I was doing a last-minute Christmas gift run at Barnes & Noble, and so I stopped to read me some free magazines, including I.D. [Now, I like I.D., but most major designers--and hence, design media--aggressively ignore baby-related products, so I've mostly tuned them out lately. I.D does get kudos for having Kid-o's Lisa Mahar is a sometime competition juror and contributor, though. So I'll buy one in 2006.]
I.D.'s cover story is "Products That Intrigued Us in 2005" or some such, which has some kid-related products scattered throughout their categories. [the December issue isn't mentioned on their website yet.] Here's what I could remember [I draw the line at taking notes or parking in the cafe to actually read. please, people]:
The Orbit Baby System, which is cleaning up on all kinds of design-related attention these days. [Cookie Magazine gave it the highest praise they know... "Best Suburban Ride."]
The Bugaboo-By was called "irresistibly cute," which may be an upbeat way to say, "those cartoon eyes follow you wherever you go."
ducduc's dylan collection--that's the chunky sweet modular one that costs $6,000, with the bonding bench and what not--got a nice shoutout, too, as it should.
The Kids-Rock rocking chair [pictured here] by Alexander Taylor was new to me, and I think it looks great. The seat is non-slip rubber. The price - £195 - is pretty gutsy; the colors - pink, blue, yellow, lime green-unfortunately, are not. Check it out at Thorsten Van Elten.
Also new to me: Design Wall, a Dutch wallpaper company that tailors their all-over designs to fit your wall dimensions. Great if you like arts&crafts patterns--combined with giant silhouettes of birds.
There was a great biomorphic modernist kid's table and chair out of birch ply that I know...I just forgot whose it is...gimme a minute... Of course, Peep, by Kapow Design. I hope Charley's figured out a way to make and sell those pieces, they're really nice. Bonus: He also made Bjork's bed.
WAIT JUST A MINUTE! "Last minute gift run"?
DAMN YOU TO HELL!