Wrapped in '80s Nostalgia

I'm attending my 20 year high school reunion in just a few weeks and I've already started generating nostalgia remembering the decades of my formative years. Most of my fondest memories are wrapped in the music of the 70's and 80's - from listening to the hits off the Billboard charts and making mix tapes on my duel-cassette boom box to the many weekend hours spent digging through used records shop crates for that coveted 6 or 12 inch vinyl. Now as for the experimental fashion and aesthetically-challenged sense of design of those years - well, let's just try to remember that neon and acid wash should never be worn by self-respecting human beings - ever!

So when I found these handmade journals made from 1970's and '80s pop rock vinyl records at the New Museum Store (US$60) - I knew something finally good in terms of design was inspired out of that era. Each is unique and made from the original vintage record with recycled paper; and the cloth binding is embossed with the New Museum's mission statement, "New Art, New Ideas." The only thing that would make this better is if I could choose exactly which record it was wrapped in - I'm hoping for some Toto!

You should absolutely check out the New Museum of Contemporary Art (235 Bowery) located in the Nolita district of New York City. Supporting good design and contemporary art is definitely part of my mission. But if you're looking for just something simple that makes a statement and benefits the museum, get one of these "hell, yes!" patches (US$4, by Ugo Rondinone’s 2001); hell, while you're at it, get one for all of your friends (they even have mugs and t-shirts too). I think it screams rainbow brite '80s! Maybe I'll wear one of those to my reunion - hell yeah!