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This, this is another one of those cool finds that didn't make it onto the FFs because they completely and utterly deserved their own post. Ye Olde Fashion covers a variety of periods and in fashion, like this Vionnet evening dress from 1938 that I want to run away with. It's such a fascinating look at fashion and design evolution - check it out!

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It's so strange that it's June and it's cooled down so considerably. But we hope that it doesn't stop you from having a marvelous weekend, whatever your plans may be! And happy Pride Weekend! But just before you do, check out some of our Friday Favorites:

JEAN SHIN. This week we talked about Jean Shin's cool use of rolodex cards in her installation Carte Blanche. Shin's work is back again with her piece Transplanted Ornament. It's a collaboration with architect Brian Ripel using decorative metal removed from security gates. It's a featured installation, self-supported and of free-form construction, that you can find at the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch.

WHY THE MET REMAINS COOLER THAN YOU. The Met is displaying a career retrospective of Leon Levinstein, a photographer whose work in black and white photography went completely under the radar. (His contemporaries include the infamous Diane Arbus.) It's called Hipsters, Hustlers, and Handball Players: Leon Levinstein's New York Photographs, 1950-1980 that feature forty-five rarely-before-seen photos by Levinstein. The show runs until October 17, 2010.

IT'S PAPER, REALLY. Honestly, I keep saying that I can't be surprised anymore - but wow, artist Luise Valdes has built an entire apartment and car from pizza boxes, carboard, paper, and paint. There are moments where there are parts of it that look, at a glance, to be entirely too really. There are other moments where I can think of nothing but A-Ha's "Take on Me" video. But take a look at the photos, they're kind of cool.

ARIK LEVY'S LUMINESCENCE. We love anybody who gets creative with their lighting and there's something undoubtedly cool about the play on intensity and reflection. Levy maintains an impressive list of disciplines, but is best known for his furniture design for global companies, installations, and limited editions. Levy's Luminescence between Fire & Ice is being showcased at the Santa Monica Museum of Art until August 21st.

PAPER AIRPLANES. I have such funny memories about paper airplanes, including one that involved a pseudo experiment with Zoe in the backyard with a stopwatch. Check out this art installation by Dawn Ng. She uses hundred of paper airplanes to recreate and orchestrate an intense wave of emotion, having the planes physically burst into a massive space. It's incredible.

GRAFFITI RESEARCH. This is the perfect example of when worlds collide. The Creators Project has an interview with James Powderly, part of Graffiti Research Lab who developed Eyewriter - technology that allows paralyzed artists to "write" graffiti. There's a video at the site as well!

PAUL HAYES. Paul Hayes is an installation artist that we found on flickr that has some really incredible pieces. This installation is called Cultivated Momentum and you should definitely take the time to comb through the photos. It's incredible.

SHEPHERD'S PIE. Montreal-based designers Thien and My Ta Trung's series Pâté Chinois is concept based around the beloved - and oh my god, one of my favorite dishes - Shepherd's Pie. Says My, "We were in the mood for happy furniture, less rigor and more flexibility. A shelving unit that evolves according to our frame of mind, a chair that transforms itself each season, a sofa that can take endless configurations and looks. In short, furniture that grows and change with time!"

SCALENE, RIGHT? To be honest, I have no fond memories of geometry in high school. Creepy teacher. Math in general. You name it. But this locket from Garnett is gorgeous - the scalene locket is a break from the traditional locket, hanging from a silver chain and you can wear it open or put anything inside the glass frame. For once, the scalene triangle doesn't make me shudder with horror.

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Jean Shin's Carte Blanche is an art installation that makes use of masses and masses of blank rolodex cards. It's an examination of life in the digital age, the social network, and how fragile the plane we exist on is. Think a standing house of cards.

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design yearbook reexamines Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor's early work 1000 Names, which was very much influenced by his traveling through India in 1979, by the small sanctuaries along the side of the road and the piles of pigment sold for cosmetic and ritual use at temple entrances. The use of color is really something extraordinary. Take a look here.

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French artist Christian Boltanski's No Man's Land is one of the most ambitious installations that we've ever experienced, here and state-side. It's about exploring our own mortality, incorporating cranes and clothing, and more incredible things, like sounds of human heartbeats, gathered from all around the world. It's a mind boggling concept, heavy on sound and sight. For those of you in NYC, definitely check it out at Park Avenue Armory until June 13th.

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My witty story has suddenly been x-ed by the news of a Planet of the Apes prequel. I just don't know what else to say. HOWEVER. It's time for this week's Friday Favorites. And this week's featured photo is a special piece and an exceptionally cool showcasing that there's no age or limit to one's creativity. Check out the cake made by Zoe Sweeney, daughter of Partner Nilda Martin - it's her first real cake design.

NOW IN DESIGN NEWS. Bill Moggridge, the new director of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, is introducing his series called, "Bill's Design Talks" in which he will moderate discussion among designers and museum professionals on chosen tops. The series starts next week, Thursday, May 27th, and will feature a discussion with Michael Bierut, a partner at Pentagram, and one of Pentagram's designers, Yve Ludwig, about their design of the catalogue for the museum's 2010 National Design Triennial, "Why Design Now?"

THEN IT'S ABOUT SENSIBLE DESIGN. These days, it's about being conscious about design and everything green. To raise awareness about energy conservation, German company RWE has a really cool visual campaign, making the waste of energy a physical visible sight. Check the photos out.

TIP OVER. The Tip Over table was designed for G. Borgonovo for Porada and it really goes beyond the idea of the conventional, square table. It has the capability to serve as both a wall mirror and a table, that opens any sort of space for you. It's just a cool way of keep the feeling of a room or area without changing the entire feel.

ART APOCALYPSE. It's an interesting and scary thought, what life would be like without art in our lives. Ad firm Scholz & Friends tackle this question for the German Federation of Craftsmen and their tv spot - it's pretty bleak, far warning, but take a look at the video.

MARKET SEARCHING. PHI favorite Coco + Kelley has a really great entry on hunting through flea markets, etsy, and all things vintage. There are some gorgeous photos highlighting some incredible finds especially a favorite of yours truly - vintage records.

WHAT TO DO WITH THAT TOOTHPICK. I have these wonderful memories of my grandfather and his quirks, like the toothpick he always had after dinner. But I never really imagined putting toothpicks, design, and ... architectural replicas? Take a look at these pictures. Promise you, it'll make you sit back and examine the kind of patience you think you have.

APOTHEKE NEW YORK. Inspired by the history of apothecary in Europe and the artistic influence of absinthe dens in 19th Paris, Apotheke is all about the drama. A cocktail isn't just a cocktail. Check out their website, where you can view pictures of their really, really cool space.

DIFFERENT STROKES. Paol Volpi is an avant-garde jeweler, based in Rome, who transforms an unusual array of materials including industrial and automotive oil filters into gorgeous, fluid, and wearable pieces. It's incredible. All her pieces are both delicate and demure, unexpected given the nature of her materials.

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We here at PHI would really love to wish all the mums a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. It's an important weekend, everyone, and make sure that you that you take the time to give a little something to that incredible person in your life.

It's an interesting group of Friday Favorites this week. The stunning photo to your left is from Michelle's personal stash and it's not just anyfavorite, but also a great way to let everybody know that there will be some news regarding a future show. So definitely look out for that.

NEW BRAHMIN. We love these Boston gurus New Brahmin, where you can go to find the latest news in everything fabulous and fashion-forward. Looking for a great local source? This is where it's at. Such a refreshing look at style with quirk and personality - a personal favorite of yours truly. Check out their featured editorial!

ALL THAT GOLD. One day, there will be someone who will be able to explain the deep root of my fascination with gold and sparkles - and the occasional happy medium of both. Like designer Tom Dixon's Etch lamps. Dixon is known for how he deals with the physical and economical constraints of production, being inspired by the process himself. It's a love affair with shape and structure and simply gorgeous.

ART THAT WAS ONCE ALIVE. Well, I don't know. The New York Time's Sciene page is every bit the hit and miss with me sometimes. Then I found this slideshow. Think Ripley's Believe it or Not ... except with an artistic twist? There's some incredible pieces in here, I will say. Fabián Peña's The Impossibility of Storage for the Soul I (Self-Portrait) is pretty incredible as is Marc Swanson's Untitled (Antler Pile), which says so much for interpretation. Check it out. But during daylight. Seriously.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU. As I was only exposed to the unfortunate prequels of the series first, my reaction to Tuesday's #starwars trending on Twitter was more amused than anything else. So happy belated Stars Wars day (get it - may the fourth be with you? I know, I know. I was thinking that too.) and check out Chepo Peña's Space Loteria - a combination of the tradition Mexican Bingo game with illustrated cards and classic Star Wars characters. It's very Lucas, filled with puns and sorts, but pretty cool as well.

BIRCHWOOD OFFICE. Almost didn't want to share these because they're that fantastic. From Netherlands designer Werner Neumann, this armour looks as if it marched right out of a Dali painting or perhaps through the looking glass. The wood detail is gorgeous.

BETTER HOUSING. Often, we tend not to think about how award statues are designed because most of the awards that really stand out in our minds are either entertainment classics - a la the Oscars, the Emmys - or Olympic oriented like this year's Vancouver 2010 medals. But Noah Scalin of Another Limited Rebellion created probably my favorite award trophies of the year. Better Housing Coalition's Groundbreaker Awards honors four incredible people for their contributions to the community in Richmond, VA. Read more about his process here.

d~luxelist. Another great blog to add to your reading list? d~luxelist is responsible for the major of the things that I've fallen in love with this spring. Like French designer Vanessa Bruno's satchel or this silk tee by Bensoni. I haven't found anything that I haven't liked yet.

THE CARTIER LOVE BRACELET. Always a classic, and a gorgeous one at that - The love bracelet is a signature piece from Cartier. The bracelet quickly became popular for its provocative resemblance to a medieval chasity belt.

And lastly, to end on a fantastic note, these birds by PARRA. The not so happy bird is just a charming gift to maybe give this Mother's Day. Check it out!

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We hope you're enjoying the day, the sunshine, and the lack of apocalyptic winds (did you see yesterday, Boston?) because it's simply Friday and there must be some written rule, somewhere that says something about having to enjoy every Friday. And you know every Friday, it's all about our favorite things. There are some really fantastic things on the horizon, so keep looking out for them, PHI readers.

SKELETON FRIENDS. Scott Campbell's first solo presentation of his works in NYC will be a showcase of his unique eye through sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Campbell combines blue collar grit with the very unique, very visceral lore of tattoo culture to tell a story through all bodies of his work. The exhibit is called If You Don't Belong, Don't Be Long and runs from the 29th to May 30th.

ALL NEWS IS MUSIC NEWS. While some of us are believers in the idea that the music video, the good music video, is a dying institution, there are still people that seem to manage to keep it alive. Spike Jonze has directed the new LCD Soundsystem video for the single Drunk Girls. LCD Soundsystem's new album is due out May 18th, but check out the video. It's pretty great.

ICE CREAM. Now, let's think about warmer ties for a moment. Sun shining. You're about eight or nine and much better at getting away with running through the sprinklers, but enough of a kid to still want your ice cream. So Nestle Ice Cream and JWT Johannesburg created a new summer accessory, in that same vein, a hat made from ice cream sticks. It's adorable.

A JOURNEY WITH LOUIS VUITTON. Louis Vuitton is showcasing their Men's Fall 2010 via website through "The Journey of a Man's Wardrobe" where we, as viewers, can follow through pictures and illustrations of the journey of popular photographer The Shelby, starting in Paris.

THE PERFECT BLACK DRESS. There's a little black dress for everybody and everybody for a little black dress. And Style Melbourne is featuring Nevenka's Autumn Winter 2010 collection, called Concrete Jungle. Now, velvet isn't for everyone and personally, I have memories of seventh grade chorus and those dresses that my mother used to make me where as a kid - but wow, Nevenka's collection is fantastic and the black dress? Too cool.

SEDUCTION BY FRAMES. I'll admit that I'm easy. Put something shiny, something sparkly, or unapologetically cool, I'm there and I'm in love. And cool frames? Just another way to my heart. Frames like Herricht's wood ones, which both have this really clean look and almost romantic feel to them - everybody loves a poet, of course. They're pretty gorgeous and something that you do need to check out.

ERASER+ING ERASER. Where was this when I was in in school? No, it's not a ring pop but a stylish way to keep an eraser on hand should you be a pencil lover or a pencil user. Love it.

NICHOLAS K. I think the great thing about the internet, and the legions of odd corners and information that it does provide us with, is that we get to have a peek into the inspirations of some really incredible designers like Nicholas K. Spend some time going through each post - it's time definitely well spent.

TATTOOS, TATTOOS, TATTOOS - are always really interesting to me, as you can tell a lot about a person and their tattoo, and there's always a really cool story attached to it in some way or form. Check out this slideshow, where a dozen ... unique (asparagus?) food related tattoos are displayed. It's fascinating, for sure.

IT'S IN THE WAY YOU LOOK AT ME. There's something to be said about the right lighting. The right cool lighting too. Check out Lighting for Treluce, from designer Marcus Temonto, which is just guaranteed to impress.

ROLF SACHS. The London-based designer recently teamed up with designers Patricia Urqulola and Ron Gillad for an installation that features "various levels of expanded metals" - they're just pictures that you definitely need to see for yourself. Also, visit Sachs' website. It's pretty cool.

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There are lots of new and exciting things brewing for us, PHI readers. Lots of great changes that we're looking forward to sharing with all of you. But for now, let's talk about our Friday Favorites. A little bit of this, a little bit of that - perfect for reading while catching up on this week's Project Runway on a little bit of a dreary day.

COMPANY-WISE. “Studio belenko!" is an internationally known part-design, part-production internationally company based in Odessa, Ukraine. Founded by architect Denis Belenko in 2003, the studio can be described as a combination of vintage and modern. A favorite? Without a doubt, it’s the paper lamps, which has a really quirky flavor of unusual for sure.

LOVELY PACKAGE. Let’s be honest. We do judge books by their covers. If you were offered a choice of two kinds of chocolate and could only pick one, you’d either go for the brand that you know or the prettiest one. Don’t lie. But lovely package is such a neat site; it explores the uniqueness of packaging all across the board, whether it is wine bottles or your favorite coffee for home.

ANNIVERSARY DAYS. How cool is this? For their 50th anniversary celebrations, Dr. Martens and ten producers are working together to recreate their favorite tracks from the past. So far bands like the Noisettes covered The Buzzcocks, “Ever Fall In Love” and the Duke Spirit (a favorite of yours truly) covered Sham 69s, “The Kids are Untitled.” So, so cool. Check it out.

FOG BANK. It’s quite the cool installation piece at the 3A Gallery in San Francisco by fifth year architecture students Patrick Delorey and Keith Houchin from Cal Poly.

HOWDOOS. I can’t get over how neat these are; howdoos are by Delicious Industries, a design studio based in Brighton, UK. They have a fantastic blog that definitely lead to the discovery of these howdoos, letter-press business cards. They come in two colors, pink and black, and come in packs of ten. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

FOR THE WARMER WEATHER. The best part about the warmer days is the clothes and the shoes, but mostly, it’s the fact that your fingers are going to fall off because the temperature went from two to three with wind chill. From Snowflake by Debbie Sutton, the Nora skirt is such a fantastic way to celebrate the warmer weather with a little bit of linen and a great, classic fit.

ALL ABOUT THE NINETIES. Everybody loves a good list. Letterman’s made somewhat of a career of it. You can absolutely find a list in a major periodical, whatever medium’s your poison. But give me a quirky list. Give me a list that is full of random gems from the 90s like Spice World (you watched too, don’t even try and lie!) and Goodfellas and Fargo. For the movie nerd in you, this one of those things that you just have to check it out.

FLORAL, FLORAL, FLORAL. What a gorgeous idea! Use bunches of fresh herbs as floral wedding decor. At a warm outdoor wedding, the smell would be incredible.

THE SURREY. We love, love, love The Surrey in NYC. Beautiful interiors – clean lines, gorgeous colors, and definitely a place that we’re dying to look up when we’re in the city.

FASHION STAKE. From the New York magazine, Fashion Stake is the brainchild of Harvard Business School student Vivian Weng. Weng previously worked in finance by helping fashion companies secure funding. "Fashion’s dirty little secret is that no one really has a lot of money — even people who are well-known and household names,” she told WWD. “One designer’s first round of financing took 18 months to complete." The cool new site will be launched this fall and really has an aim to give young labels a shot at funding from the masses. Anyone can invest just $50 in a label they like. Read the article here!

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This New York Times article is a just in another realm of cool. Bridgeport-resident Dalton Ghetti has been carving sculptures into pencil lead, without the aid of a magnifying glass, for 25 years. That's right. Without the aid of a magnifying glass. He has a bust of Elvis. And there's “Chain,” in which the middle of a pencil has been transformed into a 23-link chain. Last year, after two and half years, he finished a line of 26 pencils, with each letter of the alphabet carved into the tip. It's an extraordinary way of looking at a pencil.

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This week's Friday Favorites seem to be an eclectic version with magic and mystery and the odd, odd school memory with a little bit of the warmer weather thrown in for good measure.

HUFF PUFF AND PLEAT. Confession. While pleats bring memories of Catholic school uniforms and that cardboard feeling, they are great. The Polish Design MOWO has created the Bufa chair too - inspired by tailoring detail, the puff and the pleat, the chair takes the challenge of finding a furniture pattern and a way to replace traditional upholstery. Check it out.

WE'RE ALL TALL. The German artist Hans Hemmert, famous for his work with balloons, threw quite the party ... all his guests were the same height thanks to shoe extenders. Eliminating all chances of awkward party talk, the gathering is lent an infographic nature by the shoes. Each pair was made from blue foam, the person's real height is read in the visual uniformity of the sole instead of at the head—like a walking bar graph. Very cool.

THE LIQUID LAMP. From designer Kouichi Okamoto, the liquid lamp comes in two colors, red and white, and looks like paint suspended in mid-spill. Available in wall or table versions.

NY-Z, A FILM BY DANNY CLINCH. ABSOLUT Vodka presents NY-Z, a new fifteen minute documentary featuring Jay-Z. Last September, the artist sold out Madison Square Garden for his "Answer the Call" concert, featuring a range of guest performers including the always incredible Mary J Blige. It was an event that marked the nine year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan. The documentary covers the event and backstage interviews and footage with Jay-Z - all intimate and very epic. It's Jay-Z, after all.

THE UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE. If you think of a Dr. Seuss rhyme when looking at these photos, you're absolutely right to. Or a wacky b movie. Needless to say, the upside down house is something you should go and see.

SUNBREAK. As part of The Clare Oliver Challenge for Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, this simple ambient from CHE, Melbourne idea urged beach goers to take a break from the sun. It's such a great idea.

IT'S A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC. There's Dr. Seuss and then there are things that absolutely belong to Wonderland. Cut & Paste is a collaboration between Kiki Van Eijk and Secondome director Claudia Pignatale. The project is all about the personality and emotion found within an object. This special collection for Secondome will have it’s world premiere in Rome. These pieces are remarkable and fun. A favorite? The clock without a doubt.

DUCK DUCK. DuckDuck calls themselves "a collective of creatives" and are based out of Lynchburg,VA. They offer beautiful - and I mean beautiful - visual representations of people, ideas, and products through a variety of mediums including photography, film, and motion graphics. Some of their clients include Levi Strauss, BMI, and VITA Fashion. Check their site and blog out.

THE KAFTAN. Colors and more colors, this season it's about the kaftan - Hermes, Antik Batik - perfect for the warm weather and fantastically dramatic.

BELOW THE CLOUDS. A Friday Favorite's list wouldn't be complete without another lighting mention. From 5.5 Designers, this fire kit lamp looks like something that walked out of Super Mario Brothers.

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FROM THIS DAY FORWARD is the first solo show outside England by London based designers JAMESPLUMB for Milano Design Week 2010. The romantic endeavor combines, restores, and finds new habitats for the unwanted pieces, the group celebrates and reveals stories that might have gone untold, and in new function find new stories to tell. It'll be set up in and around a campaign style tent designed by JAMESPLUMB and curated by Italian critic Diana Marrone. There's an obvious charm to the pieces and there's a little bit of a feel that reminds you of the eerie Isle of Misfits toys, if anything, but do take the time to comb through the photos. There are some great pieces.

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Happy Friday, PHI readers! It's been a long time coming for sure, this weekend, and as always, it's time for our Friday Favorites. And so what if the weather is a little wacky (have they ever been right?), enjoy your days and a few of our favorite things.

AVOCADO POUND CAKE. File this one under strange ideas that suddenly sound really, really great. Pound cake is fantastic. Avocados are also fantastic and multi-faceted. So why not have avocado pound cake? Joy the Baker has a great recipe that I'm pretty excited to try.

GONE FISHING. From Pedlars, an amazing chandelier that has been meticulously constructed out of fishing supplies, fishing floats and nylon fishing gut to be exact. It comes complete with an internal lamp and seems equally easy to hang.

ALL ABOUT THE MIRROR BALLS. By Tom Dixon, the Mirror Ball stand shows a new configuration featuring an array of various sized balls on a robust stainless steel stand. Each ball is tightly held in place with industrial strength clamps the stand creates a sculptural interior lighting "tree". Stand can accommodate a maximum of 6 Mirror Balls in various sizes.

COMPACT CAMERAS. Sometimes it's always best to go smaller, whether it be for traveling or a day on the go. Sony has just announced plans to produce an ultra-compact digital camera with large interchangeable lenses. the new line of cameras aims to combine the small scale portability of standard point and shoots, with image quality and versatility of larger digital SLRs. The new line was just announced at the annual camera show PMA (photo marketing association).

LOVE A GOOD GHOST STORY? Taking over one of the Meatpacking district’s last remaining disused warehouse spaces during the recent New York Fashion Week were iconic British luxury brand dunhill, with a little help from super-talented London based studio, Campaign. Having recently produced sublime pop-up stores for Dr.Martens and currently collaborating with Christopher Bailey, Creative Director of Burberry, on forthcoming interior concepts, London’s Campaign are carving a name for themselves as the ‘go-to’ agency for the Fashion world’s particularly creative needs. It's such a cool concept.

IF LADY GAGA DOES IT. Do you do it? These crazy sunglasses are by High end German sunglasses maker MYKITA who teamed up with Romain Kremer for Fall/Winter 2010. The result are these sunglasses that come with an attached head piece in red and black.The model is called YURI (after Yuri Gagarine) and the idea is that these sunglasses also protect the third eye – the brain.

AN EDUCATION. With the Oscars finally over, it's time to watch all those movies without all the insane hype. An Education is a coming of age drama that stars Carey Mulligan and is based on an autobiographical memoir of the same tittle written by the British journalist Lynn Barber. And so this is the part where you're thinking 'oh, the coming of age drama -' but there's something entirely endearing about the story and specific and Carey Mulligan's performance touches on those few memories that you have, as a teenager, on what it's really like to grow up.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT IT'S ... Céline. From the Sartorialist, Céline FW by Garance Doré Studio. It speaks for itself, without a doubt, gorgeous clothes and Céline.

THE INDUSTRY EXHIBIT. Void is preview of the new Tom Dixon collection Industry, which will show at Super Studio Più as part of Milan Design Week 2010. The shiny suspension lamps are constructed using “a double wall spun construction" and are available in solid copper, brass, or stainless steel. Like 3rings says, Void brings new meaning to the phrase, “Everything that glitters is not gold.”

RODARTE LIGHTS IT ALL UP. There is very little to say other than - "WANT. WANT. WANT. WANT." With several exclamation points and extreme abuse of the capslock key. But these Rodarte Light Up Heels are so gorgeous and so fun, that I can't help but walk right into some sort of Midsummer's Night fantasy or into a scene from Fantasia.

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Anna Karenina designed by FUEL.

Penguin has collaborated with AIDS awareness fund (RED) and a team of designers to produce new covers for eight Penguin Classics. Each cover replaces the usual black band with red, employing a quote from the text of the book as the visual hit. And really, sometimes we do judge a book by its cover.

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With 35 ice sculptors from different parts of the world and six days to carve, came a political statement about climate change was the last thing on Karl Lagerfeld’s mind when he trotted Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection in front of a giant, 265-ton glacier in Paris on Tuesday. The Grand Palais itself was kept at subzero temperatures, all the more, perhaps, to make the litany of tweedy knits, shaggy fur trim (all faux), and knee-high yeti boots even more inviting.

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Oh, my god. Created by Mischief for the Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships, for the ever-relevant Vauxhall car brand. This year they've created a dazzling piece in the form of a Corsa-shaped working microphone. Too cool.

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It's time for our Friday favorites! This week is a strange but fun mix of inspirations; from shoes to film, to just the right chair, or maybe it's just all about the things that we don't understand. Enjoy checking them out!

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT CHAIR. There’s nothing wrong about getting a little creative about extra seating, wanted company or unwanted company. And well, this ‘chair’ might not be the most comfortable, but it will mark a great spot for you to stack your magazines.
LA CASA DE BOTELLAS. La Casa de Botellas is a Palace designed of plastic bottle that is confined by a Santa Cruz Family. The house designed by the Alfredo Santa Cruz family in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina sets an example to utilize plastic bottles that could possibly have been trashed into bins. Almost every item of the house is made of thousands of PET plastic bottles, which is simple, accessible and creative at the same time. The pictures are unreal.
POGOISM? Admittedly, anything involving pogo sticks makes me a little skeptical and anything that suddenly says pogo sticks are a part of a new art form even more so – but watch the video, three guys, some paint, and well, their pogo sticks. Decide for yourself.
LET’S TALK LAYERS. Artist Andrea Myers’ work is incredibly bright and colorful. You’re not entirely sure of the shape – although, they are somewhat reminiscent of contour lines and contour maps – and while they seem to be made out of paint, it’s actually something more of a fabric. Check them out.

MUGSHOTS. Bored of your Facebook profile picture? Designer Anton Mircea has a playful twist on the “no picture” image. As Mircea says, “I believe we can enrich visual contexts that are supposed to be standardized or flattened into a template, even transform them into something popular although they were supposed to be the opposite – no profile pictures.” So suddenly have some strange desire to be the Terminator? You can download the photo here.

THE EXPLODING GIRL. There’s something magical about the right movie trailer, whether it be a huge blockbuster film or that small, coffee house film that is waiting to be discovered. The Exploding Girl is that such film, shot with that kind of romantic care and quietness. Written and directed by Bradley Rust Gray, he skillfully composes this delicate and honest portrait of a young woman at a crossroad. Watch the trailer here.
THINGS I DON’T UNDERSTAND. And definitely don’t want to talk about. Need break and a laugh? This blog is pretty self-explanatory – ever have that day, you know, that day, where you’re privy to certain things that happen and you just don’t get it. Then this is definitely a place for you. A favorite? “Things I don’t understand and definitely don’t want to talk about – I do not want to make you a mix tape and I want you to already know all the music that I already know.”

IT'S THE GREAT JJ LAMP! Itre’s The Great JJ lamp is designed by Centro Stile design studio and a take-off on Jac Jacobsen’s ever-popular architect lamp. This was first developed as enormous floor lamp - and is now being debuted as an equally over-scaled outdoor version. Which, let's be honest, is just fantastic!

MATHIEU LEHANNEUR. Designer Mathieu Lehanneur has created a gorgeous line of ceramic urns. The shapes of these 29.5 inch tall jars are physical manifestations of the demographic data of various countries. Each piece has 100 layers, and each layer represents 1 more year of age than the layer below it. It's really quite cool! Do take the time to explore the designer's site as well - his work is filled with extraordinary pieces.

IF ANYTHING, IT'S ABOUT THE SHOES. We've mentioned SHOELUST quite a bit on the PHI blog because, well, it's always about shoes. And more shoes. And shoes and shoes. Let's take this week's favorite with a little bit of mathematics - Tommy Ton + black + silver + (and it gets better, oh my) there's snakeskin = a pair of booties that are just kickass!

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How fantastic is this? The Book Cell, an octagonal building made entirely from books that was installed in the Modern Art Center in Lisboa. Slovakian artist Matej Kren built an octagonal framework, filled it with books and removed it, leaving a symmetrical, enclosed room of stacked literature.

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Genius. Complete and utter genius - thank you for making us laugh, Old Spice.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE.

It took a lot of willpower to not get incredibly festive with a Valentine's Day-themed Friday favorites. Treating yourself to chocolate is a much better plan. This week's ten favorite things have a little bit of everything for you to enjoy - check them out!

SLASH. Running until April 4th, Slash is the third installment of NYC's Museum of Art and Design (MAD)'s Materials and Process series. As the cheif curator, David Revere McFadden explains, “Slash showcases artists whose works surprise for their complexity and content, and not just for their technical virtuosity." It's a complete and daring visual experience. Visit the museum site for more information.

THE SLIDING APARTMENT. Think your living space is small? Architect Gary Chang has lived in the same 32 sq meter apartment since he was fourteen. He has since then renovated the space four times and has transformed into into what he calls his "domestic transformer" - the apartment can be easily changed through the use of sliding wall units that fold away furniture and, and it boasts over 20 different configurations.

THE VENTRICLE VASE. I didn't say I wouldn't anything Heart Day related in our Top Ten - the Ventricle Vase for those of you who are fans of all things literal. The glass heart is created by Eva Milinkovic of Tsunami Glassworks. It's a gorgeous piece, inspired by emotions and their many colors, all shaped in a heart. It's available in three sizes for all sorts of grand gestures.

HOTEL CINEMATHEQUE. Design Hotels has joined forces with The Auteurs and has created this very cool marriage of cinema and luxury. And let's be honest, there's nothing like having the right kind of film for a late movie night in your hotel.

THE GAGA DOLLAR. Unless you've been living under a really heavy rock or have super powers that allow you to filter our news of your choosing, you know that Lady Gaga has been everywhere - and everywhere is no longer big enough for her too. But artist Craig Gleason has now made into the dollar bill portrait (or has unleashed the federal government's inner fan) - either way it's kind of ingenious and a charming laugh, and for purchase.

MY HOUSE NIGHTCLUB BY DODD MITCHELL DESIGN. This LA club reinterprets the classic house party by feeling and functioning like you've entered someone's private home. Says designer Dodd Mitchell, "I have always enjoyed the comfort of a house party that just doesn’t exist in your typical nightclub, so with My House I set out to create an environment I would personally relish, and bring that vision to the nightlife space."

IHEARTMYART. A tumblr blog that features a variety of pieces, showcasing an incredible array of talent and names. This is a great place to take the time and sit down for a few minutes. Check out Fiona Shaw's installation work - a favorite? Definitely her My Discomfort Is Evident But I Am Unsure Of The Cause (Prelude To An Unfinished Narrative), 2010.

PET PEEVE TAGS. These are an absolute favorite. Brittany Harriman has developed a series of "Pet Peeve Tags" that address issues such as slow walking, back washing (gross!), and the ever-presistant failure of washing one's hands. They are hand printed and in such a way that the offender can understand and perhaps even appreciate.

LAURA MARLING, I SPEAK BECAUSE I CAN. In 2008, Laura Marling made her mark with her debut. Her soulful voice and her incredible lyrics lend themselves to some of the the most incredible songs (do, do, do give My Manic & I a listen) - and in March, she'll be releasing her new album I Speak Because I Can. In anticipation for that release, a video for the album single Devil's Spoke is now available.

A PLACE IN THE SUN. For those of us who are sick of the cold and the endless amounts of snow, snow, snow, the ELLE March 2010 editorial is stunningly perfect. There are gorgeous beaches and backdrops and lots of colors, warm and vibrant (the red dress is an absolute favorite). Do check it out.

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