Retrospective Pattern Laptop Sling

This particular BUILT Laptop Sling features Alexander Girard’s “Retrospective” pattern and fits a 14 – 15” laptop. As you can see in the picture, a 15” MacBook Pro (even with a protective hard-shell on it) fits snugly in this laptop sling. It may not look big enough to fit a 15” laptop at first, but the material stretches to custom fit the laptop. The unique hourglass shape is designed to secure the laptop in place.

Unique Hourglass Shape

The laptop sling feels cushy and seems to protect the laptop well during use. The laptop sling is made from extra thick protective neoprene (the wetsuit material). Neoprene was developed by DuPont in 1931 as a substitute for rubber. It is known to be tough, water resistant, stain resistant, and flexible – doesn’t it sound like a perfect material to protect a laptop?

Perfect Fit

The laptop sling (available in two sizes: 12 – 13” and 14 – 15”) comes in three patterns: January, La Fonda and Retrospective (shown). The interior features Girard print as well. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and a “LOVE” heart charm. This laptop sling can be hand washed if necessary. Visit BUILT website for more details.

Interior Print

Not in a market for a laptop bag? BUILT also offers Shoulder Bag, Lunch Purse, and Digital Case in the three colorful Alexander Girard patterns mentioned above. Check out their website to see their entire Alexander Girard collection.

BUILT + Alexander Girard Collection

Special thanks to: Deborah at BUILT

What was Good Design?

MoMA played an important role in promoting a “Good Design” concept that emerged in the 1930s and continued its development into mid century era. The “Good Design” concept represents the objects that are simple, functional, truth to materials, yet appealing to your eyes. MoMA promoted such concept through a series of five “What is Good Design?” exhibition between 1950-1955, as well as various competitions such as “Printed Textiles for the Home” (1946), “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture” (1948) and “New Lamps” (1950). 

Examples of Good Design Furniture

The exhibit includes iconic mid century modern furniture pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and Hans Wegner; lighting by George Nelson, textiles by Alexander Girard; dinnerware by Russell Wright; and numerous other familiar objects including kitchen tools, small appliances, a fishing rod, and even an ax! The exhibition is currently running through November 30, 2009. It is well worth a visit along with other great exhibitions.

Eames Be@rbricks

Be@abrick (Bearbrick) is a bear-shaped collectible figure created by a Japanese company called MediCom Toy Inc. It is a variation of Kubrick figures, also by created the same company. The figure was first introduced in 2001 as a freebie to visitors of the World Character Convention 12. Since then, Medicom Toy has released numerous Be@rbrick in different designs, sizes and materials. As far as mid century modern designs in Be@rbricks go, Medicom Toy has released Eames and Alexander Girard designs so far.

Alexander Girard, International Love Heart 1000%

The figure is basically a plastic bear with a big head, pot belly and short legs – I don’t know how else to describe it. Each figure consists of nine parts: head, torso, arms, hands, hips and legs. Each part is movable, so you can shape it however you want (to a certain point, of course). The standard size is seven centimeters high, which referred to as “100%.” Some other available sizes are: 50% (four centimeters high), 70% (five centimeters high), 400% (28 centimeters high) and 1000% (70 centimeters high).

Be@rbricks are most often released in “series.” Each series features 18 figures in 10 different themes. Each theme has names and the percentage of getting a certain theme varies: Basic, Cute, Jellybean, Pattern, Flag, Horror, SF, Animal, Artist and Secret Artist. They are sold individually packed in small boxes. The box does not indicate which figure is included, so you do not know what is inside until you open the box. The frequency of the figures vary theme to theme, “Basic” being the most frequent (14.58%)and “Secret” being the least frequent (1.04%). Each box costs 380 yen that is about a little less than 4 US dollars. Medicom Toy also releases Be@rbrick figures outside of the “series” by collaborating with various companies and artists around the world.

Alexander Girard, Love Heart Be@rbricks 100% and 400%

Below is a list of Be@rbrick figures that are related to mid century modern:

At Herman Miller, Girard successfully introduced a new concept in textile design with his vibrant color palette and playful patterns inspired by traditional folk art he cherished. In early 1950s, fabrics were merely functional, but they tended to be dull and plain. His textile designs complemented the furniture designs of his fellow mid century modern designers, Charles Eames and George Nelson. Girard’s work at Herman Miller continued until 1975, designing hundreds of fabrics as a result. He also developed a seating collection for the company between 1967 and 1968. Originals from this collection are rare and highly desirable among many collectors today.

Apart from Herman Miller, Girard designed three restaurants in 1960’s: the La Fonda del Sol restaurant, in New York City; the L’Etoile Restaurant, also in New York City; and the Compound Restaurant, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He also contributed in a design project of Braniff Airlines in mid 1960’s, totally redesigning everything from the condiment packets to the planes themselves. During 1960’s, Girard and his wife Susan moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he founded the Girard Foundation to manage more than 100,000 pieces of his folk art collection. This enormous collection was donated to the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe in 1978 and recognized as the world’s largest folk art collection today.

After retiring from the design industry, many of Girard’s designs fell into disuse. Partnering with the Estate of Alexander Girard, a company called máXimo reintroduced Girard’s designs in 2000. Products available today include fabrics, cushions, wooden dolls, toys and carpet tiles. Girard’s unique, colorful and charming designs remain fresh and vibrant and are still cherished by many people today.