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The New Vans Future Clog Looks Like an Alien Spaceship for Your Feet

It’s a striking move for Vans to embrace the clog format, especially with a design that leans so hard into futuristic minimalism. Looking at the Vans Future Clog in light of the Dutch clog’s history, the connection is both surprising and oddly fitting. Traditional Dutch clogs, or “klompen,” were sturdy, carved from wood, and designed as practical footwear for farmers and laborers. Their iconic, blocky silhouette, instantly recognizable for its simplicity and function, has endured for centuries as a symbol of honest craftsmanship and everyday utility.

The Vans Future Clog plays with this legacy in a way that feels almost tongue-in-cheek. The exaggerated, blunt front and seamless build echo the klomp’s solid, all-in-one construction, but instead of wood, Vans opts for a lightweight, synthetic material that is molded rather than carved. The simplicity of the clog is preserved: there are no laces, minimal seams, and a monolithic look, but it’s been reimagined for a postmodern, urban audience. The result is something that feels both ancient and alien at once: a nod to Europe’s peasant past, updated for streetwear’s obsession with the bold and the unusual.

Designer: SR Studio for Vans

Sterling Ruby’s SR Studio brings an art world perspective to this collaboration that elevates the clog beyond typical footwear territory. Ruby, known for his large-scale sculptures and installations that often explore themes of decay, transformation, and industrial materials, seems like an ideal partner for reimagining something as humble as the clog. His influence is evident in the Future Clog’s sculptural quality and its willingness to look more like a wearable art piece than traditional footwear. The collaboration suggests that Vans is serious about pushing boundaries, not just creating another slip-on variation.

Comparing the Vans Future Clog to other modern, monomaterial footwear, the parallels with Yeezy’s Foam Runner and similar slip-on silhouettes are obvious. These shoes, popularized by brands like Adidas (Yeezy), Crocs (with their recent designer collabs), and even Merrell (Hydro Moc), all tap into a shared ethos: comfort, easy wear, and a sculptural approach that makes each pair instantly recognizable. They’re all about statement shapes, single-piece construction, and a willingness to look strange, sometimes even polarizing, rather than safe.

Where the Yeezy Foam Runner has organic curves and alien pod-like holes, the Vans Future Clog is more angular and automotive, almost as if the designers took the klomp, ran it through a wind tunnel, and then cast it in foam. Both shoes are intentionally minimal in branding, letting the silhouette and material do the talking. Each pairs well with streetwear and casual fits, but they telegraph different moods: Yeezies are more futuristic and playful, Crocs lean on comfort and nostalgia, while the Vans Future Clog splits the difference between industrial design object and fashion experiment.

The real question is whether this represents a new direction for Vans or just a one-off experiment. Given the brand’s recent “New Future” campaign and their push into premium materials and collaborations, this feels like testing the waters for a more design-forward approach. The clog format offers advantages: it’s Instagram-friendly, comfortable for extended wear, and different enough to generate buzz without alienating core customers who can always fall back on Old Skools. Smart brands know when to zig while others zag, and Vans appears to be zigging hard into sculptural footwear territory.

The post The New Vans Future Clog Looks Like an Alien Spaceship for Your Feet first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Wildest Concept Cars That Just Stole the Show at Pebble Beach 2025

Monterey Car Week just wrapped up, and car enthusiasts worldwide are still buzzing about the incredible concepts that graced the famous Concept Lawn. This year’s lineup wasn’t just about pretty show cars sitting under spotlights. We’re talking about genuine glimpses into the future of automotive design, where manufacturers threw caution to the wind and let their wildest ideas come to life.

From electric supercars with video game DNA to retro roadsters that channel pure sixties soul, the 2025 reveals proved that automotive design is experiencing a creative renaissance. These concepts aren’t just exercises in imagination anymore – they’re serious statements about where the industry is headed.

Chevrolet’s CX Concepts Look Like They Escaped From a Video Game

Chevrolet absolutely stunned everyone at The Quail when they unveiled their Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo concepts on August 15th. These aren’t heading to production anytime soon (Chevy made that crystal clear with “Not Available For Sale” stamped on every photo), but they represent something way more interesting than typical showcar fantasy.

The CX concept takes everything we know about Corvette design and cranks it up to science fiction levels. Its proportions look like they were designed by someone who grew up playing Gran Turismo rather than studying traditional automotive history. The grey street version and the Corvette-yellow track variant both feature design elements that would be impossible to manufacture with today’s technology, which is exactly the point.

What really grabs your attention is the interior execution. Red ballistic textile meets carbon fiber, combined with silicone leather and milled aluminum details that feel more spacecraft than sports car. The entire windshield functions as a heads-up display, essentially turning the whole glass surface into an information screen. It’s the kind of tech integration that makes you wonder why we’re still staring at tiny dashboard screens when we could have data everywhere.

The CX.R version pushes things even further with track-focused aerodynamics and over 2,000 horsepower from four electric motors. Jet-aircraft-style thrust vectoring maintains aerodynamic balance, while the drivetrain incorporates something called the RESS system that integrates the power unit directly into the drive system. These cars exist purely for Gran Turismo 7 right now, but the design language feels like a preview of where Corvette might head once manufacturing catches up to imagination.

Both concepts will serve as inspiration for future Corvette design language, according to Chevrolet. Drawing on more than 70 years of performance innovation, these concepts honor America’s sports car heritage while propelling it into an electric future.

Ford’s Bronco Roadster Concept Nails Retro Without Looking Fake

Ford surprised absolutely everyone by rolling out their Bronco Roadster Concept on Saturday afternoon at Pebble Beach. This might be the most charming reveal of the entire week, and it perfectly captures why sometimes the best design approach is knowing what to leave out.

The concept pays direct homage to the 1966 U13 Bronco Roadster, which was the sportiest of the original three Bronco configurations. But this isn’t just nostalgic pandering – Ford’s designers found a way to blend authentic sixties character with modern sixth-generation Bronco DNA in ways that feel completely natural.

Ford’s “philosophy of intentional reduction” resulted in a fully open roadster with minimalistic details that somehow manage to feel both retro and contemporary. They pulled out the rear seats and mounted a full-sized spare tire back there, painted the rear section as bare metal like the original, and sculpted the belt line to perfectly mimic the 1966 version. The roll cage, roof mounting points, doors, and door mounting points all got removed.

The interior gets the same treatment with a white-painted dashboard and floor pan, plus some gorgeous silver leather low-back seats. Ford even stamped the tailgate with the same retro “Ford” script as the original and modified the bumpers to more closely resemble vintage chrome pieces. Those Fifteen52 Analog wheels add just the right amount of period-correct styling without looking like costume jewelry.

Bronco design chief Robert Gelardi called it “like a birthday present to Bronco” for the nameplate’s 60th anniversary. The concept was inspired by a Wimbledon White 1966 Bronco Roadster owned by an enthusiast who actually worked with Ford on developing the 2021 Bronco. That kind of authentic connection shows in every detail.

Lexus Sport Concept Hints at Something Big Coming

Lexus showed up at The Quail on August 15th with their new Sport Concept and promptly said almost nothing about it, which might be the most intriguing marketing strategy anyone’s seen recently. The company describes it as blending “dynamic and emotional elements into a vision for a next-generation sports car,” but they’re keeping technical details and production plans completely under wraps.

What we can see is a design that clearly evolves from the Electrified Sport Concept that Lexus first teased back in 2021. This new version features a much more polished, production-ready appearance with a two-tone grey over black finish that suggests this isn’t just another design study collecting dust in a studio somewhere. 

The proportions scream supercar with a low-slung profile and aggressive stance that would fit perfectly into LFA successor conversations. The signature checkmark headlights get integrated into angular cutouts that bookend the front fascia, while the spindle grille maintains Lexus DNA but interprets it through a more aggressive lens.

Lexus calls this “future-focused yet truly authentic,” which gives us clues about their design philosophy moving forward. They’re clearly working toward something that honors the brand’s sporting heritage while pushing into completely new territory. When the original Electrified Sport Concept debuted, Lexus projected a sub-two-second 0-60 time and 430 miles of range courtesy of solid-state batteries – specs that could easily carry over to this more refined version.

The timing feels significant too, coming when luxury performance cars are undergoing massive transformation. Lexus obviously wants to be part of that conversation, and this concept suggests they have something genuinely competitive in development rather than just pretty pictures for auto show displays.

Lucid’s Gravity X Concept Gets Seriously Adventurous

Lucid Motors revealed their Gravity X concept (pronounced “Gravity Cross”) on August 14th, calling it “a grand new concept of electric exploration.” The concept takes their production Gravity SUV and transforms it into something genuinely capable of serious off-road adventure while maintaining the luxury character that defines the brand.

The modifications include raised suspension, wider wheel arches, 21/22-inch all-terrain tires on custom wheels, tow hooks, and a uniquely styled roof rack system with integrated LED lights. The front and rear fascias get completely redesigned to improve approach and departure angles, while protective skid plates handle inevitable encounters with rocks and obstacles.

What makes the Gravity X compelling is how it maintains Lucid’s signature design language while adding functional off-road hardware that actually serves a purpose. The concept features a widened track to complement the lifted ride height, plus those chunky all-terrain tires for genuine trail capability. Too many off-road concepts feel like styling exercises that would crumble the moment they encountered actual dirt.

Inside, the Gravity X showcases Lucid’s Ojai upholstery scheme with orange piping, microsuede details, and open-pore walnut wood inlays. Premium leather seats and high-performance floor mats protect the vehicle during adventures, while a microsuede steering wheel offers enhanced grip for precise control on all terrains. The interior maintains the comfort and spaciousness that Gravity owners love while adding practical touches for outdoor use.

Derek Jenkins, Lucid’s SVP of Design and Brand, explained the thinking: “We’re proud of the Gravity, just as it is, but I think there was always this desire to do a little bit more ruggedized car, something that did speak to a little bit more lifestyle and outdoorsiness. And I’d say this is a pretty aggressive approach.”

The concept builds on the Gravity Grand Touring’s already impressive foundation – up to 450 miles of EPA-estimated range, all-wheel drive, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. With an available three-row configuration offering space for up to seven passengers and their gear, the Gravity X explores what happens when you push those capabilities even further into adventure territory.

Bentley EXP 15 Channels Blue Train Spirit for Electric Future

Bentley’s EXP 15 concept made its public debut at Pebble Beach as the brand’s first concept car to attend Monterey Car Week since the EXP 100 GT celebrated their centenary in 2019. This three-door, three-seat design pays direct homage to the iconic 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting ‘Blue Train’ Sportsman coupé, but with a distinctly modern interpretation.

The concept showcases innovative materials, lighting technology, and exterior surfacing techniques that could find their way into production vehicles over the next few years. While Bentley makes clear this isn’t intended for production, the EXP 15 provides important clues about the design language we can expect from their first fully electric car and other future models.

The proportions echo classic Bentley grand touring DNA with that characteristic long hood and rearward cabin placement. But the execution feels thoroughly contemporary with surfacing details and lighting elements that wouldn’t look out of place in 2035. The three-seat configuration is particularly intriguing, suggesting Bentley is thinking about interior layouts that prioritize the driving experience over conventional luxury car social dynamics.

These concept cars from Pebble Beach 2025 represent genuine explorations of where automotive design might head as the industry continues its massive transformation. Each one approaches the challenge differently, but they all prove that car companies are thinking way beyond just making existing vehicles electric.

What strikes you most about this year’s concept lineup is the willingness to take real risks with proportions, materials, and design languages that push well beyond safe evolutionary steps. These aren’t safe, committee-approved showpieces designed to avoid controversy – they’re bold statements that suggest automakers are finally ready to embrace genuine creative risks again.

The post The Wildest Concept Cars That Just Stole the Show at Pebble Beach 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Balenciaga’s new tote bag looks like your typical blue shopping bag

I’m one of those people who has several tote bags, paper bags, and plastic bags stored in various nooks of my house, just in case I need something to store things. But most of them are freebies or cheap ones that I get while shopping. So I find it hilarious when I see those signature bags that actually look like the ones we get for free, except that they have the branding and they cost way, way more than whatever I actually bought when I got those shopping bags.

Balenciaga is one such brand that occasionally releases bags that become the talk of the town—and not always in a good way. Their latest, the Marché Packable Tote Bag, has caught people’s attention not because of its beautiful design, but because it looks like those blue plastic bags you get from the grocery store for free. That is, of course, the look they’re going for—but they’ll charge you a lot more for it.

Designer: Balenciaga

Of course, since it costs a lot, the material is pretty different from your regular blue plastic bags. It uses polyamide and Dyneema, which is a strong fiber supposedly stronger than steel. When not in use, you can fold it into a pouch, since it has an inner flat pocket, and place it in your bag to bring out when needed. It has two “handles” and is able to hold up to 10 kg of stuff when you’re shopping. To add to its authenticity, it has “creases” that seemingly replicate the wear and tear that regular plastic bags get, especially when reused for a long time.

It has the Balenciaga logo and a list of its Paris stores to show that it is indeed a luxury shopping bag—although, of course, it may easily be replicated, at least design-wise. That also doesn’t stop people from making fun of this $995 shopping bag, with people showing off their similar-looking plastic shopping bags or tote bags that are much better designed. But if you’re a fan of the brand and collect their “unique” looking bags, you probably wouldn’t mind dropping that amount to get your blue Balenciaga shopping bag.

In the end, whether you see the Balenciaga Marché Packable Tote Bag as a clever commentary on consumer culture or just another pricey fashion statement, it’s hard to deny its conversation-starting power. For some, it’s a fun and ironic way to flaunt their love for high fashion, and for others, it’s a reminder that sometimes, style really is in the eye (and wallet) of the beholder. So, if you’re tempted to swap your stash of freebie totes for this luxury version, just remember: you might turn a few heads at the grocery store, but you’ll definitely have a story to tell about the most expensive “plastic bag” in your collection.

The post Balenciaga’s new tote bag looks like your typical blue shopping bag first appeared on Yanko Design.

ANEW reimagines everyday objects for rest and relaxation

When most people think about rest, the first things that come to mind are a good night’s sleep or a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. For many of us, though, rest isn’t always so straightforward. We catch brief naps on buses, lean against subway windows, or even try to relax with our heads down on library desks. Modern life is full of these fragmented, spontaneous pauses, yet our environment rarely supports them. Office furniture and public seating are hardly designed to make these moments comfortable, leaving us perpetually tired with few real ways to recharge.

This is where the ANEW project by designer Hojun Lee comes in. ANEW aims to transform the ordinary items we use every day into tools for relaxation, not just function. Instead of creating new products, the idea is to rethink what already exists and give it a new purpose: rest. ANEW is about finding “a second rest” in daily life, those little moments when we need a break but can’t retreat to our beds. Think about all the things you carry or use during a typical day. ANEW focuses on four familiar items and reimagines them as objects that invite relaxation, even if only for a few minutes.

Designer: Hojun Lee

First, there are the headphones. Traditionally, headphones are just for listening to music or podcasts. Lee’s design takes them further. These headphones feature an accordion-like flexible headband that covers the back of your head for extra stability, along with speaker covers made of soft, fluffy material. The ear cushions are designed to reduce pressure, making it easier to relax and listen comfortably, whether you’re leaning against a wall or taking a quick nap on the go.

Next is the umbrella. Usually, it’s just a way to shield yourself from rain or sun. ANEW’s umbrella, however, unfolds into a semicircular shape with a sturdy frame and plush interior, creating a cozy, private shelter. The same fabric that keeps you dry now doubles as a comforting place to lean and rest, turning a functional accessory into a portable retreat.

The bag is another everyday item that gets a rest-inspired makeover. Bags are normally just for carrying things, but ANEW’s version adds cushions and support structures to the back. This means you can use the bag as a makeshift pillow or backrest when you need to lie down or lean against something. By combining the shape of a hat to shield your eyes and a waist support, the bag becomes a perfect companion for quick naps or restful pauses anywhere.

Finally, there’s the book. Many people have used a book as an impromptu pillow, despite the discomfort. ANEW’s book design replaces the hard cover with a soft cushion. Whether you’re reading or taking a break, the book now supports your head and neck, blending knowledge and comfort in one simple object. Through ANEW, Hojun Lee invites us to imagine a world where the items we already carry help us find rest in unexpected places. By giving these everyday objects new roles, ANEW makes relaxation accessible, anytime and anywhere.

The post ANEW reimagines everyday objects for rest and relaxation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bigme B6 Color Ereader Packs Android 14 and Touch Buttons for $169

Finding a decent color ereader that doesn’t cost more than your monthly rent has always been a nightmare. Most affordable options feel cheap and limited, while premium models pack features you’ll actually want but demand premium prices to match.

The Bigme B6 Color throws that whole equation out the window with a $169 price tag that somehow includes virtual touch buttons, Android 14, and Google Play access. It’s the kind of spec sheet that makes you double-check the price twice.

Designer: Bigme

Bigme clearly prioritized making this thing genuinely portable with their “FeatherFrame” design philosophy. At just 6.98mm thick and weighing about 176g, it’s actually lighter than most paperback books you’d normally carry around. The real standout feature, though, is those capacitive touch buttons below the display.

Most budget ereaders skip physical buttons entirely or give you mushy mechanical ones that feel terrible after a few months. Capacitive buttons offer that satisfying tactile response without the wear issues, and finding them on a device this affordable is genuinely surprising.

The 6-inch color E Ink display delivers 300 PPI for black and white text with 150 PPI for color content. That TÜV Rheinland certification for fatigue-free reading isn’t just marketing fluff either. Zero blue light and flicker-free operation mean you can actually read for hours without your eyes feeling fried.

Where the B6 Color really shines is its Android 14 operating system with full Google Play Store access. This completely changes how you think about ereaders since you’re no longer locked into one ecosystem. Want to read Kindle books, borrow from your library through Libby, and check Kobo for deals? Just install all three apps and switch between them seamlessly.

The octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM keep everything running smoothly, even when you’re jumping between reading apps or checking your calendar. That 2100mAh battery promises weeks of use per charge, which matches what you’d expect from any decent ereader.

Storage starts at 64GB but supports microSD expansion up to 1TB, which Bigme claims equals about 2 million books. Even if you’re the most voracious reader alive, you’ll probably never hit that limit. The audiobook features add studio-grade clarity and sleep timers for bedtime listening, too.

The included foldable case comes in five different colors, so you can actually personalize this thing instead of settling for boring black or white. Small touches like dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth support show Bigme sweated the details most budget manufacturers skip.

What makes the B6 Color genuinely exciting is how it democratizes features you’d normally find on $300+ ereaders. Capacitive buttons, modern Android, color E Ink, and expandable storage used to be premium territory. Now you can get all of that for less than most people spend on a weekend dinner out. Sometimes the best innovations come from companies willing to challenge what budget devices should actually offer.

The post Bigme B6 Color Ereader Packs Android 14 and Touch Buttons for $169 first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA Finally Gets a Dedicated Meatball Plate Thanks to Gustaf Westman

IKEA’s Swedish meatballs are probably more famous than half the furniture in their showrooms. Millions get served every year, yet somehow these legendary spheres of deliciousness have been stuck eating off boring, generic plates this whole time. Swedish designer Gustaf Westman finally decided to fix that glaring oversight.

The new IKEA meatball plate looks exactly like what you’d expect from Westman’s playful design brain. It’s this elongated, glossy blue rectangle with a deep channel running down the middle that’s perfectly sized to cradle a neat row of meatballs. Each little sphere gets its own designated spot, so no more chasing runaway meatballs around your plate.

Designer: Gustaf Westman x IKEA

That signature pastel blue finish screams Gustaf Westman from across the room. The guy’s known for his bold, rounded forms and cartoon-like aesthetic, and this plate delivers all of that in spades. The silhouette is almost comically oversized, but the glossy finish and substantial weight make it feel genuinely premium rather than like a novelty item.

The best part might be the tongue-in-cheek instruction manual that comes with it. Classic IKEA move, except this time they’re teaching you how to properly arrange and eat meatballs instead of assembling furniture. It’s the kind of self-aware humor that makes you appreciate both brands even more.

This plate transforms the whole IKEA meatball experience from cafeteria meal to design moment. Instead of just shoveling food into your mouth after a long furniture shopping session, you’re now participating in this little ritual that feels special and intentional. The meatballs line up like perfect little soldiers, begging to be photographed and shared.

Gustaf Westman has built his reputation on making everyday objects feel joyful and unexpected. His sculptural, almost toy-like approach to design fits perfectly with IKEA’s democratic design philosophy. This collaboration feels natural rather than forced, bringing fresh energy to IKEA’s food offerings without losing that accessible Swedish charm.

What makes this plate genuinely clever is how it solves a real problem while being completely ridiculous at the same time. Yes, meatballs do roll around on regular plates, and yes, this design keeps them perfectly organized. But it also turns a simple meal into a conversation starter and a design statement.

The plate represents something bigger about how brands can celebrate their own icons. Instead of just slapping logos on generic products, IKEA and Westman created something that honors the cultural significance of those famous meatballs while bringing genuine design value to the table. Sometimes the best innovations come from taking the things we already love and making them just a little bit more special.

The post IKEA Finally Gets a Dedicated Meatball Plate Thanks to Gustaf Westman first appeared on Yanko Design.

Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 Shrinks Down to 5 Inches for Compact, Creative DIY Builds

DIY projects keep getting smaller and smarter, but finding the right touchscreen that doesn’t eat up your entire build space has always been a headache. The new Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 finally solves this problem with a compact 5-inch version that packs serious functionality into a surprisingly affordable package.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation just dropped its latest official touchscreen, and honestly, it’s about time. This isn’t just a smaller version of what came before, either. You get true five-finger multi-touch support, which means gestures and multi-user interactions actually work properly. The LCD TFT panel delivers crisp visuals with deeper blacks and better contrast than you’d expect at this price point.

Designer: Raspberry Pi

The anti-glare surface is one of those details that sounds boring until you’re actually using your project outdoors or under bright lights. At just $40 for the 5-inch model, it’s genuinely accessible for students, educators, and hobbyists who want to experiment without breaking the bank. Compare that to generic touchscreens with questionable compatibility and support.

Here’s where things get exciting for makers and designers. That compact 5-inch form factor opens up project possibilities that were practically impossible before. Think handheld gaming consoles that actually fit in your hands, custom car dashboards that don’t dominate the interior, or smart home controllers you can mount anywhere without looking ridiculous.

The smaller footprint means you can finally build those portable media centers, wearable tech prototypes, or compact control panels you’ve been sketching but never quite figured out how to execute. The display’s portrait orientation and mounting options play nicely with 3D-printed enclosures and laser-cut cases, too.

For anyone who’s struggled with integrating touchscreens into tight spaces, this display changes the game completely. You can mount it in orientations that would make larger screens look awkward, and the official Raspberry Pi support means you won’t be hunting through sketchy forums for drivers or compatibility fixes.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has always understood that makers need reliable, well-documented components that just work. This 5-inch Touch Display 2 continues that tradition while addressing the real-world constraint that’s been holding back countless compact projects. With production guaranteed until at least 2030, you can build something today knowing replacement parts will be available tomorrow.

Whether you’re prototyping the next great handheld device or just want to add a sleek interface to your workshop setup, this little screen represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, accessible innovation that keeps the DIY community moving forward. Sometimes the best upgrades come in smaller packages.

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