Coming Soon by Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto will launch Coming Soon, a new super casual collection comprised of clothing and accessories aimed at both men and women in the younger consumer demographic. Having signed a 10-year licensing deal with Sinv S.p.A. to manufacture and market the line worldwide through its own showrooms and distribution network, the pieces will forego Yamamoto's signature label. According to the Japanese design icon, the idea is to create one's own stylistic message through the benefit of anonymity. 
Coming Soon will hit stores starting in July. According to Yamamoto chief executive officer Keizo Tamoto, 10-year projected sales figures are expected to be more than 200 million Euros, or close to $300 million with distribution divided between Europe (60%), Asia (30%), and the U.S. (10%). www.coming-soon.com

Colorama by Pierre Hardy

Pierre Hardy presents a set of new futuristic sneakers. Entitled Colorama, the hi-top sneakers come with an multicolor design. They are available now at the Pierre Hardy store in Paris, Dover Street Market in London, Isetan in Tokyo and Barneys New York. Via Hintmag.

High Fashion Protection

We are in a state of perpetual war – with ourselves and with the eco-system that sustains us. Perpetual war breeds perpetual fear. In the present context, this fear stems from our extreme desire for authenticity and manifests itself in our collectively insatiable culture of consumption. Deep down, we are afraid we may never be satisfied. An expanding archive of branded myths and icons feeds this fear. Designer Gas Masks is an attempt to visualize this state of mind. Because it is only by first acknowledging and then challenging fear that we will all be able to breathe a little easier.

Download your Kelly!

Stop fantasizing about owning the much-worshiped Hermes Kelly bag and get one of your own! This is even better than buying it from the boutique because you actually get to customize it by choosing the pattern.

While it’s probably not exactly what you had in mind when dreaming of the status bag, this DIY tote is still officially branded by Hermes!

The print-out bags can be cut out and designed to match any outfit you have… although I don’t suggest putting anything heavier than a cheque inside. I’d also avoid any time of adverse weather, that includes mild winds and any type of rain… or humidity for that matter.

Very cool that they’re embracing the DIY movement, but I’m actually surprised they aren’t offering a contest in conjunction.

That would be a really great way to engage with the brand! If Hermes offered me the chance to win a Kelly or have my design go into production, you bet I’d be busy designing for Hermes all weekend!

The CouchSurfing Project

The CouchSurfing Project is a free international Internet-based hospitality service, and currently the largest hospitality exchange network. As of April 2008, it had more than 500,000 members in 226 countries and territories. From various indicators it can be estimated that many members were actively using the website, with 40 percent offering their couches to host travelers (with another 22 percent saying "maybe" and others who are traveling at the moment). Members use the website, initially designed by founder Casey Fenton, to coordinate accommodations. It features extensive profiles, and uses an optional credit card verification system, a personal vouching system, and personal references to increase security and trust. There are many other features on the site, such as interest discussion groups, meeting functionality, live chat and more.

Flat Shoe

The EIN/TRITT shoe concepts shows how modern technology can take shoe manufacturing to the next paradigm. Flat Shoe patterns with reinforced parts get folded and fixed by the consumer. Production and shipping costs are significantly reduced. From an aesthetic point of view, it has a very geometric and architectural form that’ll definitely grab you some attention.

After Party Shoes

If you’re thinking of going out "dancing all night" (and who isn’t, as the party season approaches?). Then don’t be scared about wearing your sexiest high heels on the town, because a clever company has come up with an idea that’ll save all of our soles at the end of the night.

After Party Shoes are a stylish new concept in footwear:  flat ballerina pumps with a revolutionary split sole design. Designed to fold neatly in-half and fit into a small pouch – they’ll fit snugly into most handbags.

With more than 20 different designs and styles all at £25, After Party Shoes will offer instant relief from the pain of killer heels whether you are working, shopping or partying.