January 19, 2007

Rags to Riches

Modernpoverty.com

Back in the day, poverty meant living in the poorhouse and probably catching the plague.

These days, it means Guatemalan glassware and fancy toothbrush holders.

At least it does according to Modern Poverty, purveyors of affordable and well-designed goods.

Start by browsing the extensive Tord Boontje collection, which includes china decorated with unicorns and flowers, as well as twisty metal lamps and paper cutout curtains.

For the office, pick up quirky rubber bands shaped like panties, old-school fiberglass chairs, Lucite frames, and “to do” and “to don’t” journals. Pink resin bottle stoppers in the form of orchids add an elegant touch to the kitchen. The Royalty pillowcases include two shams, one labeled “king” and the other “queen.”

In case you want others to know your social status.

Available online at modernpoverty.com.