MYVATN, Iceland (AP) - The people of northern Iceland have had their travel plans disrupted with a record high snowfall this December. Roads have been shut, flights cancelled and school suspended. But for the children of this isolated North Atlantic island nation, the main worry is how the waist-high snow ...

The OG smart running sneaker from 1986 is getting an upgrade. Puma this week announced the reissuing of its RS-Computer shoe. Considered “extremely advanced” for its time, the footwear featured a computer chip […] The post Puma’s Modernized RS-Computer Shoe Proves Chunky Heels Are In appeared first on Geek.com.

What: Fine Asian Works of ArtWhere: Clearmont Auctions, PO Box 40403, Brooklyn, NY 11204, United StatesWhen: Dec 15, 2:00 PM GMTTop Lots of the Sale:- «Chinese Gold Figure of Avalokitesvara» - Approximately 70% gold content. Measured at Dimension:  8.5x3.7 inches (21.5x9.5 cm) Weight: 582g. Estimated Price: $28,000 - $33,000- «Chinese 5 Tianhuang Soapstone Seals» - Measured at Height: 1.5 inches - 2.4 inches (3.9cm - 6.1cm) Width: 1.5 inches -1.8 inches (3.9cm-4.5cm); Thickness: 1.5cm-1.9cm Weight: 315.6g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Altar Set, Set Of 5» - Measured at Height: 6.1 - 6.9 inches (15.5cm-17.5cm) Width: 3.3-6.5 inches (8.5cm-16.6cm) Thickness: 3.3 -4.4 inches (8.5cm-11.3cm) Weight: 5924.8g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Buddhist Stupa» - Measured at Height: 19.3 inches (49cm) Weight:  4519.5g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Dragon Vase» - Measured at Height: 31.7 inches (80.5cm) Width: 13 inches (33cm) Thickness: 11 inches (28cm.) Weight: 20400g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Elephants», (Pair) - Measured at Height: 20.5 inches (52cm) Width: 13.8 inches (35cm) Thickness: 8.3 inches (21cm) Weight: 33000g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Gilt Bronze Figure of Guanyin» - Measured at Height: 35.4 inches (90cm) Width: 21.3 inches (54cm) Thickness: 7.5 inches (19cm) Weight: 17700g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Cloisonne Tripod Elephant Censer» - Measured at Height: 29.5 inches (75cm) Width: 20.9 inches (53cm) Thickness: 11.8 inches (30cm) Weight: 19200g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Gilt Bronze Figure of Buddha on Beast» - Measured at Height: 17.3 inches (44cm) Width: 11.8 inches (30cm) Thickness: 1.3 inches (3.3cm) Weight: 5300g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Gilt Bronze Figure of Guanyin» - Measured at Height: 18.1 inches (46cm) Weight:  14300g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese Gilt Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni» - Measured at Height: 20.1 inches (51cm) Weight:  20000g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese White Jade Brush Washer» - Measured at Height: 2.5 inches (6.3cm) Width: 6.3 inches (15.9cm) Thickness: 4.8 inches (12.2cm) Weight: 527g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese White Jade Carved Bowls», (Pair) - Measured at Bowl diameter: 4.1 inches (10.3cm) Height: 1.7 inches (4.2cm) Weight: 273.6g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese White Jade Table Screen», (Pair) - Measured at Total height: 12.9 inches (32.7cm) Diameter: 7.2 inches (18.4cm) Thickness: 0.4 inches (1.1cm) Weight: 1728.2g. Estimated Price: $10,000 - $14,000- «Chinese White Jade Cover Vase» - Measured at Height: 7.3 inches (18.5cm) Width:  inches (8.9cm) Thickness: 2.5 inches (6.3cm) Weight: 516.2g. Estimated Price: $9,000 - $11,000For details, visit: https://www.liveauctioneers.comClick on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.https://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin 

What: Antiques, Modern and Contemporary ArtWhere: Pananti Casa D'Aste SRL, Via May 28, Florence, 50125, ItalyWhen: Dec 15, 2:00 PM GMTPublic Viewing: December 7th to December 14Top Lots of the Sale:- «Vocation of Peter and Andrew», Anonymous XVI century - Tempera on board, the work is the only evidence that integrally reproduces the left lunettone frescoed by Masolino in the Brancacci Chapel (1424) and was completely destroyed as a result of renovations carried out between 1746 and 1748 (and a fire that broke out in 1781 ). Measured at 70x100 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 34,000 - 56,650- «Portrait of a Woman» - Vittorio Corcos (1859-1933); Oil on canvas, Signature at the top left. On the reverse: Blanchet stamp 38 Rue Bonaparte Paris. Measured at 186x89.5 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 34,000 - 56,650- «Small Blue», 2009 - Ettore Spalletti (1940); Color mixture on table, On the verso: signature, date and title. Certificate of authenticity with Author's signature. Measured at 50x50x4 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 36,250 - 39,650- «Untitled», 1990 - Mimmo Paladino (1948); Mixed technique and polymaterial collage on canvas, On the verso signature, date and portion of the label Gian Enzo Sperone. Authentica of the author on photo, n. arch. MPP90035. Measured at 58x45x15 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 28,350 - 39,650- «Untitled» - Alighiero Boetti (1940-1994); Spray paint, collage and mixed media on intelated paper, Authentic Archive of Alighiero Boetti n. arch. 89 / C / 15 with stamp and signature of the Author. Measured at 100x70 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 28,350 - 34,000- «Historical Subject» - Cristiano Banti (1824-1904); Oil on canvas, On the verso: label of the exhibition «Cristiano Banti, a Macchiaiolo in his time», «Toskanische Impressionen & “Der Beitrag der Macchiaioli zum europaischen»; label with indicated origin Collection Prof. Carnielo. Measured at 26.5x34 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 28,350 - 34,000- «Sad Woman», 1956 - Felice Casorati (1887-1963); Tempera on intelated paper, Signature at the bottom right. Measured at 60x45 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 26,050 - 39,650- «Ezekiel», 2003 - Enzo Cucchi (1950); Oil on canvas, on the verso: signature, date and title; labels Galerie Bruno Bischofberger, Zurig; Rizziero Arte, Pescara. Measured at 19.5x39.5 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 22,650 - 34,000- «Study of Urban Architectures» - Mario Sironi (1885-1961); Charcoal and pencil on cardboard, On the verso: declaration of authenticity by Matilde Sironi. Measured at 39x56.7 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 22,650 - 34,000- «Untitled», 1992 - Nunzio (Di Stefano) (1954); Patinated bronze, Signature at the base: «Nuncio 1/3». Authentica of the author on photo. Measured at 73x47x10 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 22,650 - 28,350For details, visit: https://www.liveauctioneers.comClick on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.https://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin 

What: Paintings, Furniture, Decorative Arts & RugsWhere: Alex Cooper, 908 York Road, Towson, MD 21204, United StatesWhen: Dec 15, 3:00 PM GMTPublic Viewing: Tue, Dec 11th - Fri, Dec 14th, 10AM to 4PMTop Lots of the Sale:- «Russian Cossak», 1906 - Boris Kustodiev (Russian, 1878-1927); watercolor on paper, signed in Cyrillic, framed. Measured at sight size: 21 x 14 1/2 in. Estimated Price: $35,000 - $55,000- «Sunday in the Park», c. 1910-13 - Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924); oil on panel, signed «Prendergast» lr, framed. Measured at 11.6 x 16.1 in. Estimated Price: $30,000 - $40,000- «Winter Landscape» - Julius Yulevich Von Klever. (Estonian, 1850-1924); Oil on canvas, signed in Cyrillic ll, name plate affixed to frame. Measured at sight size: 33 1/2 x 42 1/2 in. Estimated Price: $15,000 - $25,000- «Reconnaissance Party» - Arkadii Soloviev (Latvian, born 1895); Oil on panel, signed in Cyrillic, lr, engraved plate affixed, lc, framed. Measured at sight size: 20 1/2 x 33 3/4 in. Estimated Price: $15,000 - $20,000- «Zaporozhtsy Reply to the Sultan» - By Ilya Repin (Ukraine, 1844-1930); oil on canvas, framed. Measured at sight size: 30 1/2 x 51 in. Estimated Price: $15,000 - $20,000- «Dacha in Snow» - Russian 20th Century; Oil on canvas, inscribed in Cyrillic, «For Ambassador and Madam Davies,» ll, framed. Measured at sight size: 36 1/2 x 44 1/2 in. Estimated Price: $15,000 - $20,000- «Frosty Morning» - Lednev-Shukin (Russian, 1874-1961); Oil on board, signed in Cyrillic,ll, further signed and titled on verso. Measured at sight size: 12 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. Estimated Price: $12,000 - $16,000- «Rare monumental Chinese Export punch bowl», circa 1840 - Large and imposing bowl with alternating Famille Rose and Black Butterfly medallions on interior and exterior. Measured at Diam. 9 1/2 in. H., 23 in. Estimated Price: $11,000 - $12,000- «Majesty», c. 1890 - Robert Gambier Bolton (British, 1854-1929); mural-size carbon print, titled in the negative ll and credited «Gambier Bolton F.R.G.S» in the negative lr, framed. Measured at sight size: 29 1/2 x 39 1/2 in. Estimated Price: $8,000 - $12,000- «Hidden Yellow» - Sam Gilliam (American, b. 1933); Oil, wood piece, thick polyurethane on stacked wood panel, artist and title label on verso, unframed. Measured at 23 1/8 x 15 7/8 in. Estimated Price: $8,000 - $10,000- «Herend porcelain Queen Victoria dinner service» - 104 pieces, all pieces were purchased in Hungary by consignor. Estimated Price: $8,000 - $10,000- «Pair Chinese Export blue and white vases» - Kang Xi, circa 1700; magnificent vases with meandering images of court and garden with emperor, empress, eunuchs and sages. Measured at Height 18 in. Estimated Price: $8,000 - $9,000For details, visit: https://www.liveauctioneers.comClick on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.https://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin 

What: Asian Works of ArtWhere: Wichita Auctioneers, 7514 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228, United StatesWhen: Dec 15, 3:00 PM GMTTop Lots of the Sale:- «A Set of Night Buddha's Thangkas”, Qing Dynasty - The set of thangka is decorated with seated buddha surrounded by many holy figures. Measured at 85 cm x 59 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 100,000 - US$ 150,000- »A Jadeite Carving of Guanyin« - The carving is of a jade guanyin seated on a blooming tree with numerous lotus. Measured at H 38 cm x 40 cm x 14 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 60,000 - US$ 80,000- »A Large Gilt-Bronze Figure of Tara«, 16th Century - The bronze figure is seated on a double lotus base with hands in a prayer position and wearing elegant attire. Measured at H 75 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 50,000 - US$ 60,000- »A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Sakyamuni«, Ming Dynasty - The carving is standing bronze figure wearing traditional attire and holding a small vase. Measured at H 65 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 40,000 - US$ 50,000- »A Jadeite Carving of Peach's Tree« - The carving is three peach trees on a wooden trees. Measured at H 60 cm x 31 cm x 9 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 30,000 - US$ 40,000- »A Large Gilt-Bronze Figure of Maitreya«, 16th Century - The gilt bronze figure is maitreya shaped, the exterior is decorated with gems, imperial, and deity-like designs surrounding the maitreya; the bottom has an imperial marking. Measured at H 90 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 30,000 - US$ 40,000- »A Large Blue and White Dragon Vase«, Xuande Period - The vase is pear shaped, the exterior is decorated with dragons and ruyi clouds surrounded by imperial designs, and Chinese characters on the top handle. Measured at H 44 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 20,000 - US$ 30,000- »A Large Blue and White Vase«, Qianlong Period - The vase is tall cylinder-shaped and exterior is decorated with numerous flower designs. Measured at H 55 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 15,000 - US$ 25,000- »A Fine Carved Bamboo Figure and Landscape« - The brushpot is wide cylinder shaped, the exterior is decorated with imperial, naturalistic and village-like designs. Measured at H 16.2 cm Diam. 14.5 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 15,000 - US$ 20,000- »A Large Blue and Censer and Cover" - Xuande Period; The censer and cover is concave shaped, the exterior is decorated with imperial and naturalistic designs, and the middle has Chinese characters. Measured at H 43 cm. Estimated Price: US$ 15,000 - US$ 20,000For details, visit: https://www.liveauctioneers.comClick on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.https://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin 

What: Certified Fine Jewelry & WatchWhere: Prestige Auction Galleries, 21781 Ventura Blvd STE 545. Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1835, USAWhen: December 13, 06.00 pm GMTTop lots of the sale:- 18k White Gold 12.60ct Diamond Necklace. Retail: $120,500.00. 18k White Gold 12.60ct Diamond Necklace. Metal: 18k Solid White Gold / Size: 16.5 / Total Item Weight: 29.8 grams / Country Made: United States / Main Stone: Diamond / Color: White / Carat Total Weight: 12.60 / Treatment: None / Color Grade: F - G / Clarity: VS2 - SI1 / Cut: Very Good / Ref: APG-N-1763. Estimate: $59,045 - $120,500- 18K White Gold, 21.00cts Tourmaline, 8.40cts Diamond. Retail: $107,922.00. 18K White Gold, 21.00cts Tourmaline, 8.40cts Diamond Necklace, Metal: 18K White Gold/ Total Wt.: 26g/ Country Made USA// Main Stone: Tourmaline/ Adjacent Stone: Diamond/ Main Carat Wt.: 21.00/ Adjacent Carat: 8.40cts./Main Stone Treatment:  None/ Adjacent Stone Treatment: None/Main Color: Green/ Adjacent Color Grade: F-G/ Adjacent Clarity Grade: SI1-SI2/Main Cut: Modified Brilliant Cut Crown Step Cut Pavillion/ Adjacent Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut/ Ref: LAK-N-9058. Estimate: $75,545 - $107,922- 14K Yellow/Rose Gold, 17.10 Morganite, 12.00cts Diamond. Retail: $98,635.00. 14K Yellow/Rose Gold, 17.10 Morganite, 12.00cts Diamond Necklace. Metal: 14K Yellow/Rose Gold/ Country Made USA// Main Stone: Morganite/ Adjacent Stone: Diamond/ Main Carat Wt.: 17.10cts/ Adjacent Carat: 12.00cts./Main Stone Treatment:  None/ Adjacent Stone Treatment: None/Main Color: Orangy Pink/ Adjacent Color Grade: G-H/ Adjacent Clarity Grade: SI1-SI2/Main Cut: Modified Brilliant Cut/ Adjacent Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut/ Ref: LAK-N-9068. Estimate: $69,045 - $98,635- Retail: $89,766.00. 18K Yellow Gold, 14.55cts Tourmaline, 9.89cts Diamond Necklace. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold/ Total Wt.: 24.44g/ Country Made USA// Main Stone: Tourmaline/ Adjacent Stone: Diamond/ Main Carat Wt.: 14.55cts/ Adjacent Carat: 9.89cts./Main Stone Treatment:  None/ Adjacent Stone Treatment: None/Main Color: Pink/ Adjacent Color Grade: F-G/ Adjacent Clarity Grade: VS2-SI2/Main Cut: Oval Brilliant Cut Crown Modified Brilliant Cut Pavillion/ Adjacent Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut/ Ref: LAK-N-9062. Estimate: $62,837 - $89,766- Retail: $88,975. 14K White Gold,23.00cts Sapphire & 14.89cts.Diamond Bracelet. Metal: 14K White Gold/ Total Wt.: 29.0g/ Country Made USA/ Main Stone: Sapphire/ Adjacent Stone: Diamond/ Main Carat Wt.: 23.00cts/ Adjacent Carat: 14.89cts/Main Stone Treatment:  Diffusion/ Adjacent Stone Treatment: None/Main Color: Blue/ Adjacent Color Grade:G-H/ Adjacent Clarity Grade: SI1-SI3/ Main Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut Crown Step Cut Pavillion/ Adjacent Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut/ Ref: LAK-ER-9056. Estimate: $62,283 - $88,975- Rolex SkyDweller 42mm 18K Rose Gold Mens Wristwatch. One Mens, Rolex SkyDweller 42mm 18K Rose Gold Wristwatch electronically tested and polished / Case: 18K Solid Rose Gold, 42mm / Dial: Silver / Bezel: 18K Rose Gold / Bracelet: 18K Solid Rose Gold. Standard clasp, with logo / Condition: New with papers & box / Ref: ROX-DT-0070. Estimate: $58,660 - $83,800- Retail: $82,600.00, 18k Gold 21ct Tanzanite 6ct Diamond Necklace. Metal: 18k Solid White Gold / Size: 16.5 / Total Item Weight: 27.0 grams / Country Made: United States /  / Main Stone: Tanzanite / Color: Purple / Carat Total Weight: 21.00 / Treatment: None / Clarity: Type 2 / Cut: Very Good /  / Secondary Stone: Diamond / Carat Total Weight: 6.00 / Treatment: None / Color Grade: H - I / Clarity: SI1 - SI2 / Cut: Very Good / Ref: GEW-N-7290. Estimate: $40,474 - $82,700For details, visit: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/Click on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.http://www.blouinartinfo.com/Founder: Louise Blouin 

Wielding sharp knives and what looked like garden shears, two Russian spacewalkers this week examined a mysterious hole in a Soyuz craft, docked on the International Space Station. Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Sergey […] The post Can 8-Hour Forensic Spacewalk Solve Galactic Whodunit? appeared first on Geek.com.

Chateaux Mouton Rothschild recently announced a new collaboration with the Palace of Versailles, raising funds for the restoration of Versailles. They will offer for sale 75 specially designed limited-edition cases featuring five Chateau Mouton Rothschild vintages with labels by five well-known Contemporary artists.Chateau Mouton Rothschild also announced that Sotheby’s will auction 75 limited-edition Versailles celebration cases featuring five Chateau Mouton Rothschild vintages. These beautifully crafted collectors’ cases honor and celebrate the Palace of Versailles and Chateau Mouton Rothschild’s rich artistic and cultural history. The proceeds will be donated in full to help fund restoration projects at the Palace of Versailles, as per the official release.   Each case, designed to reflect features from both great institutions, presents five Chateau Mouton Rothschild vintages with labels by outstanding Contemporary artists, who have also exhibited at the Palace of Versailles:Giuseppe Penone (Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2005; Palace of Versailles, 2013); Bernar Venet (Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2007; Palace of Versailles, 2011); Anish Kapoor (Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2009; Palace of Versailles, 2015); Jeff Koons (Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2010; Palace of Versailles, 2008-9); Lee Ufan (Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2013; Palace of Versailles, 2014)According to the release, the cases will be offered across a trio of international auctions at Sotheby’s throughout spring 2019, beginning in Hong Kong on April 1, followed by London on April 17, and concluding in New York on May 4.Successful bidders will also receive an invitation for them and a guest to attend a private visit and tasting at Chateau Mouton Rothschild, as well as for an exclusive event, the Versailles Celebration Gala Dinner at the Palace of Versailles on September 21, 2019, during which historic ex-cellar vintages of Chateau Mouton Rothschild will be served. The evening combines the world of art and the art of living symbolic of the two organizations, and presents connoisseurs with a one-time opportunity to be part of a unique artistic partnership, while supporting the future of the Palace of Versailles.“Art has always been central to the history of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s family, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild has a long-standing and close link with leading Contemporary artists. Every year since 1945, a great artist has illustrated the label of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, bringing together the most famous names in Contemporary art,” the release states.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the cases.  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

Tommy Hilfiger, recently announced that actress Zendaya, who recently starred in the blockbusters “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman,” will be the new global Tommy Hilfiger women’s ambassador and will appear in the brand’s global integrated campaign beginning in spring 2019.Zendaya will collaborate with the American designer to create a Tommy X Zendaya capsule collection that will bring her unique and confident sense of style to fans around the world, as per the Business Wire release.According to the release, the partnership celebrates Tommy Hilfiger’s continued vision to collaborate with icons who share the brand’s spirit and values of breaking conventions and celebrating diversity. “I love to collaborate with people who are passionate about making their dreams a reality and who inspire the next generation to do the same,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Zendaya has become a global icon, using fashion to make bold statements while always staying true to herself. Our capsule collection will fuse her eclectic style with the Americana spirit of our brand.”“Fashion is more than just wearing cool clothes,” said Zendaya. “It’s a way to celebrate self-expression and individuality, which is extremely empowering. This is why I am proud to partner with Tommy Hilfiger.”“The brand heritage of Tommy Hilfiger is closely linked to collaborating with pop culture icons from the worlds of fashion, music, art, and entertainment. In the ‘90s, Tommy Hilfiger was one of the first designers to blend fashion and celebrity. He became a pioneer in the industry by dressing young artists such as Aaliyah, Mark Ronson, and Usher, and featuring musicians such as David Bowie and Beyonce in his advertising campaigns. “More recently, he collaborated with international supermodel Gigi Hadid, designing four capsule collections, and he has been partnering with four-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, for a Fall 2018 TommyXLewis collaborative collection,” states the release.According to the release, with a brand portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger and Tommy Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger is one of the world’s most recognized premium designer lifestyle groups. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality men’s tailored clothing and sportswear, women’s apparel and sportswear, kidswear, denim collections, underwear (including robes, sleepwear, and loungewear), footwear and accessories.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the collection   https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - More than 1,000 people across New Zealand have turned out for candlelight vigils held to commemorate British tourist Grace Millane, who police say was murdered earlier this month. The 22-year-old backpacker's death has struck a deep chord in a country where many young people take ...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A small town in southeast Alaska is planning to construct a new pier, aiming to boost tourism by allowing access for more cruise ships. KTVA-TV reports the city of Hoonah on Chichagof Island is partnering with Huna Totem Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to build ...

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) - Before descending the Cascade Mountains on its final stretch to Seattle, Interstate 90 cuts through a mountain pass of old growth forests and wetlands. For countless wildlife species, the busy highway is a border, constraining their movements and posing a fatal risk should they dare ...

With a focus on creating Swiss made watches as part of its “Accessible Luxury” motto, Frederique Constant has been releasing new models this year. The company based in Geneva, Switzerland, recently announced several new offerings that refresh its bestselling Classics Index collection of watches.Among the new timepieces is the Classics Index Automatic watch, which comes with either a grey or navy blue dial. On the dial is a Guilloche pattern, which provides an embellished look to the timepiece. The 40 mm diameter case is offered in polished stainless steel case or with a rose gold finish. The watch is fitted with the FC-303 automatic movement, which provides a power reserve of 38-hours. It is ideally suited for use throughout the day, as it has a 5 ATM rating which makes it water resistant.A date window is positioned at 3 o’clock and the steel Classics Index Automatic watch is paired with a bracelet created from the same material, while the Rose gold-plated versions have a calf leather strap in brown or navy blue.The Classics Index Automatic Heart Beat also has a 40 mm diameter case and features a FC-310 caliber automatic movement with a power reserve of 38-hours. Offered in polished stainless steel or with rose gold plating, the watch comes with a “heart beat” opening positioned at 12 o’clock. The dial is silver colored and features a sunray styled Guilloche pattern. The rose gold plating applied on the Roman numeral indexes and the hands provide a striking contrast to the dial.Click on the slideshow to check the timepieces.http://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin

This year’s Design Miami 2018 Curio program featured eleven new presentations that tipped hat to time-honored and traditional design methodologies, tools, and materials. The installations explored historical materials and techniques from Argentina, Korea, Transylvania, and more.The Color and the Shape by Calico Wallpaper and Philippe MalouinFor “The Color and the Shape,” Philippe Malouin took inspiration from Henri Matisse’s cutouts and the technique he described as “carving into color.” Malouin used colorful hand-cut forms in eclectic, textured, and oversized materials to transform an expanse of wall space into an interactive surface for collage.Breaking the Mold: Contemporary Korean CeramicsJ. Lohmann Gallery presented the ceramic works of five emerging designers from South Korea working with clay: Sangwoo Kim, Ahryun Lee, Nin Lee, Jongjin Park, and Bae Sejin. The exhibition underscored each designer’s inimitable ornamental language, blending seamlessly centuries-old traditions of Korean ceramics with contemporary colors, expressiveness, and versatility.Kurimanzutto’s “seilla de mexico” by Oscar HagermanOscar Hagerman works in artisan workshops throughout rural Mexico and participates actively with these communities to conserve their ancestral design knowledge. For Curio presentation, the architect and designer brought a selection of chairs based on his classic Arrullo chair from 1969.Cristian Mohaded’s Entrevero CollectionArgentine designer and artist Cristian Mohaded’s Entrevero furniture collection crosses the boundaries between design and art with its axis in the transformation and manipulation of materials through artisanal and industrial techniques from Argentina, as per the press release.The Masters Editions by Giancarlo Valle and Mauro MoriLes Ateliers Courbet presented Giancarlo Valle’s Smile chair and Smile bench, which he developed with revered French upholsterers Domeau & Peres in Paris. Also featured were Mauro Mori’s hand-carved wood and cast bronze consoles, which epitomizes his talent for expressing a contemporary vision using traditional and painstaking sculpture techniques, according to the press release.Harry Nuriev’s The OfficeHarry Nuriev was earlier a clerk in a small Russian bureau. The designer draws comical and sentimental inspiration from his early professional life to subvert and modernize our expectations of the windowless office using the standard props — a chair, desk, single hanger, printer, and wallpaper.SEMANTICS OF THE VOIDS by Roland Gebhardt  New York-based Roland Gebhardt is known for furniture that is sculptural, functional, and minimal in its design vocabulary. The artist’s study of the void informs much of his practice.Malcolm James Kutner’s “re:construction”Malcolm James Kutner brought to the fair a transhistorical selection of works from postwar France to the present-day United States in “re:construction.” The display included French Reconstruction furniture by Rene Gabriel, Marcel Gascoin, and Gustave Gautier alongside 2018 ceramic tables Gerard Simoen. Also featured were textiles by Bo Joseph and Laura Kaufman, mirrors by Maureen Fullam and Radisay/Szarek, and a site-specific intervention by Aleksandar Duravcevic.Martina Simeti’s The Corner Piece N° 2The Corner Piece N° 2 curated by Ligia Dias brought together conceptual and craft practices — a series of colorful concrete stools by Max Bill, a tiny and precious everyday tool by Valentin Carron, Johanna Dahm’s destructive take on a Swiss icon, enhanced versions of ordinary objects by Ligia Dias, a playful fork by Bruno Munari, a sugar cube as adornment by Meret Oppenheim, and silver hangers by Bernhard Schobinger.Liabilities’ by Nadja ZerunianNadja Zerunian creates forms out of copper and gold and places them in conversation with one another. “Liabilities” portrayed one hundred scenarios, exploring human interactions, attachments, and bonds. The series of objects were produced with traditional Transylvanian Roma artisans who use archaic methods and tools to this day.Walt Disney Studio Designs by Kem WeberPeter Blake Gallery presented historic designs created by Kem Weber for the Walt Disney Studio animation offices in Burbank, California. One of the highlights was the rare and iconic Airline armchair. As per the press release, the chair is the realization of Weber’s career-long goal to achieve a wholly American form of modern design and was named with a nod to the technological triumph of the day: commercial aviation.Design Miami’s Curio program, which originated in 2014, has been the stage for launching experimental and innovative new projects, including MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab and Tom Sachs’s first international furniture pieces, both presented at Design Miami/ 2017. In 2016, Virgil Abloh presented the Curio A Series of Off-White™, a special furniture commission by the designer.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the installations.  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

Zaha Hadid Architects and A_Lab will be designing the Fornebubanen and Fornebu Senter Stations. The two firms won the architectural competition to build two of the six stations planned for the new Fornebubanen metro line in Oslo.Oslo is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, surrounded by forests and mountains to the north, east, and west, and by the Oslofjord to the south. One of Oslo’s largest infrastructure projects, the proposed 8km Fornebubanen metro line will connect Majorstuen interchange station in Oslo’s city center to Fornebu Senter on the peninsula. The new Fornebu urban centre is being created on the site of a decommissioned airport, providing 6,000 homes.The Fornebu Senter station design is inspired by Norway’s mountainous landscapes and fjords that have been eroded over the ages. The theme of glacial landscapes continues in the design of public plazas at street level that become meeting places for the new community with a distinct architectural identity.Gianluca Racana, director of ZHA, said: “It is an honor to be selected by the jury to build two stations in this design competition with many talented architectural practices. The Fornebubanen will be a vital new transport link for the city.”«People have been waiting for the Fornebubanen for a long time,» explains A_Lab founder Geir Haaversen. «The design of these stations will be crucial for the development of their locations.»The competition jury chose ZHA’s proposal from 14 anonymous proposals. The winning design, as cited by the jury, expressed an innovative way of working with light.  The construction of the Fornebubanen line is planned to commence in 2020 and the expected completion date is scheduled for 2025.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the project.  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

RIBA received 328 entries from 101 schools of architecture across the globe for the prestigious RIBA President’s Medals 2018. The winners were recently announced at a ceremony at 66 Portland Place. Projects that won the medals include a design for a hotel situated within an electric substation, a folk story carved into the fabric of a city, which explores the relationships between communities and their cultural heritage, and a dissertation on the ‘nook’ as an endangered species of space, as per RIBA.“The breadth and scale of talent evidenced in the design proposals and writings produced by this year’s winners are truly remarkable,” said RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire.Justin Bean at the University of Bath won the RIBA Bronze Medal for “Dreaming of Electric Sheep.” Justin’s design of a hotel situated within an electrical substation, explores the often-uncomfortable relationship between humans and technology, and questions whether that relationship should be complimentary instead of antagonistic, as described by RIBA.RIBA Silver Medal was presented to Sonia Magdziarz, at the Bartlett School of Architecture for “How to Carve a Giant.” “Sonia’s proposal physically carves a Finnish folk story into the fabric of a city and reinterprets contemporary typologies, such as libraries, workshops and, cultural archives to question whether we can preserve and disseminate knowledge. Sonia’s new building subtly emphasizes the powerful role architects play in defining the cultural heritage and identity of communities,” states RIBA.The RIBA Dissertation Medal has been awarded to Rosemary Milne of Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, for “Species of Nooks and Other Niches.”“Rosemary’s project looks at the obscurities and inefficiencies of the nook, which has led it to become an endangered species of space, neglected in favour of efficiencies, transparencies, and open-plan spaces. The dissertation examines the complex nature of the nook and emphasizes its necessity and continued relevance for architectural practice and thought. The judges were unanimous in their assessment of the student as an important new talent and that a submission of this quality at undergraduate level is enormously impressive,” as described by RIBA.The Serjeant Awards for Excellence in Drawing were awarded to Camille Dunlop, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL for “Pipeline Hijacking,” and Maria Marilia Lezou, University of Greenwich for “Hotel Mollino: Staging Spaces of the Everyday as Heterotopias of Performance in Scenography and Architecture.”Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the projects. https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

World-renowned architect Richard Rogers, founding principal of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, has been awarded the 2019 AIA Gold Medal by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Gold Medal is the AIA’s highest annual honor, which recognizes individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.“From the Centre Pompidou in Paris to New York City’s post-September 11 skyline, the work of Richard Rogers, Hon. FAIA, has influenced architectural conversations and helped redefine an architect’s responsibilities to society. Rogers’ commitment to our cities, environment, and humanity has resulted in a wealth of honors, while cementing his place in architectural history,” states the AIA’s website.Rogers was born in Florence and trained as an architect in London and, later, at Yale University.  One of his earliest projects was the Centre Pompidou, which he designed with Renzo Piano.“Richard Rogers is a friend, a companion of adventures and life,” wrote Piano in his support of Rogers’ nomination. “He also happens to be a great architect, and much more than that. He is a planner attracted by the complexity of cities and the fragility of earth; a humanist curious about everything (from art to music, people, communities, and food); an inexhaustible explorer of the world. And there is one more thing he could be: a poet.”Rogers has won several major architectural honors over a span of five decades, including the 1985 RIBA Royal Gold Medal, the 2007 Pritzker Architecture Prize, and the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2006 and 2009. He was named a Praemium Architecture Laureate by the Japan Art Association in 2000 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. He has sat as a Labor peer in England’s House of Lords since 1996, according to AIA’s website.“He is the quintessential builder, committed to mastering the craft and technology of construction, harnessing it towards efficient buildings, and forging an expressive architectural language,” says Moshe Safdie, FAIA, in his support of Rogers’ nomination for the Gold Medal. “Before it was fashionable, he was an environmentalist, who recognized early in his career the challenges of energy and climate, developing innovative solutions.”  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Transportation Department says it has approved $1.5 billion to fund 91 infrastructure projects. The grants will fund road, rail and port projects across the United States. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced the grants on Tuesday. Chao said the grants were the product of bipartisan cooperation between ...

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