The Matreshka Russian Nesting Doll Light Changing Chair.

Russian Nesting dolls continue to inspire design in everything from housewares to furniture. Way back in 2008, I wrote a post about Matryoshka Madness and the glut of items honoring the traditional Russian dolls. Then again, in 2009, I followed it up with another Matryoshka related post. As I was getting preparing to publish yet a third, I came across this.



The Matreshka Light Chair by brothers Georgi and Peter Slokoski is a patented innovative product that combines functionality, comfort and whimsy. Inspired by the form of the emblematic Russian doll Matreshka (also referred to as Matryoshka, Babushka or Russian Nesting Dolls), the chair, made of fiberglass, was just introduced this month and will be available for pre-order in May.





The soft curves of the female body come to life in the form of fiberglass in two main colors – white and black:



Not only is the chair a unique shape, but, it's a functional lamp, too. The built-in LED RGB lighting in its upper part can be remotely controlled (and it fades in and out) and allows thousands of color combinations, including white for reading. The base allows endless 360° rotation in both directions.



The chair invites and embraces you, it enhances and dominates your emotions. Touching the chair is a discovery – you subside into a harmony of immaculately chosen materials, skillfully amplified by comfort and functionality.

Beginning next month (May 2011), you can pre-order the chair here
all images and info courtesy of Slokoski.com

Sorry Barbie, But Compared To Mooqla Dolls, You're Just PWT*

If you don't know Mooqla dolls, you're about to be introduced to a series of exotically featured handmade silicone encased plastic dolls clad in the hippest of fashions. They make even Couture Barbie look like some serious *poor white trash.

With delicate features and an almost pensive, sometimes sullen look, they are simultaneously beautiful and macabre.





Made in Russia by the talented Polina Voloshina, the collection consists of several different 'girls' whose fashions are simply fabulous. The detailing is incomparable and the craftsmanship in both the doll and the clothing is very impressive.





A little American goth, a little Japanese animé, a little French fashion and a lot of Russian craftsmanship and ... voila! Dolls that are stunning, bizarre and yes, expensive.

Meet the girls.
Summer Sonya:




Victoria:



Julia:



Maria:




Eve:





Summer Lora:



Lora:



Summer Maya:



Maya:



Emilie:



Tanya:



Summer Tanya:



Sonya:



Anna:



Summer Anna:



Summer Lisa:




Who's behind these creatures?

above: Moscow artist and creator Polina Voloshina

How the dolls are made.

The doll begins with a drawing by Polina:

then a head is crafted:

a silicone encased plastic body that articulates in nine ways is created:


the doll is then sanded and polished to perfection:

and then clad in stunningly designed fashion ensembles, complete with accessories.

The accessory detailing is really incredible:




Prices start at approximately $350.00 USD for the dolls. Additional outfits start at $79.00 USD.

In France, you can purchase them here.


The newest addition is Bunny:

Or you can buy them from their online store here.

Their logo and corporate identity were designed by the talented art.lebedev studio where you can also purchase some of the dolls.