First let me tell you a tiny bit about HoDong Sung. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea where vivid memories spring forth of low eco standards in high-quality athletic footwear factories (this was in the 1980s.) From there, Sung spent time developing industrial design skills in super-eco-clean Australia. Then Sung was a footwear designer for Nike in Oregon, USA. Then on to Adidas in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

This path, along with the changing and ever-greening times, Sung began designing an eco-friendly no-performance-sacrificed set of shoes. For the Bio Mituri the “main idea is combining Korean traditional Mituri upper design with western developed sole structure, which is the perfect marriage of natural material with ergonomics.”

A. Mituri twisted straw replaced with bamboo yarn for durability, eco-friendliness. (Anti-bacterial, non-allergenic)

B. Mituri adjustability improved upon with new upper structure with a string system that wraps top, bottom, heel together all at once.

C. Mituri weak points done away with using biodegradable foam midsole. This sole biodegrades 50 times faster than the average shoe.

D. Production reduction (combining toe cap, heel counter, insole, and midsole in to one injection-molded midsole) minimizes CO2 emissions. Also has recycled tire outsole.

E. Glue used to connect outsole and midsole is water-based cement, avoiding chemical bonds that pollute.

Designer: HoDong SUNG

Giddy much? I know I am. I’ve been looking for a helmet for ages since I started bicycling for fun. I’m just an urban commuter so I don’t need the slick aerodynamics found in many helmets, not to mention helmet hair is not cool. This one seems to provide adequate protection without making me look like a poser. I’m also surprised by the number of high profile designers involved in the project. Somebody, anybody – send me one please?

Designers: Yves Béhar, Josh Morenstein, Nick Cronan, Matt Swinton, & Giuseppe Della Salle of fuseproject

I don’t often do this, but this designer, Davidi Galid, has such a way with words that I’ve just got to quote him word-for-word:

The backpack is the development of a new way of assembly that utilizes the physical attributes of the materials from which it is made. It is constructed of a three-dimensional polygon system, which is the result of released tensions and convergence of the material.

While the backpack parts are in that state, the bag gets its exterior shape, and remains so due to geometric locks as a result of the shrink. The relationship between the parts enables the opening and closing of the backpack, and determines its design and unique shape.

I wish each pack could be form-fitted perfectly to the wearer. I’ve always wanted my own shell. It seemed to me unfair that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had these really useful shells that they could store things in when I was a kid – then I realized that they probably couldn’t do that.

But now you can!

Designer: Davidi Galid

Designer watch underground kings brand. Thats right I said it. Nooka’s known for their unique nature. So take a peek at these thangs.

Nooka Fragrance : the scent is “Japanese Yuzu sprinkled with pink pepper.” Nice? I’m not sure what that smells like, but it does sound nice. The package is polished steel and glass with a vintage leather wrapping. Developed and designed by Matthew Waldman and Pierre-Constantin Guéros.

Nooka Belt : aka the “Nooka Strip” uses a snap and release closure system, allowing an exact fit for everyone. The belt itself is made from BASF’s Ellastolan thermoplastic polyurethane material. Mouthful! It just means it’s comfortable, basically.

Nookanooka! Incidentally both of these things are available to buy NOW from Nooka’s always-impressive website and portfolio. I bet you can totally guess the address of that.

Designer: Nooka

TT:NT has for us a simply cute little concept here that involves a little paper, a little cutting and folding, and a lot of giggles. These rings come in one full set (”All Year Rings”) or in singles, packaged as a birthday card (”Birthday Rings.”) These rings follow the following follow-able list of pretty pretty flowers:

January – Carnation
February – Violet
March – Jonquil
April – Daisy
May – Hawthorn
June – Rose
July – Tulip
August – Poppy
September – Morning Glory
October – Cosmos
November – Chrysanthemum
December – Orchid

TT:NT believes that the birth month flowers originated some time in/during the Roman Empire. Wikipedia gives a slightly different list of flowers, but no other info. If you’ve got some insider info on monthly birth flowers, leave a note! That would be awesome.

Designer: TT:NT

The Global Fit is structural nylon covered with soft, low porosity silicone. Two stainless steel pins with eccentric heads are inserted into the frame. As these pins are turned, the angle of the bridge turns in or out for a custom to-your-face fit.

As with all “Sutro” frames, the Fisk features the Ratchet Hinge. The hinge is made of surgical stainless steel, built by a Metal Injection Molding process. “It is integrated into the face frame in the front and screwed directly into the temple into the rear.” Making a “virtually unbreakable” frame.

Designer: Jeff Sand

There are many ways to ensure you don’t become another fatal statistic while cycling , but the most interesting and sure fire way I’ve found is with this kitsch pair of Bike To Work Pants from Cordarounds. Fashion Divas need not despair as the pants come in a variety of colors and materials. Hit Jump to find out how you can win 2 of them!

Prance around your office in a totally awesome pair and when it’s time to bike off homeward, simply roll up the hems and lined cuffs and pull out the rear pockets. The Illuminite Teflon reflectors and 3M Scotchlite lining make these pants your prefect biking companion.

We at YD love the pair of pants so much that we convinced the San Fransisco based Cordarounds to sponsor 2 pairs for a FREE Giveaway!

All you need to do is tell us where else besides the cuff, hems and back pockets do you think the teflon reflectors would look good.

Leave your comments below.

2 lucky winners get to take home either a pair of Bike To work Pants or a pair of classic Cordarounds.

Contest Ends: May 13, 12:00 am PST

Cordarounds are an online exclusive, so you won’t find them in stores.

UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED

Bike to Work Pants from Cordarounds on Vimeo.

Hard! Maybe not dragon scales, but weather-ready, if you know what I do mean. The aesthetics are funny, too. Look at that turtle! See the pictures for further insight into the tiniest kicks.

P.S. this project is not officially affiliated with any brand or organization besides Chris Padilla himself… so far.

Designer: Chris Padilla

Designer: Nicolas Winograd

The clothing uses Electro Luminescent (EL) wires to add the flexibility factor to it, and the “moisture-wicking stretch fabric” won’t let you drench due to overheating. To power the lights there is a flexible, rechargeable battery that comes with a standard wall socket. You simply need to position this lightweight pack on your upper back to center its weight. Wear this, and you are ready to bedazzle the evening with the lights on your clothes!

A working prototype of this apparel has also been created and I do sincerely hope that it makes it to the shelves.

Designer: Jeffrey S. Engelhardt