01. How Much Is That Artifact in the Window?

“Many of us have bought design objects for pleasure or scholarship. We’ve paid big bucks or a pittance. But what determines the value? Is it simply supply and demand or some abstract idea of worth?” (designobserver)

02. Motorikpop: A Secret History Spotified 

“What do Midge Ure, Yoshimi P-We, David Bowie, Mark E Smith and Trish Keenan all have in common? Not a beard in sight, yet they’ve all used the motorik beat invented by Neu!” (quietus)

03. Crisis spurs spike in ’suburban survivalists’

“Six months ago, Jim Wiseman didn’t even have a spare nutrition bar in his kitchen cabinet. Now, the 54-year-old businessman and father of five has a backup generator, a water filter, a grain mill and a 4-foot-tall pile of emergency food tucked in his home in the expensive San Diego suburb of La Jolla.” (murketing>breitbart)

04. Top 100 US Architecture Firms according to Architect Magazine

“Architect Magazine listed the Top 100 U.S. firms based not just on their size, but on three elemental and critical aspects of each one: profitability (revenue per employee, based on 2008 gross revenue), sustainability(with variables such as percentage of LEED projects in 2008 and green policies) and design quality (based on awards on 2008).” (archdaily)

05. Brighten The Corners: Stanley & Marvin (above)

“Providing another creative lesson in typography, Brighten the Corners’ latest book, “Stanley & Marvin” is a charming follow up to their first venture in type-as-illustration books, “ Victor & Susie.” (coolhunting)

Atelier Maurice de Mauriac of Zurich has added a great set of new models to their collection including this black PVD model which features a 42mm casing, sapphire crystal treatment on the front and back, and distinct two-tone crown pusher. It’s finished with a kevlar strap and waterproof up to 100m. Price wise, the Atelier Maurice de Mauriac should fit most budgets, so seek them out.

More detailed views of the Atelier Maurice de Mauriac Black PVD Watch after the jump.

More detailed view of the John Lawrence Sullivan Houndstooth Jacket after the jump.

When you first notice the twisted placket at the top of the shirt button, you think it may be an error but no. This is one of the many detail signatures of a Steven Alan shirt. For Spring and Summer, we recommend the short sleeve reverse seam shirts which feature a fitted silhouette, French seams and a unique look that sets it apart from the pack. Made in the USA.

More views of the Steven Alan Reverse Seam Short Sleeve Shirts after the jump.

It was originally thought that God created man in his own image, that may not be true according to designer Marco Morosini .The new God is a Dog collection by Italo Bosa are tailored to host canines from all walks of life. The sleek and simple designs emulate a style and feel that is exclusive, classy, and comfortable. With three different habitats to choose there’s no doubt your four-legged friend will find
a place to call home.

More views of the Castagna Doghouses by Italo Bosa after the jump.

There is a monster of a Hermès auction coming.= June 8th in Paris. “parisian auction house “Gros & Delettrez” will…be auctioning 766 vintage hermès items over the course of 2 days. That’s a lot of vintage Hermès flowing through Paris! Seems like the recession isn’t stopping them, or was it because of the recession collectors are selling their wares?” Could be a bit of both really. A prime opportunity for folks to get their hands on premium vintage goods from this luxury house. (00o00)

Select items from the Gros & Delettrez Hermès Auction after the jump.

Wondering what the next big thing might be? Future Fashion Now may offer a glimpse. The exhibition showcases 55 outfits from the recent MFA final collections at the Royal College of Art. Much attention is granted to technique and design process. Even if the looks are not adopted by the fashion world, an education in fashion offered by a visit to the V&A is clear.

Future Fashion Now is free and open to January 31, 2010.

A great set of aviators from Dsquared2 for Summer 2009. The Italian made frames vary in size and look. You have options of course – from black plastic to metal in white and gold finish. Do note that on the metal frames, you’ll find the Dsquared2 monogram in the bridge, which may or may not appeal to you. (ssense)

More views of the Dsquared2 Aviator Sunglasses after the jump.

There is seemingly no slow down in the number of urban dwellers shifting their travels to the bicycle – specifically single or three speed bikes that provide adequate gearing for the city commuter. The benefits of moving urban commuting to cycling are vast – including the zero emissions impact on the environment as well as the low impact cardio it provides the rider. Brands and retailers are also becoming aware of the emerging dresswear and casual market for urban commuters who require fashions that are both bicycle and office friendly – many of which we have covered here on Selectism.

Footwear is no exception. Quoc Pham, a UK based footwear maker that produces pedal friendly dress shoes for cyclists has launched their collection Spring 2009. They shoes are perfect for the single or fixed gear cyclist who would prefer to not carry a second pair of shoes with them when cycling to the office or the pub to catch up with friends. Their shoes, made from the finest materials around, are shaped and tapered to slip nicely into your pedal cages while keeping you fashion friendly.

View more models from the Quoc Pham Cycling Shoe Collection after the jump.

Harnessing the grand tradition of print making in Mexico, modernist artists gravitated to the graphic arts as a way to explore indigenous and pre-Hispanic past. Vida Y Drama presents a concise selection of work produced between 1926 and 1932 by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Together these men defined and set a standard for modern Mexican style.

Vida Y Drama opens May 30, 2009 at MFA Boston.