DOPE WATCHES:

Seiko has chosen to revisit one of its most innovative watch designs after 11 years. Made for the visually impaired, its voice-digital is the continuation of a line of watches developed to help those who have lost their sight. 

Seiko’s line of watches for the visually impaired started in 1939 with a tactile pocket watch for those injured in the war, then in 1966 with a wristwatch version, then 1979 with a quartz version, and finally in 1998 with the voice digital watch. This new model updates the concept of the 1998 model with a round case design. The watch can read off the time in a robotic voice, has a digital display, and has an alarm and stopwatch function. Not only reserved for the elderly and visually impaired, the new Voice Digital watch can also fit into any modern lifestyle.

While the watch officially launches on December 11, news has also surfaced that it has already won a Good Design Award. Those interested can expect this watch to drop in three different color options priced at ¥18,700 JPY (approximately $178 USD). Head over to Seiko Japan for more info.Issey Miyake‘s Roku watch collaboration with industrial designer Konstantin Grcic is set to receive a shot in the arm. The understated timepieces have emerged in a limited edition navy edition, elevated by a wide leather strap at the rear.

Known for his work with clients like Vitra and Flos, the Berlin-based Grcic is in high demand. His work for Miyake’s watch line intelligently flips the sub-labels name, “Roku,” on its head, yielding a case with six points. This limited version takes on a navy hue, expanded underneath with a slab of tonal calf leather. The matching strap is attached to a stainless steel case realized with a quiet, numeral-free design that emphasizes the branding and simple indices.

“Roku draws upon the correlation between two geometries: a hexagon and a circle,” Grcic explained. “The six-sided watch case relates to the 12 hours chronometry. The round dial resembles the circular movement of time. Two strong shapes that interplay with each other. Just like the notion of time: The continuous passing of hours/minutes/seconds on the one hand, the punctuation of certain events on the other.”

View Issey Miyake Roku stockists on Issey Miyake’s website.In 1965, Citizen introduced its Crystal Seven (C7) watch series. These watches, now collector’s items, represented a timepiece revolution thanks to their ultra-thin week and date display — setting a new benchmark for automatic mechanical watches — and slick crystal-covered face, which gave the series its name. 55 years later, the Japanese company is reviving the collection with a dozen new models inspired by the original C7 watches, each intended for different lifestyles and tastes.

A new set of mineral crystals protect the face, which retains the unique structure; rather than the week display being located at the three o’clock position, the C7 watches place it at 12 o’clock, below the Citizen logo, for a clean finish. The compact design is powered by the new Citizen C7 8200 movement and boasts waterproof capabilities down to 50 meters.

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Key to this launch is the distinct variants of C7 watches on hand. The dozen iterations are split between four lifestyle categories: Dress, Casual, Formal and Active, each hosting three watches apiece. Dress watches are elegant, blending neutral face hues with a dark leather strap. Casual and Formal watches each sit atop steel straps, but the former style toys with flashy metal cases while the latter keeps things simple with silver tones throughout. Finally, the Active watches are effortlessly sleek, with a trim leather strap and red, green or grey dials.

The C7 watch lineup is currently available Citizen’s Hong Kong website.After the duo introduced a Silver Ana-Digi Temp Watch earlier this summer, BEAMSand Citizen have reunited for a duo of retro timepieces. Offered in black and silver, the Ana-Digi returns in two circular variations.

Complete with black polyurethane straps and monochrome faces, the BEAMS-exclusive Round Face Ana-Digi Temp watches are graced by matte metal cases and extra functionality. This includes the analog-digital displays, thermometers, chronographs and alarms, all located on one crowded face. Convex glass and enlarged characters yield heightened visibility, regardless of model — black or silver. BEAMS branding on the rear of each timepiece drives the collaborative nature home.

Both iterations of the timepiece are available for pre-order on BEAMS’ website.

ART: Titus Kaphar Presents Haunting Narrative of Black Motherhood in New Paintings

Titus Kaphar is an interdisciplinary artist who works across painting, sculpture, film and installation. Kaphar reanalyzes crucial events from American history by breaking down existing representations through his own formal methods. The artist is currently the subject of a solo presentation at Gagosian’s New York gallery. Titled “From A Tropical Space,” the artist is presenting new paintings that evoke a haunting narrative of Black motherhood and the heightened fear and distress that elevates from the disappearance of their children.

Viewers will notice the absence of each juvenile figure across his pieces whether seated in a stroller or cradled in a woman’s arms. There is also intense coloration of the atmospheres portrayed in the compositions which correlates with the enormous feelings of heartache and pain felt by his subjects in these unprecedented times.

One of the highlighted works on display is Kaphar’s Analogous Colors 2020 — the painting was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine’s June 15 issue which included a report on the protests that erupted following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. “Kaphar’s work and practice reflect on the experience and perception of historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, including the African American community,” said the gallery in a statement.

“From A Tropical Space” is on view at Gagosian New York until December 19. Check out select works in the slideshow above and then head to Gagosian’s website for more information.

#ARTBYSKIP LINKS ON BOTTOM OF PAGE*****

 

DESIGN: Ligne Blanche's Latest Home Goods Feature Icons of Modern Art

Ligne Blanche has dropped its latest set of homeware, emblazoning iconic works of artists Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring over plates and candles.

Featured are a set of plates and candles that have been painted in a variety of vibrant colors. One noteworthy piece is a candle depicting Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Tomato Soup print. It comes with silver-toned edges, complemented by blue and pink pop colors that wrap around the candle’s cylindrical frame. Another Warhol tribute is a square candle that references the artist’s Brillo Boxes. Etched in vintage blue and red paint, the candle is stamped with the label “Brillo,” framed between the words “24 GIANT SIZE PKGS.” and “SHINES ALUMINUM FAST” — each candle was made in France by Givaudan. Other candles and plates referencing the works of Keith Haring and Basquait round off the concise range.

Ligne Blanche’s new porcelains are currently available on HBX’s website, ranging from $55 – $100 USD.

STREETWEAR: Stüssy Unveils Limited-Edition 40th-Anniversary Capsule

Stüssy has just unveiled its 40th-anniversary capsule, featuring a limited-edition varsity jacket, T-shirt and ring, shortly after showcasing another 40th-anniversary collab with COMME des GARÇONS.

The label’s IST varsity jacket has been a staple for Stüssy since the ’80s, and its new limited-edition piece is a testament to the label’s heritage. Coupled with an International Stussy Tribe 8-Ball Globe patch at the back, the piece also comes with the label’s signature “Earth in the corner pocket.” When bought from the brand’s flagship Chapters or Dover Street Market, each piece will be custom embroidered at the chest with its respective city name embroidered on the chest, while other jackets bought from the label’s website will be marked with “NY.L.T.LA” instead. Coming in white, the T-shirt was designed by Cali Thornhill Dewitt and Tremaine Emory, emblazoned with graphics that call for “unity” and fighting against racism. Rounding up the capsule is a gold-plated silver ring that feature’s the label’s signature Venus-inspired motif, which comes with inscriptions: “FOURTY YEARS” on the inside and “Stüssy 1980” and “Tribe 2020” on the outside.

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Stüssy’s 40th-Anniversary Capsule will be available on October 30 on the label’s website as well as its physical Chapter Stores and Dover Street Market.

In case you missed it, Stüssy is celebrating its new Shanghai Chapter’s grand opening with a special apparel collection.