Instead of a soap dispenser or a tray, soap-on-a-rope type contraptions are the norm in public bathrooms in S. Korea. This bar of soap shaped like a hand is an especially clever if not eery take. Wash your hands more.

The third Alessi to take over the Alessi Design Factory, Alberto Alessi has been credited with extending product offerings and making design more affordable for the masses. We met the man in charge a couple weeks back at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel in NYC for a short interview. An official Cool Hunting Capsule Video on the man and the family business is on its way, stay tuned.

Alessi is smart, on point, funny and deep. Above he is talking about idea generation and how Richard Sapper’s Melodic Tea Kettle (1983, below left) was developed. One of Alessi’s most successful products to date, it was followed up by a Michael Graves rendition that has also become one of their best selling items (1985, below right).

He comments, “the most perfectly designed object in the world is an egg, but then again it is made by the ass,” (in a thick italian accent).

With a stable of designers including the likes of the late Etorre Sotsass (condiment set, 1978 and cutlery set, 1987 above), Jasper Morrison, Stefano Giovanni and Alberto Mendini, it’s hard to go wrong with something from the Alessi Design Factory.

A behind the behind the scenes, na mean?

A few weeks back I met my childhood hero, his airness, Michael Jordan, for the launch of his Air Jordan 2009. Moving away from the roman numeral naming system, which fittingly stopped with the XX3, the Jordan Brand’s new naming convention will differentiate yearly releases—so next years will be the Air Jordan 2010.

A new innovation, Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT) is incorporated in the sole of the sneaker and is said to ensure a responsive feel on the court, while satin pleats and holograms add a very Jordan-like fashion statement. The world-wide release is marked for mid-February during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Purchase it for $190.

Last week I caught up with the Chicago-native and lead designer on the Air Jordan 2009, Jason Mayden (pictured above left). Starting as a design intern with the Jordan Brand, Mayden worked his way up the ranks and now proves to be a pivotal figure with the company going forward. A charismatic individual who works hard, keep an eye out for things to come from Mr. Mayden.

What was the inspiration for this shoe and how is it different than the past 23 varieties?
The way MJ played defense along with martial arts and fencing were the main inspirations for the shoe. I was also inspired by the luxury and sophistication of high fashion along with individuality and complexity of Chihuly blown-glass. I believe that the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the next chapter of the brand and a total embodiment of what we can do as a brand.

Why fencing?

Fencing is human chess–the ultimate defensive sport. It’s about positioning and moving your opponent so that you can overcome and defeat him. This is the way that MJ played defense. A lot has been made about his high-flying dunks and the 55 that he put on the Knicks in the Garden, but few people remember that he was an INCREDIBLE defensive player. He was on the all NBA Defensive First-Team nine times in his career.

How was it, as a Chicago native, to work with his Airness?
Being from Chicago, designing the AIR JORDAN 2009 is a dream come true.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Creating a new Jordan is like rewriting the US Constitution with each shoe being a living museum. The challenge is that you have to give consumers what they cannot envision. People notice Jordans because they are looking for them.

What are your thoughts on the new Kobe low-top shoe?

Nike is always innovative and on the next level so it doesn’t come as a surprise. I don’t know about low-tops for the NBA, but his viral campaign for the shoe is off the chain. I laughed so hard that I cried when I saw him on top of that horse!

What’s next for you, the Jordan Brand and Jordan 2010?
You are going to have to wait and see. But the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the best thing that you will buy this year.

I’ve been looking for a bath mat for some time now and I think this might be the one. Designed by Nguyen La Chanh, the steam and water drippings that all bathrooms experience is enough to keep this piece of turf alive.

Soft and cushy when dry, if you can avoid it from getting too soggy I’m sure it would feel pretty good to step out on after a shower. Most likely one of the first forms of plant life to show up on earth, placing it in the modern day bathroom offers an interesting dichotomy.

A living and breathing addition to an otherwise stale room, the moss will also filter air keeping the room a bit more fresh. I’m sure you could use a bit of that.

via Yanko