We are not your typical popular culture magazine. Focusing on blending
the latest sophisticated trends, popular art, entertainment and technology,
as seen through the eyes of the urban dweller, we have taken this
magazine to the next level. Our goal is to show the vernacular culture
in this constantly changing, modern environment and bring to life the
ideas and perspectives which permeate the everyday lives of society.
| | ALOFT
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FAVORITE EVENT | STL. ART FAIR
CONTRIBUTORS
| CONTRIBUTORS
KENZIE TUBBSFARAH FIRMAN MORGAN STEPHENS
a
DANIELLE ALDRICH9 F
9
F
FAVORITE FOOD | SUSHI FAVORITE TOY | LEGOS
FAVORITE FIND | UNIQUE BOOKS
a
TOC
40.....healthy fruits58.....herbs
SUBSCRIPTION 22.....first friday08.....bucket list
CONTRIBUTOR48.....toy stories62.....design cribs
SNEAK PEAK 32.....urban shopping12.....16 things we love
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
IDEAS WORTHSPREADINGWWW.TED.COM
/ 06 / ALOFT.COM
22
32
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
22 First Fridays
32 Urban Shopping: Anthropologie
40 Healthy Fruits for a Healthy Lifestyle
48 Toy Stories
08 Bucket List
12 16 Things We Love
58 Herbs
62 Modern + Vintage
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 07 /
32
4840
/ 08 / ALOFT.COM
S U N D A N C EF I L MF E S T I VA L
bucket list / five incredible experiences| ENTERTAINMENT
Park City, Salt Lake City, UT and OgdenJanuary 19 – 29, 2012
BUCKET LISTHere are five incredible experiences for you to add to your
bucket list. We have searched all over North America to
bring you great information about the most spectacular,
largest and memorable events in todays society.
Sundance began in Salt Lake City in August 1978 as the Utah/
US Film Festival in an effort to attract more filmmakers
to Utah. The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival
that takes place annually. It is the largest independent
cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in
Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the
Sundance Resort, the festival is the premier showcase for
new work from American and international independent
filmmakers. The festival comprises competitive sections
for American and international dramatic and documentary
films, both feature-length films and short films, and a
group of noncompetitive showcase sections, including
the New Frontier, Spectrum, and Park City at Midnight.
Each year the Sundance Film Festival selects 200 films
for exhibition from more than 9,000 submissions.
In addition to discovering filmmaking's newest talent
through the Festival's program of documentary, dramatic,
and short films, Festival goers experience live music
performances, panel discussions with leading filmmakers
and industry figures, cutting-edge media installations,
parties celebrating the Festival community, and more.
1
2
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 09 /
ABOVE: Customers at Grange are greeted by
the chef during a weekend lunch gathering.
Even when busy, Grange provides customers
with a friendly atmosphere and modern
environment at a resonable price.
People are looking for edibles they can trust, and for food
communities that stand personally behind their products.
Restaurants and hotels are spotlighting house-made or
locally-made bread, artisan-cured salami, chef-pickled
vegetables, locally-butchered beef, honey made from
nearby hives, foods purchased from regional farms—all
these theoretically reflecting sustainability and helping
local farmers and being better for the environment.
Grange is a culinary expression of all things local,
reflecting the authentic essence and soul of its
community. Service is warm, friendly, and embracing
at Sacramento’s premiere dining destination. With an
intimate atmosphere of urban sophistication, Grange
is the quintessential Sacramento restaurant experience.
Grange is a culinary expression of all things local,
reflecting the authentic essence and soul of its community.
E AT I N G L O C A L ! J Street, Sacramento CA, 95814Open year roundHours of operation available online
/ 10 / ALOFT.COM
T H E M O N T E R E Y
J A Z Z F E S T I VA L
Each fall, pilots, crew and spectators from all over the
world come to the Albuquerque balloon festival, known
as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the
world’s largest hot air ballooning event. For nine days
during the first full week of October, hundreds of colorful
balloons float above the city each morning as dawn breaks
over the Sandia Mountains. It’s no wonder this visual
feast is said to be the world’s most photographed event.
Balloon glow and other balloon illumination events are
held in the evenings of the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque.
Balloon enthusiasts fill the launch field and walk among
the tethered balloons of every color, shape and size. As
the propane burners inflate the balloons against a dark
sky, they seem to flicker like giant psychedelic light bulbs.
A L B U Q U E R Q U EB A L L O O N F E S T I VA L
October 1 – 9, 20115:45 AM – 8:00 PM
Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM
3
bucket list / five incredible experiences| ENTERTAINMENT
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 11 /
T H E M O N T E R E Y
J A Z Z F E S T I VA L
Third full weekend in September
5:45 AM – 8:00 PM
Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA
4
The Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the longest consecutively running jazz festivals in
the world. It debuted in 1958 and was founded by San Francisco jazz radio broadcaster
Jimmy Lyons. The festival is held annually on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey
County Fairgrounds, located at 2000 Fairground Road in Monterey, California, USA.
The Monterey Jazz Festival presents the best jazz performers in the world for a
three-day celebration of the best in jazz. More than 500 top jazz artists perform
on nine stages spread throughout the grounds, with more than 50 concert
performances. In addition, the Monterey Jazz Festival features jazz conversations,
panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, clinics, and an international array
of food, shopping and festivities spread throughout the 20-acre fairgrounds.
If you’re ever in the Los Angeles area, one thing you most
definitely want to experience is the Arclight Hollywood
movie theater. Not only do they sport some of the most
comfortable seats, largest screens, loudest sound, and
best views from anywhere in the theater, they often
bring in props from the movies for display. Reserved
seating. Gourmet food. No pre-show ads. 21+ shows.
The ArcLight is a leader in the new “luxury” theater
movement that’s spreading across the nation. Not only
has the ArcLight made theater going more pleasurable
with better food, wider seats and a bar, it also adds class
with a large lobby that features an art gallery, as well as
ushers who introduce the film and won’t allow anyone to
be seated once the film has been playing for five minutes.
T H E A R C L I G H T
Hours of operation available online
Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CAOpen year round
LEFT: Each year, balloon pilots
particularly enjoy the competition
of the Albuquerque hot air balloon
festival's precision flying events.
Many of these events are held in the
early evening, allowing spectators to
see a stellar performance.
5
/ 12 / ALOFT.COM
THINGSWE LOVE
things we love / music| GIZMOS & GADGETS
Amazing hard-to-find goodies. That we just found. For you.At ALOFT, we like cool shit. And since you picked up this mag-
azine, we know you do too. Here are sixteen featured favorites
from the editors that go green, taste good, sound gnarly, and
will generally make you feel good and look cool. We aren’t say-
ing you have to buy all these items (but if you want to, feel
free), we’re just saying that we have scavenged the planet find-
ing the latest trends and most intriguing items, putting them
all in ALOFT so that you don’t have to forage for them yourself.
WeSC HeadphonesUrban Outfitters$108
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 13 /
1. Urban Outfitters WeSC Headphone
for $108 are perfect for indoor and out-
door use. Great bass and treble control.
2. Kid Cudi—Man on the Moon Vol. II
is a new piece of work you will realize
is truly something different, something
that feels comfortably alike his typical
style, except entirely fresh.
3. Lykke Li’s Wounded Rhymes is com-
pletely captivating. Her signature style
can be seen in each song. Incredible.
4. Vampire Weekend’s Contra is an
easy listen with a laid back style with
instantly memorable lyrics. Afro-pop
tribal rhythms and catchy, absolute so-
phisticated melodies.
5. Santigold’s self-titled album is an
absorbing, abrasive, enigmatic, some-
times creepy, always unusual, inspired
and interesting on many levels.
RESONATES WITHANYONEFACING CHANGE.
Kid Cudi—Man on the Moon Vol. II$14
Lykke Li—Wounded Rhymes$12
Vampire Weekend—Contra$10
Santigold—Santigold$10
things we love / music cont.
/ 14 / ALOFT.COM
things we love / green| GIZMOS & GADGETS
6. Save the environment! By using a bike
you are not burning fossil fuels and add-
ing additional carbon dioxide into the at-
mosphere. Try the Trek District bike from
the Village Cycle Center. It’s quiet, light,
and an extremely comfortable ride.
7. Seed Bombs found at Anthropologie is
not only a very peaceful, thoughtful and
environmentally friendly weapon, but
it’s hilarious! Who doesn’t want to throw
dirtballs into their neighbors yard and see
what sprouts up weeks later? Also, a very
cheap way to have fun and go green at
only $6 a bag. It also comes in different
seed varieties based on region.
8. Marijuana just got greener. Organi-
Cann’s sustainably grown, organic, med-
ical cannabis is now available in environ-
mentally friendly packaging that you can
compost in your own back yard. In 1972,
the US Congress placed marijuana in
Schedule I of the Controlled Substances
Act because they considered it to have
“no accepted medical use.” Since then,
15 of 50 US states and DC have legal-
ized the medical use of marijuana. The
Organic cannabis Foundation, LLC (Or-
ganiCann), the largest medical cannabis
dispensing collective in Northern Cali-
fornia, announced exciting new home
compostable packaging.
Seed BombsAnthropologie$6
OrganiCannorganicann.com
Trek District BikeVillage Cycle Center$770
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 15 /
9. Mammoth Supply Co’s ice cream
isn’t just ridiculously delicious, but you
will never want to throw out the packag-
ing! It comes in three amazing flavors.
10. Empire Mayonnaise takes a new
take to the spreadable delectable. Made
with spices and herbs all packed into
one cute little jar at only $12 a jar.
11. Vi Novell wine is an experience you
things we love / edibles
Empire MayonnaiseBrooklyn Flea Market$12
Vi Novell WineSixth Avenue Wine Seller
$34
MAYO HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY UNTIL THE BEGINNINGS OF EMPIRE MAYONNAISE.
Mammoth Supply Co. Ice Creamthedieline.com$8
will not forget—or will you? No mat-
ter how hazy the day is after a night
of drinking Vi Novell, don’t throw this
beautiful piece of art out! Go ahead and
enjoy the artful taste inside the bottle,
but hold on to the beautiful packaging
of this new wine bottle. Sold at Sixth Av-
enue Wine Seller in Seattle for just $34.
/ 16 / ALOFT.COM
things we love / technology| GIZMOS & GADGETS
HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING
OR USING IT PROFESSIONALLY.
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 17 /
Diana F+ Deluxe Camera Kit lomography.com$240
12. You will fall in love with the Diana F+ Deluxe Camera kit. If you don’t know
cameras well, don’t worry. This is a very easy to learn camera that you can do any-
thing on. Have fun with experimenting or using it professionally. It’s exhilarating.
/ 18 / ALOFT.COM
Illuminated Orion GlobeUrban Outfitters$129
things we love / decor| GIZMOS & GADGETS
Three Potato Four PE ClockUrban Outfitters$48
THE BLACK OCEAN GLOBE MAY HAVE A HEAVENLY
APPEARANCE, BUT IT SHOWS THE EARTHS EXPANSE.
13. The Folding Library Bookshelf from Urban Outfitters is per-
fect for anyone that has little apartment space. It’s tall—using the
vertical space of the room as well as being more open and airy
than a bulky bookshelf. It also collapses whenever needed.
14. Vintage is timeless. But not this clock. It tells you the time in a
beautiful vintage style and fashion from Urban Outfitters.
15. Ever wonder what the world looks like at night? Here it is, all
in the palm of your hands with stars and constellations lit up.
Enjoy this piece for decoration or educational purpose. It’s like
getting smart while making your home look pretty.
16. Beautifully stacked porcelain chairs to hang earrings, rings,
and bracelets on. It looks as if it’s going to fall over but it’s a very
sturdy and overall gorgeous piece that Urban has to offer.
Folding Library BookshelfUrban Outfitters
$279
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 19 /
Dollhouse Jewelery StandUrban Outfitters$69
running on green.
Finally. It’s here.The iPhone 4. Now available in white.
Buy one now at AT&T or online at apple.com.
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM / 22 / ALOFT.COM
| FIRST FRIDAY
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
FRIDAYIf you have taken a jaunt through downtown Kansas
City lately, you’ve bound to have noticed something
serious is going on in the Crossroads district. Dishevelled
buildings have turned into hip art galleries, while run-
down businesses have morphed into trendy restaurants.
Within this district, you will find a thriving mix of urban
loft living, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and more.
Which, of course, creates the ideal atmosphere for a fantastic
community party each and every month! If you’ve ever tried
to drive through there on the First Friday of the month,
you have most likely been stuck in a surprising traffic jam.
What’s going on in the middle of Kansas City, you ask?
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
KANSAS CITY’S CROSSROADS DISTRICT
FIRST
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM
FIRST FRIDAY?WHAT EXACTLY IS Kansas City is known for its big and splashy annual events, but
there’s a special monthly festival that brings out residents from
all over the metro area for an evening of arts, dining and fun.
| FIRST FRIDAY
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 25 /
has played host to First Fridays. This FREE event is fast
becoming a Kansas City favorite. “First Fridays” occur
on the first Friday of every month year round, rain or
shine. Art galleries, retailers and other participating
art venues showcase art from local and national artists
from 7 – 9pm. With ample parking and an abundance
of indoor and outdoor entertainment, there’s no better
way to spend a night than enjoying drinks or dining
at an area restaurant, followed by a stroll through the
galleries and shops of KC’s heart of cultural activity.
First Fridays work like a gallery hop of sorts with many
of the individual businesses within the district playing
host to exhibits and events. All visitors need to do is go
down and enjoy. The art and entertainment is free. Food
and spirits might come at a price, but there are even free
offerings in this arena, as well. You don’t need to be an art
connoisseur to enjoy the atmosphere prevalent throughout
the 21 square block area surrounding 19th and Main.
Art isn’t the only thing on display. Street performances
including musical groups are a frequent First Fridays treat.
LEFT: Barkley is the largest employee-
owned advertising agency in the U.S.
Ownership has its advantages. Originally
known as the old “TWA” building, Barkley
sits in the heart of the Crossroad District.
IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, ADD SOMETHING GOOD TO IT.“
– BARKLEY & EVERGREEN
RIGHT: The Cashew is the perfect place
to begin your evening. Browse galleries
featuring Kansas City artists and national
artists or just relax with any of our delicious
‘Spring Drinks’ and a tasty appetizer!
FOR THE PAST
FEW YEARS, THE
CROSSROADS
ARTS DISTRICT IN
KANSAS CITY
First Friday is held in The Crossroads
Arts District, a historic neighborhood near
Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is
centered at approximately 19th Street and
Baltimore Avenue, directly south of the
downtown loop and north of Crown Center.
It is the city’s main art gallery district
and center for the visual arts. Dozens
of galleries are located in its renovated
warehouses and industrial buildings. It
is also home to numerous restaurants,
housewares shops, architects, designers, an
advertising agency, and other visual artists.
/ 26 / ALOFT.COM
GALLERIES LOCAL EATS
The Galleries open their doors to the public and have free
admission from 7-9 pm. Some galleries not to be overlooked
include the The Blue Gallery (19th and Grand), the Sherry
Leedy Contemporary Art Gallery (20th and Baltimore), Cube
at Beco (19th and Baltimore), and the Leedy-Voulkos Art
Center (20th and Main), which all offer something for every
kind of art lover - from appreciator to serious connoisseur.
Many restaurants in the Crossroad’s offer appetizer and
drink specials on First Friday’s. Most like The City Tavern
(101 W 22nd) who opens up their patio to First Friday
goers who’d like a glass of wine or a quick snack (spinach
and artichoke dip is a FF fave) before heading off to the
next Gallery. It’s next door neighbor, Lidia’s, offers up
an array of Italian appetizers (think quick fired calamari
or bruchetta) as a place to meet up with friends.
First Fridays, while held throughout the year, are not to
be missed during the warm summer and fall months.
It’s this time of year that the whole city gets into the
swing of things and the crowd’s spill out into the streets
with street vendors and bands adding to the cultural mix.
WEATHER
KCAI Crossroad Gallery(816) 802-3454 1908 Main St. KCAI Crossroad Gallery is the scene of monthly exhibi-
tions of artwork by students who attend the Kansas City
Art Institute, a four-year college of art and design.
(816) 421-2292 115 W 18th StArts Incubator of Kansas City
Blue Gallery was established in 2000 at the center of
Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. 40+ emerging, and
mid-career local, regional, and nationally known artists
are represented. Blue Gallery is considered one of the
premier galleries in Kansas City having won numerous
awards including KC Magazine’s Best Private Art Gallery.
Intake Studio is a motion graphics, visual effects,
animation, editorial and production studio, that has been
building a reputation as a world-class regional creative
resource for commercials, cross-platform advertising and
interactive media since it opened the doors in 2004. Intake
is a fusion of A-list talent and cutting-edge technology
that has garnered dozens of ADDY’s and other awards.
(816) 569-0010 1717 Oak, Suite 200Intake Studio
The Cashew
This contemporary, sleek, restaurant and bar is the
perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch on the patio,
or meet with co-workers and friends in the evening,
before a concert, or after a concert, and into the night.
(816) 221-4286 2000 Grand Blvd.
Lidia's KC
Voted Kansas City's most popular Italian restaurant
by Zagat Guide the last 5 years, Lidia's Kansas City is
located in the Crossroads Arts District. The menu at
Lidia's features a daily sampling of seasonal, daily-
made fresh and filled pastas. The 'pasta trio' is served
table side and may be refilled as often as you like.
(816) 221-3722 101 W 22nd St.
Michael Smith
The restaurant is located in the heart of the historic
Crossroads Arts District. Michael Smith provides an inti-
mate, European scale setting in which guests can enjoy
regionally inspired dishes from France, Italy and Spain.
(816) 842-2202 1900 Main
| FIRST FRIDAY
GUIDE TO A NIGHT OUTWhen visiting the Crossroads, make sure you do not miss out on
stopping by the top galleries and grabbing dinner and a drink at
one of a dozen fine restaurants that are apart of the district!
MANY
RESTAURANTS IN
THE CROSSROADS
OFFER APPETIZERS
|
|
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 27 /
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUTThis has become one of the region’s most popular regular
events as thousands of people flock to the Crossroads for gallery
“open houses” amidst the Crossroads’ unique atmosphere.
There are more than 60 galleries in the Crossroad’s district,
making it one of the five largest arts districts in the U.S.
ABOVE: Town Topic Hamburgers
will transport you. The restaurant’s
1950s-esque design and quality fast
food will make you nostalgic.
BELOW: Looking out the window of
the Arts Incubator at downtown Kansas
City's skyline on First Friday.
/ 28 / ALOFT.COM
| FIRST FRIDAY
to make getting into the spirit of the event even easier especially on the feet! The trolleys run from about 6:45
to 9:30 p.m. and have stops all along the district. Aside
from the fun and excitement, the draw of First Fridays
is the fact they change every month. The art and
entertainment in July, for example, will vary greatly
from what’s offered in September. The constant flux
energizes First Fridays, making them a must-see every
month of the year for art fans and casual observers alike.
Crossroads District has had a major face lift over
the last few years. With the Urban Redevelopment
turning run-down buildings into a flourishing art,
restaurant, loft and retail district--it’s becoming one of
the greatest neighborhoods Kansas City has ever had.
This neighborhood walking tour takes you to some of
the greatest restaurants, galleries and art studios in
Kansas City’s cultural heart. It’s here that you’ll find
great places for drinks, delicious food, and a place to
rest your gallery going feet.
ABOVE: Hammerpress' Brady Vest
designed a series of posters for Beck, KT
Tunstall and Spoon-Davenport in Iowa.
DON'T LET THE SIZE OF THE DISTRICT SCARE YOU OFF!
FIRST FRIDAYS
FEATURE FREE
TROLLEY RIDES
RIGHT: Hammerpress is located right inside
of the Crossroad District of Kansas City.
They are a letterpress company that make
all sorts of letterpress greeting cards, gift
cards, notebooks and other paper goods.
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 29 /
IT’S BECOMING ONE OF THE GREATEST NEIGHBORHOODS KANSAS CITY HAS EVER HAD.”
/ 30 / ALOFT.COM
06 America: Now and Here— A Cross-Country Journey of Art and Ideas
5.06.11 5:00 PM – 5.27.11 2:00 PM
Inspired by all great American journeys, America: Now and Here
(ANH) delivers a traveling celebration of America. Envisioned
by Eric Fischi and led by more than 150 of our country’s most
celebrated artists, the goal of ANH is to bring people together, to
inspire respectful conversation about America through the shared
experience of art, and to renew our appreciation for exploration,
creativity and innovation as individuals, communities and a nation.
12
Symphonic Quixotic6:00 PM - 9:00 PMJoin Symphonic Quixotic in the Crossroads on First Friday. In
addition to pop-up performances throughout the Crossroads,
we’ll be headquartered at the Leedy-Voulkos Arts Center, 2010
Baltimore. Secure you ickets to see Symphonic Quixotic at the
Lyric Theatre on May 13th & 14th and save $5 per ticket, only
by purchasing at Leedy-Voulkos on First Friday!
Crossroads of Culture Film Series:Social, Cultural & Economic Intergration: Part 4!
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
“Rain in a Dry Land -A Deeply Felt Humanist Tale,” is a verité
feature documentary chronicling two years in the lives of two
Somali Bantu families as they journey from Africa to America.
It is a story of time travel, culture shock, a leap from the nine-
teenth to the twenty-first century as these subsistence farmers
find themselves in a mysterious and confusing land.
24 Think Big Kansas City
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Think Big Kansas City is back this year so rev up your startup
engines, entrepreneurs, because we are providing you with
a jam-packed day full of experts who have seen it all—the
ups-and-downs of entrepreneurship, the twists-and-turns of
business steps and the ins-and-outs of becoming a success. We
will provide the inspiration, education and motivation. The only
thing we ask you to bring is your aspiration and perspiration.
The 1st Annual Crossroads Derby Pub Crawl will take
place on May 7th, from 2:00 - 7:00 pm and will feature five
Crossroads bars: The Cashew, Grunauer, Tannin Wine Bar &
Kitchen, Willie's and Retro Downtown!
07 Derby Pub Crawl
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
| FIRST FRIDAY
IT’S A VIBRANT AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY THAT WELCOMES ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND ALL FORMS OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
“
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
/ 32 / ALOFT.COM
URBAN URBAN URBAN SHOPPING:SHOPPING:SHOPPING:SHOPPING:
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 33 /
Retailers are constantly striving to distinguish themselves from
the competition. One way to do this is by targeting a specific audience.
With addresses in swank locations such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica,
Santa Barbara and Atlanta’s Buckhead, Anthropologie caters to the
upscale customer who doesn’t want to wear the same clothes or decorate
their home with the same things as everyone else.
/ 34 / ALOFT.COM
anthropologie| URBAN SHOPPING
“It was designed to appeal to a 20 to
40-something affluent suburban or
urban couple or individual who wants
to differentiate themselves from the
masses,” says Wade McDevitt, exclu-
sive tenant representative for the chain.
“They’ve read Metropolitan Home and
Wallpaper. They want to own something
in their home that no one else would
have and that would be a conversation
piece. They’re aware of style and buy
what’s perceived as the latest fashion.”
Anthropologie sells a wide range of mer-
chandise including women’s apparel,
accessories, gifts, furniture and home
furnishings through its stores, catalog,
and website. Exclusivity and uniqueness
are the watchwords for the company.
Buyers travel throughout Europe, India
and the Far East to find inspiration for
limited quantity designs and rare one-
of-a-kind items. Within the store are
Indian hand-beaded picture frames, a
hand-painted floral sconce based on a
1940s Italian original, glazed Japanese
ceramics, and a rattan and teak British
colonial sleigh bed. Prices range from
the affordable—$7 for vegetable soap—
to the luxurious—$12,000 for an an-
tique Breton armoire.
THEY WANT TO OWN SOMETHING
IN THEIR HOME THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD HAVE AND
THAT WOULD BE A CONVERSATION
PIECE.
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
“We do buy some produced pieces of
furniture, but we also buy a significant
number of what we call found objects,”
McDevitt explains. “We have a team of
buyers who spend the entire year travel-
ing around the world going to antique
stores, flea markets and small towns in
the U.K. and India looking for pieces.
They send crate after crate back on the
steamers and we distribute those ob-
jects to the stores and then merchandise
around the found objects.” Anthropolo-
gie is designed to follow the customers
of its parent company, the east Phila-
delphia-based Urban Outfitters, into the
/ 36 / ALOFT.COM
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 37 /
next phase of their lives. Whereas Urban Outfitters targets an
18-28 year-old student or graduate in their first apartment,
Anthropologie customers have moved into a home and are al-
ready successful in their careers. Their affluence allows them
to nurture their desire for the new, different and fashionable.
“They don’t want to wear the same thing everyone has on as
they’re walking down the street,” says McDevitt. “It’s someone
who is curious and worldly.” Most stores are 10-12,000 sq. ft.,
with a few running as large as 15-18,000 sq. ft. Each location
has its own merchandiser and its own budget for props to as-
sist in building a unique appearance. Even though each An-
thropologie may have distinct merchandise and a somewhat
singular feel, the stores do maintain a certain consistency in
their look. For example, along the wall of each store can be
found a series of vignettes that create small rooms separated
by five-foot walls. One may be a living room, the next a bed-
room or a general store. This look and feel encourages cus-
tomers to come in and linger. The average shopping time is
more than forty to forty-five minutes.
“We’re also very sensitive to each environ-
ment,” says McDevitt. “What consumers
are buying in Santa Monica may be dif-
ferent from what they’re buying in New
York or Atlanta.” In addition, the company
doesn’t view other chains such as Pottery
Barn or Pier 1 Imports as its competition,
but “the one of a kind boutiques because
they tend to have the most creativity and are
the least prototypical.”
anthropologie URBAN SHOPPING |
DESIRE FOR THE NEW, DIFFERENT AND FASHIONABLE.
/ 38 / ALOFT.COM
Since its launch in 1992, the chain has
opened 21 stores, and has plans to build
six to eight new locations this year in cities
such as San Francisco and Cincinnati.
“We rarely do malls,” explains McDevitt.
“Our preference is to be on the street. In a
suburban market we want to be in a village
atmosphere that has pedestrian as well as
vehicular traffic. When we’re in a market
that doesn’t offer a true downtown village
environment, the next best thing would
be the mall.” Company officials believe
that the more than $230 million in annual
sales generated by Anthropologie and Ur-
ban Outfitters proves that they have found
a niche that defies the mass market taste.
With expansion underway, the concept of
selling to the fashionably adventurous seems
to be a success.
Gem & Tooth Necklace$36
Papercraft$25
Porcelain Floral Measuring Cups$18
Rose Flip Flops$68
KimChi Blu Dress$104
THEY HAVE FOUND A NICHE THAT DEFIES THE MASS MARKET TASTE.
Visit anthropologie.com to shop and find store locations near you.
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 39 /
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ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 41 /
There are several fad diets that will lead
to successful weight loss if you follow them ex-
actly as they are designed. That doesn’t mean
every food that fits into a diet is a healthy food,
but it does mean you have to change your eat-
ing patterns to fit the diet’s rules.
/ 42 / ALOFT.COM
You’ve heard an apple a day will
keep the doctor away. While it
will certainly take more than a
daily apple to keep you healthy,
it is a step in the right direction.
APPLES
|| HEALTHY FRUITS
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 43 /
Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories,
a natural mouth freshener, and they are still very inexpensive.
Apples are source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble
fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol build-
up in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the inci-
dent of arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The insoluble fiber
provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse
and move food quickly through the digestive system.
It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of
the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the
skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple’s
fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they
ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor.
There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today,
although most people have only tasted one or two of the most
popular such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Apples can
be sweet, tart; soft and smooth, or crisp and crunchy, depend-
ing on the one you choose. There are apples to suit everyone’s
taste, so why not choose one. Have an apple today!
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For the very best results, half of
a grapefruit must be consumed
before eating a meal. It aids in
the body’s fat burning abilities.
CONSUMING CITRUS REGULARLY ENHANCES A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
“
CITRUS
| HEALTHY FRUITS
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 45 /
Citrus fruits are also great for weight reduction. They’re
properly acknowledged to include antioxidants that assist the
physique fight cells which can harm important organs of the
physique. Several of us aren’t aware that citrus fruits are also
fat fighters. When citrus fruits are taken, fat can be dissolved
and removed out of the body. It is a hidden mechanism ex-
actly where citrus can be of excellent support to obese men
and women who are reducing their weight. It is also advisable
to drink of 1-2 lemon juice per day for far more successful out-
comes. Remember don’t drink canned juice, often drink fresh
ones. Canned products already have preservatives which can
harm your body and these goods are not usually effective, too.
Grapefruit is widely utilized by obese individuals who are aim-
ing for a wholesome and fit body. With daily grape take, you
happen to be assured of a natural and safe weight-loss. Stud-
ies showed that eating half grapefruit every day will present
enzymes which can block the storage of excess fat and carbo-
hydrate inside the physique. Grapefruit also has the body fat
burning capabilities so larger odds of
losing excess weight are expected. Con-
sidering that grapefruit is 90% water,
water ingestion will also be enhanced
which improves metabolism resulting
to lesser weight amongst obese men
and women.
Grapefruit is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, while oranges are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
/ 46 / ALOFT.COM
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer.
| HEALTHY FRUITS
Strawberries alternatively
are believed to be powerful in
weight-loss. Eating a bowl of
fresh strawberries ever day will
make you shed excess weight
since they are naturally sweet
without saturated fats.
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 47 /
Why not make an effort to eat a number
of these fruits to determine its effect in
your weight? Retain this in mind, star-
vation is just not the important thing to
losing excess weight. Weight-loss can
only be accomplished with proper diet
plan and standard exercising.
Strawberries are also low in calories and
are great sources of Vitamin C. So, what
have you been waiting for? Have a bowl
of strawberries now!
Whatever sort of fruit you select for your
diet regime you have to keep in mind
that consuming the correct amount will
give you the excellent final results. Natu-
ral way of losing excess weight may be
the safest of all.
STRAWBERRIES ARE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF MINERALS AND VITAMINS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.
“
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THE BRIEF WAS SIMPLE AND OPEN-ENDED:
G
Offer an emotional design critique of an iconic toy.
Most of the designers, creative directors, authors,
educators, curators, and entrepreneurs we enlist-
ed chose objects from their childhood, articulat-
ing the smart design thinking behind these time-
less playthings while also recalling what their
treasured toys meant to them personally. The
result is a survey of approaches to designing for
play that provides insights into how childhood
fun informs adult design practice.
T YOS T O R
I E S
design cribs | tad carpenter
| TOY STORIES
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
THE RESULT IS A SURVEY OF APPROACHES TO DESIGNING FOR PLAY THAT PROVIDES INSIGHTS INTO HOW CHILDHOOD FUN INFORMS ADULT DESIGN PRACTICE.
/ 50 / ALOFT.COM
NAEF TOYSJOHN MAEDAGraphic designer; author, The Laws of Simplicity; president, Rhode Island School of Design
The beautiful thing about the toys
made by the Swiss company Naef is
that they’re beautiful without being
too beautiful, perfect without being
too perfect. They can hold their own
on any designer’s bookshelf, but
their true beauty is in the fact that
they’re not just modernist objects but
true playthings. You know a toy is
a toy when you give it to a child and
something happens. When I give
these toys to my children, they’re
stimulated—the objects can be
combined in unexpected forms; they
offer experiments in complex systems.
Naef toys can be messed up, and that’s
why they’re great.
CRAYONSSYD MEADVisual futurist for Tron and Blade Runner
My toys were Binney & Smith crayons.
One night when I was 4, I dreamt that
at the end of our driveway there was a
big pile of crayons, paper, and pencils. I
woke up, pulled on my pants, and went
out the kitchen door and down the drive-
way. The pile of crayons and pencils was
not there, and I was disappointed for the
whole day.
LITE BRITETODD BRACHERCreative director, Georg Jensen; product designer, Fritz Hansen; and owner, Todd Bracher Studio
How can you not love it? It’s a little
chunk of plastic and a light bulb, and
somehow it’s totally magic. It’s really
simple, really low-tech, but you get the
creative emotional bang. It really trans-
ports you somewhere. Toys are de-
signed to use and learn from and then
throw out, but this one’s different—it’s
up to you to contribute, so it’s an
infinite resource.
| TOY STORIES
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
MATCHBOX CARSMICHAEL BIERUTPartner, Pentagram
We just moved, and I found this little
collection of matchbox cars that I’ve
had since I was 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, so these
go back to the early ’60s. I just like
these things. The original ones were
made by the British manufacturing
company Lesney. They literally came
in little matchboxes and looked like
they were made out of hard-core cast
iron. They didn’t feel like toys; they felt
like machined objects, like they had
been smelted in furnaces. Plus, they
were charmingly detailed and vaguely
exotic: a London double-decker bus,
delivery vans with peculiar foreign
words on them. At that point, I’d seen
Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady; my
mother’s side of the family was all Irish
and Scottish, so it was a connection to
a world that was really different from
Cleveland, Ohio.
ONE QUICKLY TIRES OF OVERLY DESIGNED TOYS, BUT ONE NEVER TIRES OF ONE’S OWN IDEAS.
PLAY-DOHHARRY ALLENProduct and interior designer and president, Harry Allen Design
I loved everything about Play-Doh: the
soft thud it made inside the can, the
paper packaging (replaced by plastic in
the ’80s), its extruded shape when you
first took it out, the color, the taste, and
the smell. It begged me to get creative.
Play-Doh taps into something primal:
the instinct to fashion things out of a
lump of soft, moldable material. I think
of all the early ceramics in museums
and my new niece, who will grab and
squeeze anything. A simple act, yet so
satisfying. The possibilities are endless.
/ 52 / ALOFT.COM
I think the cat’s cradle is a great metaphor for a
child’s anticipation of growing into someone
different. But with its all-too-brief moments of
stability and frequent collapses, you could say
that it is also like the 21st century our kids will
inherit. Except that it has no century. Played
for generations, the cat’s cradle has survived
without packaging, marketing, or updating. It’s
the design equivalent of oral tradition. Only the
names of its seven configurations—known as
Cradle, Candles, Clock, Diamonds, Fish-in-a-
Dish, Manger, and Soldier’s Bed in the West—
change from culture to culture. With Soldier’s
Bed called Mountain Cat in Japan and Diamonds
referred to as Cow’s Eyeballs in Korea, it’s clear
that the stories plucked from the standard string
repertoire are in the eyes of the beholders.
A lesson in economy of means,
intimate collaboration, and
mutating geometries, the cat’s
cradle may have been my first
introduction to design as prod-
uct-cum-process. No trips to
Toys “R” Us required—the only
equipment needed is a piece of
string and four hands.
CAT’S CRADLESUSAN YELAVICH Assistant professor, Parsons School of Design, and author, Contemporary World Interiors
| TOY STORIES
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 53 /
I THINK THE CAT’S CRADLE IS A GREAT METAPHOR FOR A CHILD’S ANTICIPATION OF GROWING INTO SOMEONE DIFFERENT.
G
/ 54 / ALOFT.COM
| TOY STORIES
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 55 /
Early on, I preferred to draw and make models rather than play
with toys. I loved making wire-frame drawings and algorithmic
art with a Spirograph. I was obsessed with templates—patterns
and soft forms created by mathematical theorems spoke to my
personal aesthetic early on. At first, I wanted to grow up to
be a mathematician, then a painter, then a combination, like
Yaacov Agam or Victor Vasarely.
KARIM RASHID / Industrial Designer
SPIROGRAPH
I WAS OBSESSED WITH TEMPLATES—PATTERNS
AND SOFT FORMS CREATED BY MATHEMATICAL THEOREMS
SPOKE TO MY PERSONAL AESTHETIC EARLY ON.
IPHONE APP | FINGER SPIRO+
SPIN FROM YOUR PHONE
As with physical Spirographs, in Finger Spiro+ you have a choice between different sized ro-tors, each of which, based on its size, produces lines of a different curve and degree (you may download more rotors (or gears) for a price if you desire).
freshfruity
frappaccino
we’ve always been crazy about coffee so we created the...
100% of our espresso beans are now fairtrade certified
/ 58 / ALOFT.COM
1
2
going green / herbs| BODY & SOUL
Give your cooking —not
to mention your family’s
health—a boost with these six
culinary herbs.
HERBS
You don’t need a culinary-school degree to
understand the value of fresh herbs. They
brighten up the flavors of everything from
soups to desserts. But what’s less appreci-
ated is the nutritional value these coveted
seasonings bring to the table. The aromatic
leaves offer potent little doses of antioxi-
dants and vitamins--and not a drop of salt or
fat. Eat them regularly to enhance a healthy
diet that helps protect you against cancer
and heart disease.
As any good cook knows, herbs are often
the essential ingredients that coax the fin-
est flavors out of any meal. In most cases,
fresher is better, and even the smallest gar-
den can provide a selection of pot-to-pan
varieties. Here is a short list of must-haves:
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 59 /
3
4
5
6
1. thyme / 2. chives / 3. oregano/ 4. vera lavender / 5. micro beet greens / 6. rosemary
/ 60 / ALOFT.COM
Fragrant thyme can be used fresh or
dried and has a slight lemony-mint
aroma and taste. Thyme is often used
in soups, chowders, stews, sauces
and stuffings. It also goes well with
lima beans, potatoes, squash, toma-
toes, eggs and croquettes, as well as
a variety of meats, poultry and fish.
Thyme is a small, stiff plant with
oval, grayish-green leaves; its lilac
flowers grow in small clusters.
Fresh chives have the best flavor. Use
snipped, chopped chives anytime
you want to add the taste of onion in
a milder form. When cooking, add
fresh or freeze-dried chives at the
end to preserve the flavor. Bright,
dark-green chives grow in clumps
and have slender, grass-like leaves.
Oregano can be used fresh or dried. It
has a warm aroma and robust flavor
that is popular in Italian, Greek, Span-
ish and Mexican dishes. It is frequent-
ly added to vegetables, (especially pep-
pers and tomatoes), soups, stews, meat
pies, pasta sauces, shellfish dishes,
stuffings, dumplings, herb scones and
breads, as well as fish, roast beef, lamb,
chicken and pork.
1 3
2
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
going green / herbs| BODY & SOUL
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 61 /
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The aromatic evergreen rosemary
has a pine-like, slightly lemony flavor
and aroma. It blends well with other
herbs and spices, especially garlic
and thyme, and can be used as a sea-
soning. Rosemary plants grow gray-
green, needle-like leaves that remain
evergreen in mild winter climates.
Beet greens contain a larger amount
of nutrients than beet roots. The
greens are richer in iron, calcium,
and Vitamins A and C. Beet roots
are an excellent source of folic acid
and a very good source of manga-
nese, potassium, and fiber. Both the
greens and roots are a good source of
phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and
vitamin B6.
Lavender can be used medicinally
as an effective remedy to combat the
following conditions: Restlessness,
insomnia, abdominal complaints,
rheumatism, and loss of appetite. Lav-
ender fragrance is used as a soothing
stress reliever, and also helps cases of
insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Micro beet greens
4 6
5
Vera lavender
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM
MODERN + VINTAGEAn inside look at designer/illustrator Tad Carpenter, and his wife Jessica’s renovated living space.
PRIOR TO GETTING MARRIED, this home in Rivermarket
— Kansas City, Missouri’s historic district — had been
illustrator Tad Carpenter’s bachelor pad for several years.
Before designer Jessica moved in, the couple renovated the
apartment, which is located in an 1905 building that was
originally occupied by the Helping Hands Association, a
program that provided shelter and education for those in
need. The couple loves the juxtaposition of modern and
vintage and has paired their modern furniture, lighting
and artwork with vintage collections ranging from old film
posters or paintings to hand-painted trade signs and toys.
designer cribs / tad carpenter| SPACES & PLACES
/ 62 / ALOFT.COM
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 63 /
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ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
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POPULAR CULTURE FOR THE URBAN DWELLER
ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /
WE'RE SAVIN’ TREESSUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT ALOFT.COM|
|
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM
It’s a good point...
Delivering clean, delicious water from your kitchen faucet.
Keegan Meegan Press and Bindery was founded by Katy
Meegan and Keegan Wenkman, two amazing printmakers
that have a real passion for antique presses! Besides tending to
the lovely and impressive machinery gracing their workshop,
the two are raising funds to preserve a Historic 1950’s Chan-
dler and Price press. What really sets Keegan Meegan apart
from other print shops is their beautiful, hand-illustrated let-
terpress and their incredibly personal approach towards new
projects. Each new endeavor comes with a set of thoughtful
questions and friendly consultation, so
that prints can be as distinctive as possible;
especially in the case of weddings invita-
tions. Katy and Keegan have been printing
as Keegan Meegan since 2007, and their
spacious print shop on the Southeast Wa-
terfront is full of magical presses, drawers
of lead type, and a sweet-hearted Black Lab
named Roxy.
keegan meegan| FEATURED NEXT MONTH
PREVIEW:KEEGAN MEEGAN
KATY MEEGAN AND KEEGAN WENKMAN
WORKING ON A CURRENT PROJECT.
/ 70 / ALOFT.COM
/ 22 / ALOFT.COM