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Monday, July 25, 2011

Of a Kind Inspiration


One of my favorite websites to find creative inspiration and beautiful goodies is Of a Kind. While the short-run products tend to be a bit over my price range, they're really not terribly expensive, and the purchases are so intimate that one will probably keep them around for quite a while.

The way it works is that Of a Kind pairs with different featured designers to offer a limited number of one of their creations solely for the website. Along with this item, the creator offers a story line, advice, or a "how it was made." Below are some of the most recent creations that I'm digging:




CELIA BAG by RACHEL NASVIK, $184 - The designer's featured background includes the making of the bag as well as her bag highlights throughout the years.




ORION TUNIC by ANN YEE, $325 (eek, ok ... but there were only 10 made!) - The designer's featured background includes what she learned from her mom, who owns and runs two Chinese restaurants, and how to dress like Yee.




MISFIRE RING by TOMTOM, $130 - This designer's background includes her specialty pasta sauce, the technology behind creating the ring, and a blast-from-her-past feature of buildings to check out (she used to work at an architecture firm).

And of course, for the boys:




BRUISER BOW TIE by FORAGE, $78 (but sold out) - Background includes the duo's origins, work space, and bow-tie icons.

I would love to use this concept for a similar one with an international development and nonprofit/socially conscious business bent. Maybe get artisans in a certain area of the world to create something and market it similarly, or profile goods such as the Falling Whistles necklace embellished by the artist of their choice. Any way you take this inspiration, it could definitely be a fun and rewarding concept for more than just local artists and makers (which gets props in its own right). I especially like the way it highlights the maker as much as the project.

The next edition of Of a Kind will be revealed in 1 day and 19 hours, so get ready!

Happy Monday, all :)

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