Inventory

Mooqla Dolls
These silicone-encased plastic dolls are nothing like their famed Mattel counterpart, physically or… emotionally. The six beauties in this collection have moving joints, reminiscent of old-time porcelain dolls, and bear rather tragic expressions. Don’t expect a Hollywood smile from any of these girls, and play at your own risk: a Mooqla doll does not make a good flight attendant, mermaid or tea-party host, and she doesn’t drive of a pink convertible. We’re thinking more along the lines of tearful sessions with a shrink, half-hearted cry-for-help suicide attempts, and repeated viewings of Carrie. Designed and produced in Moscow by Polina Voloshina, the dolls are sold at the Galleries Lafayette in Paris, and cost about $350.
www.mooqla.ru  


 

Optimus Maximus
The technology freak who thinks he has everything will have his world shattered when he finds out about the Optimus Maximus. The keyboard, designed by Art Lebedev Studio, has 113 keys, each with its very own LED display. The keys can be adjusted to any configuration— languages, symbols and images. Their functions, including shortcut keys, can be changed at whim. The icons will change accordingly, glowing bashfully as you type away. Discounting some Swarovski-encrusted abomination sure to be on sale somewhere, the Optimus Maximus is currently the most expensive keyboard in the world at $1,564. The initial batch of 200, however, sold out in twelve hours. Early next year, the Art Lebedev Studio will ship another 600 units. 
www.artlebedev.com  


 

Russian wolfhound
Wolfhounds were first brought to Russia from Byzantium in the ninth century, and again later by the Mongol invaders from the East. Relentless cross-breeding of the imported hound stock with Russian hunting dogs resulted in an animal so fast that it could catch wolves (this used to be an important part of a hunting dog's work). The Russian wolfhound was popular with the Tsars — for centuries, the dog could not be purchased, but only received as a royal gift. In the 19th century, a boyar might give a whole village complete with buildings, churches, and serfs, in exchange for one Russian wolfhound. During the revolution, the wolfhounds, rightly seen as symbols of affluence, were all but destroyed as a breed. Now the wolfhound is again popular in Russia; among its qualities, one is particularly striking – the dog is exceptionally loyal to its master and cannot change hands.