Rare chess sets arrive in New York
Alexander Gelman, a New York media artist currently based in Tokyo, designed limited edition chess sets based on different philosophies of fine Japanese arts and crafts made out of lacquer, silver plating and gold leaf.
While working and traveling in Japan, Gelman became fascinated by the greatly respected Japanese traditions of legendary sword making culture and art.
Traditional Japanese sword craft can be traced back to five provinces where each had its own school, traditions and “trademarks”.
Gelman spent time learning about the detailed crafts, which later gave birth to the idea of bringing the sensibility of Japanese crafts to major metropolises. He decided to collaborate with traditional Japanese craftsman in order to design chess sets that would be relevant to the ancient tradition and represent the substance of Samurai culture in Japan.
Limited versions of the handcrafted chess sets, which take 10 months to create each, have been gaining interest among fans and collectors alike.
The chess sets are on display at the Fellissimo Design House in Manhattan, and will be available on request only at a price ranging from 80,000 to $123,600 USD.
Gelman also created a one-of-kind, custom, lacquer bicycle, which will also be on display at Felissimo in NYC.
MALE GIFT OPTION #2: Diptyque
With the economy out of whack, gift giving this holiday season should focus on giving the gift of exclusivity and items that are special. Diptyque’s Holiday 2009 Benjoin candle is the perfect gift for the guy who takes pride in all aspects of his environment. This “mandle” is encased by purple glass adorned with Wycinanki paper cut decoration, a Polish folk art passed down for generations by shepherds. If you love a great balsamic-resinous note of benzoin, this might be your moment. ($68.00, Available at Diptyque 377 Bleeker; NYC. T: 212.242.2333)—J. Dwayne Joseph
Holiday Soiree.
MALE GIFT OPTION #1: 55DSL
No more do you have to be held hostage to the nostalgia (read: Ridiculousness) of donning that cheesy “Christmas sweater” to celebrate good tidings and cheer. Just in time for your holiday party circuit, 55DSL has released a capsule of holiday tees that are the perfect marriage of function and art. Opt for the abstract snowflake tee (pictured above), the traditional Christmas tree tee or the reindeer with antlers adorned with lights tee (pictured after the break). Tis the season to be giving (to yourself)! THE VERDICT: let the moths handle that old sweater, and slip into one or all of these tees. 55DSL 281 Lafayette St., NYC 10012. T: 212.226.5055—J.Dwayne Joseph Read more
STYLE SPRING PREVIEW: DISTRESSED
Photographer: Romer Pedron Stylist: J. Dwayne Joseph Hair/Makeup: Caitlin Wooters Model: Tehila Rich (ONE MGMT/IMG Paris) Photo Assistant: Jasmine Rezk Stylist Assistant: Nicole Roach
