Categories / Design and Interiors, Gadgets and Tech

Meet Dieter Rams at London’s V&A

Rams
Now here’s a rare treat – one of the godfathers of 20th century design is doing a ‘meet and greet’ at London’s V&A – Less, but Better with Dieter Rams.

We’ve featured numerous Dieter Rams products in the past, including the SK 55 stereo, the Vitsoe 620 chair and the Braun RT-20 radio. And he’s been widely acknowledged as the inspiration behind the majority of Apple’s designs.

Now in his late 70s, the designer will be discussing his ‘design ethos’ and ideas on the future of design. I suspect a few people in the field will be on the front row taking notes. The session takes place at the V&A’s Lecture Theatre on Friday 20th February 2009, admission is £8.

Find out more at the V&A website

Categories / Art and Photography, Gadgets and Tech

Blackbird Fly retro camera now available in the UK

Blackbird

We featured the Blackbird Fly when it hit the market in Japan, casting envious glances and hoping they just might find a way into the UK. Well, they just have.

Yes, you can now pick up one of these super-cool retro cameras before Christmas. Created by SuperHeadz, the camera is a modern take on the classic twin lens reflex Rolleiflex camera, but adapted to use 35mm film. And just like a vintage camera, you look down the top to find your shot, which is produced as an old school square image.

They are limited editions and already doing brisk business, so get in while you can – the price is £59.95.

Find out more at the Ikon website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

iPod Ghetto Blaster from Fred Flare

Ipod_ghetto_blaster

Eighties style ghetto blasters seem to be one of the most covetable sound design items of the moment, and the more garish the better. There are plenty of fun options for adapting your MP3 player or iPod into a full scale portable speaker system, and Fred Flare have thrown out another for the Christmas gift market.

This version is lightweight, affordable and looks great too. Opting for a more cartoonish representation of the must have breakdancing sound system, this is a really great gift idea for enthusiasts of eighties style. The spec includes adapters for different sized iPods (free with purchase), mic input, 12W speakers and a built in radio and clock.

It’s available online from Fred Flare now for $249.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Men's Fashion

Vintage Apple Mac cufflinks

Apple_cuffs

I can honestly say that these vintage Apple Mac cufflinks are the most geeky things we’ve ever featured on Retro To Go.

Yes, those are Apple Mac keys, but not just any Mac keys – they’re apparently taken from a rare circa 1980 Apple III integrated keyboard, a pricey of kit in its heyday, selling for up to $8,000 at the time. And now it’s just spares for fashion accessories.

They come gift boxed and are certain to light up the eyes of the geek in your life – price is $74.95.

Find out more at the Geekware website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

iStylophone now available to download for your iPhone

Istyl2

We got very excited when we first heard about it – and now iStylophone is available to download for your iPhone.

If you missed it first time around, this is a detailed recreation of the classic Stylophone – the original consumer-friendly electronic keyboard – for use on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Which means you get the same look, the same switches to flick and above all, the same monophonic synth sounds.

It’s been used on recordings by the likes of David Bowie, Brett Domino, Erasure, Hexstatic, Kraftwerk, Marilyn Manson, Orbital, Pulp, The Raconteurs, They Might Be Giants and most famously of all, David Bowie on Space Oddity. And you can use it yourself this very day. Download it from the Apple app store for a bargain £3.49.

Find out more at the iStylophone website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

John Lewis retro-styled bedside DAB radio

Lewis_dab

Thanks to Dave Clark for spotting this John Lewis retro-styled bedside DAB radio on the shelves.

Loving that throwback shape, mixing black or white plastic with a wood finish, large front screen and offering a choice of DAB or FM radio, as well as four independent alarms. And you don’t have to wake up to the radio – if you really want to go old school, there’s always that trusty buzzer.

Both colours are available instore or online, priced at £67.

Find out more at the John Lewis website