Design Miami/ Launches a Ukraine Benefit Fundraiser, and Other News

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Design Miami/ Launches a Ukraine Benefit Fundraiser Series

As the Russia-Ukraine War enters month two, designers such as Marcin Rusak and Alex Proba have stepped up to raise urgently needed money for the humanitarian crisis. The latest creative force to join is Design Miami/, which has launched a multi-part initiative called Design for Ukraine in collaboration with Anava Projects. 

The fundraiser’s first phase sees the collectible design fair partner with Canadian lighting brand Bocci, whose co-founder and creative director, Omer Arbel, donated $150,000 worth of signature pieces to Design Miami/’s curated design platform DMBX. The pieces, some created specifically for the fundraiser, range from colorful glassware to limited-edition glass chandeliers. All proceeds will be donated to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, which provides humanitarian aid and support to the country’s most vulnerable populations.

A new education wing will open the American Museum of Natural History next winter.

“In 2014, when the American Museum of Natural History first announced plans for a major expansion devoted to science, the museum president, Ellen V. Futter, talked about the ‘gap in the public understanding of science at the same time when many of the most important issues have science as their foundation.’ Now, in a world that has been transformed by the mounting dangers of climate change and the coronavirus pandemic, that concern has become ever more pressing, Futter said, and it has informed the construction of the museum’s $431 million Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, the finer details of which were unveiled on Monday, along with a new opening date of next winter.” —[H/T The New York Times]

Two men own up to an NFT “rug pull” scam that defrauded buyers out of $1.1 million.

“US government prosecutors have charged two men with fraud and money laundering over a cryptocurrency “rug pull” scheme. Ethan Nguyen and Andre Llacuna allegedly earned around $1.1 million by selling non-fungible tokens (or NFTs) based on cartoon-like characters called “Frosties.” After selling the NFTs, they shut down the project and transferred its funds to a series of separate crypto wallets, leaving Frosties owners bereft of promised rewards.” —[H/T The Verge]

In a sanctions reprisal, Russia has seized millions worth of Audemars Piguet watches. 

“Russian agents seized millions of dollars worth of Audemars Piguet watches in Moscow in an apparent retaliation for Swiss sanctions banning luxury goods exports, Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag reported. The pricey watches were seized from the firm’s local premises by special agents from Russia’s FSB, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with a confidential Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs memo.” —[H/T Bloomberg]

Masquespacio designs a Milanese burger bar inspired by a pool changing room. 

Known for its use of vibrant hues and geometric shapes, Valencia–based studio Masquespacio has applied its signature touch to an unlikely new recipient: a burger bar. Located in Milan’s Brera district, Bun’s pastel-washed aesthetic draws inspiration from a mythical swimming pool locker room. The result is a Wes Anderson–style world of lilac booths, sage green counters, pink flowers, and a psychedelic mirrored dining area with porthole-style lights in the back that evokes an underwater effect.   

Studio Gang’s first-ever project in Canada mimics the design of German beach chairs.

“Studio Gang’s first foray north of the border has produced a noteworthy new design in the form of Toronto’s One Delisle. The residential tower is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will feature a collection of penthouses on the upper three floors each spanning either one-half or one-third of the dynamic, 16-sided facade. The studio drew its inspiration for the distinctive penthouse terraces from a traditional German beach chair design called a Strandkorb.” —[H/T Archinect]

Jeff Koons will launch a series of sculptures into space as part of his foray into NFTs.

“Jeff Koons—who holds the record for highest auction price for a work by a living artist—hopes to take his pop art sculptures to even greater heights later this year when he launches a series of physical artworks into space, part of his first foray into non-fungible tokens. The series, “Jeff Koons: Moon Phase,” are physical sculptures that will be carried to the Moon’s surface aboard a Nova-C Lunar Lander designed by private space company Intuitive Machines, according to the Pace Gallery, which represents Koons.” —[H/T Forbes]

Today’s attractive distractions:

A sustainably minded toilet paper brand is giving out a year’s worth of free wipes.

Fashion designer David Koma shares the inspiration for Beyoncé’s Oscars dress.

Bids on a signed pair of sneakers signed by Virgil Abloh are exceeding $18,000.

Stranded patients may appreciate a novel gravity jet suit that’s fit for paramedics.