Culturally Relevant Luggage - Ethnotek Creates Bags Using Direct Fabric Trade (TrendHunter.com)

RockstarEthnotek Creates Bags Using Direct Fabric Trade

While so-called “ethnic” and “tribal” prints rule the runways during fashion weeks in New York and now London, Ethnotek showcases another look at cultural appropriation.

Ethnotek creates high-quality bags with substance and meaning. Those behind the brand wish to spread cultural awareness through functional backpacks that embody a sense of relevancy in a world of dilution and ignorance.

The name “Ethnotek” itself is a portmanteau fusing “ethnology” and “technology,” creating an ambitious meaning touching on the anthropological study of cultures, as well as finding practical solutions to contemporary social problems.

Ethnotek’s textiles are sourced from artisans in-person through direct trade fabric. According to their website, Ethnotek “scour

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Newsworthy Flip Flops - Paper Flops are Made Using Upcycled Newspapers (TrendHunter.com)

SuperstarPaper Flops are Made Using Upcycled Newspapers

Paper Flops are flip flops made of newspaper by socially disadvantaged workers in Jakarta, Indonesia. The shoes are made of newspaper and other sustainable materials such as coconut shells, palm tree roots and natural rubber.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, Paper Flops are socially responsible. The workers behind these creative sandals range from street children to mentally disabled adults, all of whom get a chance to learn valuable skills and provide for their families.

It takes approximately 1 kilogram of newspaper to make a pair of these flip flops, with each pair being priced at $35 for a pre-sale pair. Oh, and don’t worry about these flip flops turning to mush when wet.  Each pair of Paper Flops is covered in an all-natural water sealant.

Tweet Published: Sep 15, 11 • References: ulule and springwise Must SeeWTFOMGLoLCuteNerdyHot

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Blooming Timepieces - The Luna Watch Concept Tells Time Using LED Flower Petals (TrendHunter.com)

SuperstarThe Luna Watch Concept Tells Time Using LED Flower Petals

Telling time using flowers is usually a bad idea, unless you are telling time using the Luna Watch concept. Designer Nigel Roddy has dreamed up a watch that tells time using LED flowers.

The Luna Watch concept is designed to look more like a wristband than an actual watch. The Luna Watch concept has a smooth design and a stylish blue-and-white color scheme that makes it more of a functional fashion piece than a watch. The watch tells time using the three flowers on its face. Each flower has petals that light up to tell the time. The biggest flower tells the hour, the medium-sized flower tells the first part of the minute (from 10 and higher) and the smallest flower tells the second part of the minute (from zero to nine). The watch also has an option to display the time digitally should you get sick of telling time using flowers.

Tweet Published: Sep 10, 11 • References: coroflot and designbuzz Must SeeWTFOMGLoLCuteNerdyHot

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Monstrous Makeup Artists - Elias Creates Spooky Characters Using Cosmetics (TrendHunter.com)

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TREND HUNTER is the world's #1 largest, most popular trend spotting community. It is an explosion of cool trends fueled by a global network of insatiably curious people. By tracking the evolution of cool, Trend Hunters stimulate creativity and generate breakthrough ideas...

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