Earlier in the year our good friends at OHWOW published a book entitled Downtown for Democracy. The concept seemed very heartfelt and something beyond what we normally fill our lives with - whether that be style, art or design. Downtown for Democracy comes from a deeper space and a truly important cause. We wanted to explain more about the alliance, but also explain ways in which you can become involve. The Downtown for Democracy website gives you the option to donate funds directly, buy the book, or attend a series of dinners entitled 'Dining for Democracy' starting July 11th.

Adam Bryce

Winding ribbonlike from the hills down to the craggy Arctic coastline, the new Havoysund Rest Stop in Norway is reason to stop in itself. Designed by Reiulf Ramstad, the rest stop is intended to enhance the walk from the roadway to the ocean below, with its interesting snaking structure providing another point of interest for visitors to the region. As well as operating as a walk way, the rest stop also offers a barbecue area where tourists and locals alike can pause for a picturesque picnic.

Jack Smylie

Whatever Dries Van Noten does, he does it well - and this season it was camouflage. Adding to the ranks of designers who have used the pattern in recent collections, Van Noten paired it up with sharp midnight blue suits and down with silky white padded vests and shirts. The camo in question was a digitized version of the print and came down the runway in green, orange and blue variations. One might think it would induce a pattern-overload when paired with checks, but in actual fact the opposite occurred - it was actually rather calming.

Jack Smylie

Australian skincare brand Aesop has announced a physical presence in the Asian marketplace with stores in Tokyo and Yokohama, designed by Torafu Architects. The light and airy stores are designed to create an simple and natural experience for customers, who are welcome to linger and seek consultation on the wide array of available Aseop products.

Jack Smylie