Progress Chic | SpaceX Space Suit

Another milestone for our Progress Chic tracking. With an Instagram post, Elon Musk marked the dawn of space fashion. Sure, there have been many fabulous costumes in sci-fi movies, fashion editorials inspired by space, and even a few attempts to make real world astronaut apparel a bit more appealing but functionality has always won out over fashion....for very good reasons mind you, that whole life support thing in space and all. This...is real-world space fashion.

Musk's comment "Was incredibly hard to balance esthetics and function. Easy to do either separately." essentially put form and function on the same level. He clearly didn't, in fact he couldn't, devalue the necessary functionality of the garment, but by including esthetics in the comment, even putting it first in order, he established that space apparel of the future will need to be functional, as well as something pleasing, even inspiring, to the human eye...as is any good inspiring, innovative, visionary fashion design.

Sci-fi costumes and fashion spreads can make space apparel look good, but none of it is truly functional in actual outer space. Musk and SpaceX have now started to accomplish both tasks and there is no doubt that more inspiration, innovation, and vision await us in future space fashion.

Farm Forward | Equestrian Centre, Merricks

Our connection to horses may date make millenia but there's no doubt that equestrian architecture can be contemporary. Case in point, the Equestrian Centre in Merricks, Australia. Designed by London-based architect Seth Stein in partnership with Watson Architecture & Design in Australia, the project is the winner of numerable architecture awards and continues to wow both design and horse enthusiasts locally and internationally.

More photos on links above but here are a few in case you're chomping at the bit to see more right away...

Progress Chic | Modern World Watering Can

They saying goes "what's old is new again". That certainly holds for any of the items that are part of our Progress Chic spotlighted products. But in the case of the Blomus Verdo Watering Can, the word "newer" is even more appropriate. It is clearly an ultra contemporary update to a traditional gardening tool but the wood handles bring both a touch of rustic and an additional modern element to what would otherwise be just another modern watering can.

Progress Chic | The Icon E-Flyer

It's a little rad, it's a little retro...and it is really cool. The Icon E-Flyer is one of the best offerings in the electric bike landscape we've come across. It offers great vintage design references while also serving up modern lines and the latest technology. The basic mode goes 20 mpg but you can sign up for the revved up version which gets 35mph. Coming in just under $5,000 it isn't that much more than some other e-bikes currently available, but the E-Flyer comes with so much more road cred.

Progress Chic | Utility Canvas Throws

OK, we confess...we have a bit of a modern quilt fetish. How can you not like tried-and-true craftsmanship with a modern twist?

So, we instantly fell in love with the line of printed throws from Utility Canvas. Utility Canvas is a company started in 1990 by Hal Grano and Jillian Kaufman-Grano that combines an eye for design with the functionality of sturdy sports apparel and accessories. Lucky for us, the printed throws are just one of their offerings. There are many other apparel items and accessories that are just as appealing.

Progress Chic | Bunad Blankets

These colorful wool Bunad Blankets from UK retailer Really Well Made are inspired by patterns from regions in Norway: Setesdal, Nordland, Fusa, Bringeklut, and Sunnmøre. The blankets offer contemporary graphic design but the ‘Bunader’ they take after are actually traditional costumes with roots in rural clothes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Designer Andreas Engesvik worked with century-old Norwegian manufacturer Mandal Veveri to make the Blankets. Another great exampel of what's old is new again.

Kaleidograph

Hours of design fun for kids of all ages. These sets of die-cut cards by Kaleidograph can be mixed and matched to form designs and patterns that mimic the geometry of flowers and crystals in nature.

Some of the card designs date back to the 17th century and yet the final results of card combinations always seem thoroughly modern. The card sets also follow the tradition of education and design toys envisioned by Friedrich Froebel in the 1800s when he defined the original idea of Kindergarten. This educational system, with its design toys, went on to influence modern designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller, Piet Mondrian, and even design education at the Bauhaus.

Best of all, you can used them as a toy, display favorite designs as artwork, or even use them as stencils for larger design project.

Available at Amazon.com and other retailers. Pictured above are the Flora and Crystal card sets.

Science-inspired 3D Cookies

Decorated dinosaurs from Laura Loves Cakes
Whether your little one wants to be a paleotologist, an astronaut, or a field biologist, these science-themed 3D cookie cutters are sure to spark their interest in science. Gift and party supply retailer SUCK UK offers these great cookie cutter sets in Dinosaur, Space, or Safari themes. Bake them, build them, and then let the decorating start.

Images below link to the SUCK UK website, but many of the sets are available at other retailers as well.

Urbio

A dream product for the modern neat freak, the Urbio organizing system offers flexible function with a clean, contemporary vibe. A collaboration between designers Beau Oyler and Jared Aller with the Enlisted Design team, Urbio is an affordable and stylish storage and vertical gardening solution for both modern and rural lifestyles that desire a modern twist.

HexWatch | Contemporary Tumblers

Though it's shape is clearly not a hexagon, we couldn't help but add Sempli's Cupa-Rocks tumbler by Swedish designer Daniele Semeraro to our HexWatch collection since it's silhouette does form a comparably-appealing pentagon.

The simple but bold lines of the tumblers may be a stylish way to enjoy your Scotch, saké, or whiskey, but it's unique form offers functional benefits as well. The shape allows the glassware to roll gently across a flat surface when set down, oxygenating the fine spirit inside. The shape also fits perfectly into the palm of your hand which warms the spirit slightly. Together, these features make the bouquet of your favorite brandy our bourbon even more appealing. Available at Sempli and other retailers.

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ChefSteps Shares Art and Science of Modernist Cuisine

Molecular gastronomy is becoming more and more popular and prevalent everyday. It's one thing to order it at a restaurant or see it on TV, it's a completely different thing to try to make it yourself. The techniques, the tools, and the time involved can all be overwhelming for any budding chef. Luckily, things like the Modernist Cuisine cookbook series are helping us try our hand at these new and innovative culinary methods.

Taking baby steps into the world of molecular gastronomy just got even easier. Seattle-based ChefSteps offers online courses to introduce even the most beginner of chefs to the tools and techniques of exceptional modern cuisine. Lead by Grant Lee Crilly, Ryan Matthew Smith, and Chris Young - several of the original Modern Cuisine team - the website, recipes, classes, and community developed by ChefSteps are both aesthetically appealing and accessible.

We particular love this quote from ChefSteps:

"Cooking is an ancient art and science, an accumulated body of knowledge passed down through generations, which we modify every day."

Here at Future-ish we coined a design style called 'Progress Chic' that references tried and true elements of life and design and then re-imagines them for the present. ChefSteps is a perfect example of this. Where molecular gastronomy offers many Progress Chic moments for food and restaurants broadly, ChefSteps does this for recipe instructions, cooking classes, and videos through it's almost poetic presentation methods.

So throw on your apron or labcoat (both would be appropriate) and get started on the essentials of spherification, sous vide, and whipping siphons!

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SeanChron | App Review | Strata

Weaving is a technology that crosses the ages. From ancient Celtic textiles found in Austria to futuristic techno fabrics and modern basketry that ranges from traditional designs and forms to abstract works of contemporary art, weaving will undoubtedly be around for centuries to come.

Now everyone can try their hand at weaving with a new iOS game app (web preview here) that offers budding digital artisans, from beginners to master weavers, the ability to weave their own little digital works of art. Without question, Strata by Graveck is a perfect puzzle game for the science, design, and culture geek (like me) because it offers a challenging task for the brain, beautiful graphics for the eye, and soothing soundtrack for the ears. Confession...sometimes I play just to hear the soundtrack which is comprised of short - but responsive - motivating violin and piano melodies.

Demos at the opening of the game describe the rules and tasks of the game and after a few tries, the game, the weaving technique, and the sublime yet triumphant soundtrack all conspire to make it - like any game - quite addictive. Non-weavers will certainly enjoy it but weavers will find it especially fun and challenging since there aren't many opportunities (yet) to weave digitally.

Click on the image below to go tot he Strata app on iTunes:

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ModerniTea | Eclecitc by Tom Dixon

Tea is timeless. People around the world have enjoyed the aromatic, delicious, and soothing beverage for centuries. Here at Future-ish, we love it when ancient traditions evolve and flourish in our modern times. So, finding people, products, and ideas around contemporary tea culture is one of our favorite pastimes.

Our latest find is the Eclectic tea set from the Form line of London-based designer, Tom Dixon. Slightly retro but thoroughly forward thinking, the set elevates the tea time experience to an inspiring new level.

Modern Quilt Guild

Beware design geeks! We just stumbled upon Modern Quilt Guild and we already want every quilt we see on the sight. We just love - LOVE - when a skill like quilting that has such a rich tradition and past, comes crashing through into modern times and demands our attention. The members of MQG and its various local chapters are doing just that. Stitch on!

HexWatch | Hot Mesh Chair

We're suckers for new chair designs so when we ran across the Hot Mesh Chair on Bludot.com, we sat up straight all smiles. And then we saw the hexagons. WE HEART HEXAGONS! Best of all, these little gems can be used indoors and outdoors.

Geometric Trays

Our hexagon crush continues with the Kaleido Trays by Swedish designer Clara von Zweigbergk available at A+R. You can mix and match the geometric shapes to fit your organizational or presentation needs, all with a bit of science and graphic design edge.

Quantum Console

The Molecule Console Table from Casamidi is far more than a mere table...it is both an art object and functional sculpture that lets onlookers peer into the very building blocks of the universe. The designers, Ann-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada, were inspired by a German model of a molecule and like many other pieces in their diverse collection, the final design is quite stunning.

Wood Blocks for Grown Ups

A new lamp collection by New York interior designer Kimille Taylor re-imagines classic wood block toys to create modern lamps with bold graphic lines.

Perfect From Any Angle

Want to make your next dinner party more multifaceted? Look no further than this Kate Spade New York four-piece dinnerware setting. Each piece has a distinct facet pattern but when placed together they offer an elegant and modern backdrop for your gastronomic masterpieces.

Reclaimed Rope Mats

A confluence of creativity, tradition, and innovation is the only way to describe the reclaimed marine rope floor mats and keychains designed by New York-based Sophie Aschauer. The mat above, Morgan, is just one example of the many designs and color families available at her website, serpentsea.com.