Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

The pen is mightier than the sword… especially when it’s made of titanium! We’ve seen a massive influx of pen designs on Kickstarter, each competing aggressively with another, and it’s our responsibility to handpick the finest designs there are in this category, because with writing instruments, one only deserves the best.

The X-01 pen by Namisu is so focused on being a powerful writing tool, it channels minimalism in a way most luxury pens don’t. The Pen comes in a single material design, with grooves for gripping only where they are necessary. The pen is even devoid of branding because a remarkable writing experience is their brand. The casing of the pen is immaculately machined from a single metal block and you can choose from brass, aluminum (in comet grey and satin black), or satisfy the immortal penman in you by going for the Titanium X-01. Looking nothing short of a futuristic bullet casing, the X-01 comes built for Schmidt’s short rollerball refills (available widely in broad, medium and fine thicknesses).

The X-01 come in absolutely dapper looking jet black boxes (perfect for gifting, I say), and for a little more, you can even get your hands on the leather sleeve cases for the pen. The pens come in different weights, based on the metal. The lighter Aluminum makes for great lengthy writing sessions, while the heavy brass is perfect for signatures. The titanium however gives you the versatility of articulating thoughts, taking long notes, and the occasional signature or autograph.

Let’s remember… the keyboard may be the most popular writing tool today but significant moments are always immortalized in pen…

Designers: Adrien Cols & Maria Millan

BUY IT HERE: $44.00

The razor-thin Volkswagen 300 concept is so low profile that it’s unfeasible a human driver could get behind the wheel! But, that doesn’t mean it’s autonomous. Instead, the pilot drives the VW remotely using a virtual reality headset that provides an immersive experience as close to actual driving as possible. This entirely new take on racing puts humans out of harms way and makes it possible for an endless expansion of virtual tools to help reduce lap times and give drivers the winning edge.

Designer: Michael Dias

Unless you’re a surfer who lives within walking distance to the beach, you’ve gotta hide your stuff like keys and phone in a safe hiding spot where it won’t be stolen or picked up. Designed with this in mind, the First Smart Surfing Bag takes the stress out of stashing your stuff.

Worn comfortably across the upper body, it provides a convenient, safe place for your belongings without hindering movement. Better yet, there’s a spot for keeping snacks and even a water pouch for quenching your thirst. This means you can surf longer and harder without taking a break on land!

Designer: Alix Brassart

It’s hard to look at this flat and not be jealous of the people who get to call it home! Titled “33 Kinds of Joys of Life”, it’s the latest work from Taipei Base Design Center located in Taipei City, Taiwan.

Yes, the furnishings are stellar – a handsome chesterfield sofa, French chairs, modern “floating” TV, an old country style dining table, etc… but it’s the structure and layout itself that makes it stand out. It’s been thoughtfully designed to be as open and transparent as possible, avoiding barriers and bisecting walls wherever possible. Even the bedroom’s partition is an entire French window. The openness and immense amount of natural light allow for an interesting interior motif that’s surprisingly quite dark with calming tones of blue and grey.

Designer: Taipei Base Design Center