Cool Stuff: Cardboard Designs and Clothes that Transfrom

This week I came across two really interesting topics: One on cardboard designs from furniture to sculptures and art and one on multifunctional clothing items - jackets that turn into tents and the like.

It is really amazing how creative people can get with everyday objects. Cardboard is strong enough for all furniture items including beds, sofas and wall units in the house and even office furniture. Because it is sturdy and can be laminated to make it water- and spill proof, cardboard furniture is even geared for kids. Also, it is completely made from recycled or recyclable materials, so one can be stylish and environmentally conscious. Here's my cardboard article with more pictures of a Dutch advertising office made fully from cardboard, an artist who makes life-size cardboard cars, pianos and everyday objects and cool kids' furniture.

Oh, and while writing, I started humming "Living in a box," that great '80s smash hit by Living in a box. So there may be side effects associated with the article... I haven't been able to get that song out of my head ever since. The video's on YouTube.

Transformers or dual-purpose clothing are amazing because they keep our spending and consumption low and reduce the number of things one has to lug around, for example when going camping. A few design students have come up with a jacket that turns into a tent and a raincoat that does the same.

But my favorite is the bra that turns into a shopping bag. Yes, a bra. It's a Japanese invention and makes you think who came up with this. I mean, who'd take off their bra while shopping and then coolly start turning it into a bag? Has anyone thought of the logistics? In any case, cool stuff and here's more information: t-shirts that turn into bags or cocktail dresses, a jacket that's also a bag and pillow (perfect for the office) and other useful ideas.

Now, I guess from bras it's just a short way to a related subject: Eve Ensler's play "Vagina Monologues" (thanks Brijesh, for the comment). I've seen it thrice now under different circumstances: First in 2000 as part of the Feminist Expo where Eve Ensler was playing all the parts herself. It was mind blowing and the energy in the room was unbelievable! Then I saw it a few years after that as on off-Broadway production with different actors - fun, but the surprise effect was gone. And finally, about a year back, I saw it in the Indian context, which was amazing.

So, I guess the point I am trying to make is: See it whenever and wherever you can; the concept is just brilliant and very inspiring.

The image above, the condom church, is a sculpture by British cardboard artist Chris Gilmour.