01. A.& M. Miskiniai Public Library / 4 Plius Architects

“The idea behind this project was simple and symbolic at the same time: books, the essence of knowledge, communication and cultural tradition. As the function of a public library requires, it is open to everyone – and that is why the shape of a transparent cube, a shining body at night has been chosen. As if books follow the precept of the first Lithuanian book inviting “take me and read me”…” (archdaily)

02. Cool Hunting Video Presents: Alberto Alessi

“In this video we sit down with third-generation design impresario Alberto Alessi to talk about his take on the emotional side of industrial design at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. The CEO (he’s helmed Alessi for 39 years) shares his perspective on design objects, playing a whistle from one of his first collaborations to prove his point.” (coolhunting)

03. Furniture by Simon Hasan for Vauxhall Collective (above)

“London designer Simon Hasan has created a collection of furniture and vases inspired by traditional British crafts.” (dezeen)

04. Scott Wilson’s Fulton Lounge

“The Fulton Lounge was designed by Scott Wilson, the ex-Global Creative Director for Nike who founded design studio Minimal. Fittingly for its style, the stainless steel, walnut and foam Fulton comes out of the same factory that produces the Eames Lounge, the Nelson Bench and Noguchi Table” (core77)

Back from the dead and ready to trend. Vibskov brings a new look in boomerang fashion to the forefront with his Bux pants. The black cotton pants with button flap front and front-leg seams are actually not as tapered as you would imagine and pretty friendly for the guy looking to reach into this type of fashion experience. OAK has them.

More views of the Henrik Vibskov Boomerang Pants after the jump.

Just because. Nothing more. You either love them or hate them. We’re willing to bet less than a handful of people can properly rock these, but if you can, I’ll sit back and tell you how jealous I am. They’re not subtle in any way and that’s maybe how they should be. Oki-ni if you like them.

More views of the Martin Margiela Monoblock Glasses after the jump.

Opening Ceremony has a line on an excellent pair of padded boots from Rachel Comey. The moss colored boot comes with a wool upper that shines through the complement of leather treatment. A well done shoe that looks great with a variety of looks. Get them now for 385$US.

More looks at the Rachel Comey Spencer Back Padded Boots after the jump.

Sure I’m pulling it from Zozo, but we’re sure you can find this Colorado based bag manufacturer in the States if you look hard enough. The Buckaroo Shoulder Bag is made from canvas and saddle leather making it rugged tough and great for your day to day living.

More looks at the Buckaroo Shoulder Bag after the jump.

The great American hotel can be both architectural icon and archive of tales. American Hotel Stories, a new book by Francisca Matteolla, balances both. From coast to coast the travel writer surveys the nation’s most intriguing hotels, digging deep to uncover the stories of famed guests in each. Dylan’s time at the Chelsea Hotel is documented. The favorite haunts of Eastwood, Capone, and Kerouac introduced. Added to the book is a comprehensive listing of unique places to stay and the charge to go out and make your own stories.

Out from Assouline.

A duo of featured hotels after the jump.

Our friends at men.style get some preview looks of the OAK and OAK Black Label line for Autumn 2009. “If you’re a guy who prefers to skip the hassle of destroying your jeans and would rather pick them up pre-shredded, Oak’s the place to be. The retailer-turned-designer previews its in-house collection for Fall tonight. It consists, as ever, of the sort of punky basics Oak’s East Villager and Williamsburgher clientele loves: oversize, stretched-out tees; shaggy flannels; and denim that’s already gone through the wringer. The styling ranges from everyday wearable to the more directional, but one constant is the quality—an aspect that’s getting punched up even further with the new Oak Black Label line, also launching this evening”

More macro sneak peeks fromm the OAK Autumn 2009 collection after the jump.

While I am in Michael Williams’ hometown of Cleveland, I’ll let him drop some knowledge on the forthcoming Levis Vintage Clothing Spring/Summer 2010 collection. “There have been points through the years that have marked significant changes in the classic 501 jean. For instance in 1922 when men started wearing belts instead of suspenders so Levi’s started adding belt loops and removed the buttons for the braces. In 1944, the U.S. government demand that all businesses ration materials like fabric, thread and metal. So the 1944 LVC 501 was made without rivets on the watch pocket, crotch and cinch. The War Department also determined that the famous Levi’s back pocket stitching — called the Arcuate — was “decorative and a waste of thread” according to LS & CO Historian Lynn Downey. So rather than lose its trademark, Levi’s hand painted the Arcuate on every pair of Levi’s 501 WWII jeans.”

More on the Levi’s Vintage Clothing for Spring/Summer 2010 at ACL.

We’ve gotta admit, we were getting a little tired of collaborations. They’re great when they’re the perfect match of two companies expertise, not so great when it’s just collaborating for the sake of it. So we were as surprised as anyone when we saw just how good Grenson’s collaboration with ASOS turned out.

Part of ASOS’s upcoming ‘Best of British’ collection, these patent brogues are one of four shoes Grenson made with the online retailer. There’s another shoe that we’ll be putting up on Monday, but for now just marvel at just how patent-y these shoes are (you can even see a reflection of a laptop on the toe).

I’ve been on a bit of a classic American car binge this week. Corvettes are among my favorites, especially those from the mid-1960s.

In any event, the purpose of this post is not to jabber on about the Corvette, but to point towards Cincinnati Art Museum’s display of a 1963 Corvette Stingray Z06. The museum has been exhibiting single cars – as part of a commitment to showcasing art and design across disciplines – for some time. Among the classic and concept cars none thus far have been American in design or build. The designation then given to the 1963 Corvette Stingray Z06 is pretty exciting. The only other ‘Vette I’ve seen in a museum collection not dedicated to the automotive industry is buried away in the Smithsonian’s secret storage location. The car is on view in Cincinnati until the end of the month.

NOTE: Image is from Corvette Fever.