March 30, 2005

Living By Design

Is Dwell the only magazine you live and breathe for? Did you scoop up a Prouvé desk when they were still being sold in stores (and not, as they are now, being auctioned off for mind-blowing sums of cash)? Did you consider the names Koolhaas or Alvar for your firstborn?

If the answer is “yes” to any or all of the above, then the new L.A.-based, online store, ModernChild, is the place for you. Founded by art and philosophy major Tien Tran who, after the birth of her daughter, wanted to create a "play/live environment" that would be functional, design savvy and safe. In other words, a one-stop resource for kids' furniture, clothing and accessories that appeals equally to the modern child and her mod parents.

You'll find both classic and contemporary designers here from Isamu Noguchi to Ineke Hans and Makie, as well as exclusive items such as Terri Pecora's ultra cool and stylish collection of bags. Made out of quasi-wetsuit material (woven nylon and innovative net-like fabrics laminated together with high-density sponge), the bags are durable, insulated, easy to clean and, above all, good-looking. The baby bag makes everyday life simpler for moms and dads with two outside bottle pockets and a large pouch, and interior mesh pockets, a changing pad and key chain. There is also a beauty bag, weekend bag and bottle carrier to chose from.

Tran's ModernChild offers the opportunity at least to press our noses up against our browser window and peer into a kid's world where design perfection, play and intellectual stimulation are on display. Whether we end up flipping on the Disney channel anyway depends on our view of such an ideology as a comfort, or just one more unattainable challenge along the rocky road of seat-of-the-pants parenting.

Available online at modernchild.net.