Amanda Wachob x ROAM Release Beetle-Inspired, Hand-Painted Luggage

Well known in the tattoo world, artist Amanda Wachob is going back to her painting roots for a collaboration with ROAM. The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection includes just 100 suitcases, each hand-painted by Amanda herself, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces of luggage in gradient shades of blue, purple, teal, green, and gold. Four years in the making, the collection is the first, limited edition hand-painted luggage.

The idea for the design came to Amanda while she was tattooing a scientist who studied beetles. Their intriguing iridescence led her to translate that same luminosity to luggage. To make it happen, Amanda went down to ROAM’s factory in Georgia where she painted 200 shells (two shells make one suitcase) with five to seven layers of paint. The labor-intensive process was well worth it when you see the results, as each one is its own piece of art. To make each suitcase even more unique, ROAM allows the customer to choose their own trim colors from Carolina Lilac, Kyoto Black, Venetian Green, Como Blue, and Ibiza Sky.

Two colorways are available: Cerulean, with blues and purples highlighted by radiant teal-green, and Noctorne, featuring black and purples with gold and green accents.

As with all ROAM luggage, each suitcase is made-to-order in the United States, which means no waste. Even the stitching is done by hand! The 100% U.S. virgin polycarbonate shells are durable and strong while also being lightweight – ideal for carry-on luggage.

The interior complements the vibrant exterior with an iridescent shimmering lining that’s washable. An interior compression system on each side allows for maximum storage, while a laundry pocket and two accessory pockets keep your goods organized.

The aircraft-grade aluminum handle can be set at four heights for easy handling, while four Hinomoto ball-bearing wheels make for seamless glides through airports.

Works by Amanda Wachob:

For those of us that have longed to get a tattoo by Amanda for years (she’s always had a very long waiting list), perhaps carrying her art around in a different way could suffice. You’ll definitely be part of a small group of people – 1 in 100 – to own one! The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection launches today at roamluggage.com with suitcases priced at $975. 

Hikawa iPhone Cases Are Uncomfortably Comfortable Sculptures for the Hand

“Currently, we design 3D ergonomic iPhone cases and custom toilet seats” may read like some random word salad spit out by the AI-operated ChatGPT, yet it is the genuinely strange descriptor greeting visitors at Bailey Hikawa’s site dedicated to the disparate category of objects. As weird as that may all seem, the designs themselves are even more surreal…

The self-taught industrial designer takes a sculptural approach to iPhone case design unlike any others out there. Far out there. How else could one describe the Ishi iPhone Case in Lil’ Shrimp as anything but a sizable gummy bear that seems to have indulged in enjoying a shrimp cocktail (or spaghetti) before melting into a slightly amorphous blob reminiscent of colorful indoor rock climbing wall grips? We’d imagine Matthew Barney would be rather envious of these designs.

Or how about the Geta Phone Case in Marigold, a large vented back design that operates as a very secure grip, phone stand, possibly the most protective case we’ve ever seen… and a pressure point massage tool?

My personal favorite is the Nami Phone Case in Onyx, a wavy gripped case made to order and amusingly Hikawa’s “slimmest phone case yet!” Not quite subtle, but compared to this eye-catching design, practically under-the-radar.

We’ll leave the toilet seat selection to your own imagination.

A Portland Apartment Undergoes Bold Transformation by Casework

What began as a kitchen renovation and floor replacement in 2021, turned into a major renovation of a condo in Southwest Portland, Oregon. Overhauled by Casey Keasler, founder of interior design studio Casework, the once dated apartment needed its spaces reevaluated to make it work for the long time owners. The results of the bold transformation have brought about a modern and fresh aesthetic seen throughout, most notably in the main living space.

The contemporary kitchen stands out with its cabinets painted soft Rushing River green by Benjamin Moore. Paired with the marbled Dolomite countertops, island, and backsplash, and walnut elements, the kitchen feels high end yet livable.

Casework worked with general contractors, Hammer & Hand, to complete the transformation, which was inspired by some of the homeowner’s favorite museums and spaces, including The Walker in Minneapolis, SFMOMA, Portland’s Snow Peak store, and Stockholm’s Ett Hem. The couple loves clean, contemporary interiors and the use of natural materials, which Keasler incorporated into their new space. The design theme can be broken down into three works – purposeful, clean, and cultivated.

White oak flooring throughout the main areas and bedrooms, lightened the overall appearance of the space.

The main bathroom is contemporary with a classic feel, thanks to the mix of the textured marble pattern, rich wood details, and clean, white and grey tiles.

Rich shades of blue outfit the main bedroom, alongside lighter elements like the flooring, headboard, nightstands, and art piece above the bed.

Photos by George Barberis.