. The frame, a continuous 17-foot piece of solid stainless steel, is shaped under 200 lbs of hydraulic pressure over 24 hours. The result is a sinuous…read more

An environmentally friendly way to light a campfire, Maya Dust (2003) is made from pino de ocote, a fatwood pine cultivated in Guatemala and Mexico. Fatwood the resin-rich wood thats taken from the inner stumps of already felled trees is an easy and all-natural replacement to lighter fluid. Lightweight and able to produce an extremely hot flame, Maya Dust can be lit even when wet. A fully sustainable product, Maya Dust is manufactured to adhere to Fair Trade guidelines. Pair with the Swedish Firesteel…read more

Limited to stock on hand. Philippe Starcks Toy Armchair (1998) strikes a balance between work and play with a colorful, well-priced design intended for use indoors and out. Made from a single piece of molded polypropylene, the sturdy, cubed form is proportioned to offer a level of casual comfort and personality appropriate for cafs, staff rooms or residences. Stackable for convenient storage. Made in Italy.…read more

Dont let your own business cards network with the ones given to you by colleagues and associates. Made from black anodized aluminum, the Give and Take Business Card Holder (2004) is an ingeniously designed compact holder with a drawer on each side that slides open stash personal cards on one side, flip it over to store the new ones. A neat aluminum lip holds the cards in place. Accommodates 15 cards altogether.…read more

What dangerous curves and me with no brakes, are the Spanish words youll be reading (or screaming) as you carve your way down a breaking wave. And James Victores hand-painted artwork isnt the only thing thats bold about this board. Designed for the hurricane-loving dawn patroller, this 6′2′ shortboard is hand-shaped and glassed by Mike Becker of Natures Shapes in Long Island and outfitted with three Future fins. Victore is a self-taught artist and designer known for his emotive, sensual and fearless…read more

The compact footprint of the Salt Chair makes it a smart choice for cafes or any location where you want to seat as many people as possible around a table or in a defined space. Unlike chairs that have widely splayed legs, Salt Chairs can be placed next to each other without wasting a lot of space in between. This Shaker-style chair is a timeless classic, and its lack of ornament and unnecessary excess makes it befitting of the modern aesthetic. It is finished in a water-based opaque paint that…read more

The Swiss Spice Salt and Pepper Shaker solves an age-old problem: How do you keep your important condiments dry and well-contained while hiking, biking, camping or mountain climbing? The lightweight, refillable shaker has a stainless steel spring system to keep the lids firmly in place when not in use. Waterproof and made from food-grade polymer, the Shaker is a smart solution for use in a compact kitchen, on the patio or in the park and can also be used to stash other items that can benefit from humidity-f…read more

Let your dog have its day (including the morning walk, evening walk and even a few in between) with this leather Dog Leash (2006). Crafted from vegetable-tanned bridle leather, the five-foot leash will keep your pet firmly at your side. Made with brass fittings, the durable bridle leather will maintain its shape through years of long walks. Made in U.S.A.…read more

The Rainwater Hog (2006) is a small-scale modular storage tank for collecting rainwater that can be reused for watering plants, washing the car or whatever you need. One Hog holds 47 gallons of water (more units can be added as needed). For your first Hog to function, youll need a Leaf Catcher/Outlet Kit. The kit includes a screen to cover the downspout, which prevents leaves and other debris from getting into the water, as well as an Outlet that has an on/off spigot for retrieving stored water. Only one…read more