Tchochkes

Moss Online is a store that features high end luxury goods which cost an absolute ridiculous price. However, they would cost even more if you bought them in Israel, and they ship here. So, if you feel like taking advantage of  the strong sheckel / falling dollar, and you are in the market for something insanely priced but exclusive as well - this would be the place for you.

Honestly, I while I love their goods I have to admit that I think it’s downright silly to pay… well, you’ll see that rant after I show the item…

Tord Boontje makes a stunningly beautiful chandelier, there is no denying that one. He also charges an arm, a leg, half of a head of hair, and an ear for them. The small pink Blossom chandelier above, made from Swarovsky crystals, costs $22,500. A lamp that costs more than a new small car. A small lamp that costs more than a small new car. And the lamp doesn’t drive.

I love decanters. Crystal decanters filled with exotic liquers - or pretty colored Koolaid for all I care. I don’t drink liquer or Koolaid - and both have such nice colors. As this is a decanter from Moss it is crystal and designed by Rudolf Eschler in 1934.  Because I know you’re wondering, it cost $525.

This ridiculous looking chair is made out of clay on metal skeletons. As clay is fairly easily broken I would recommend using this more as a conversation piece than an actual chair. Plus it doesn’t exactly scream comfort.

Moss takes themselves quite seriously. Their description of the chair: ‘Clay Furniture address the issue of form-giving in industrial design, revealing, literally, the designer’s ‘hand’ in this intimate process, today normally concealed through the use of a computer (but there, none-the-less).’

Really. Gosh, I feel so enlightened and arty suddenly. I think I’ll go put on some glasses and a black turtleneck.

This silly red chair was designed by Maarten Baas and costs $2,900

The rant begins here: Stop reading if you are not interested.

The Witches sticks above cost $770 and are made in an artists something or other by underprivilaged people in Guatemala. The price of this item pisses me off. The average salary in Guatemala for a non-urban area anywhere from $13 - $14 a month to $100, depending on how rural and run-down the area.

‘The average income for families in San Andrés is about 700/month/household (about $94).  In villages around the town of San Andrés, the average income drops to about $13-40 per month/household.  Conditions in surrounding villages are much more severe as they usually lack running water, electricity, stores, and most importantly, employment’

Let’s say that they are paying an artist to make this by hand and it costs them about 1 month to make a set (this is extremely unlikely). Let’s say they pay this artist around $50 for the work. Let’s even say that the wood is rare and expensive - another $20 for materials. Where do they get off charging $770 for 6 kitchen utensils? I don’t care if it’s a Tord Boontje - someone is making far too much money off of this and I can guarantee you it isn’t the poor sod in Guatemala. I am all for helping the underprivilaged and giving work to those in need. I just think they would be able to sell more and give those same artists more work if they priced the item in a range that doesn’t alienate your typical consumer.

Plus they look like they just stepped out of Hogwarts, literally. He even calls them witches kitchen. Please.

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