Welcome to the Liv Design blog, an eclectic mix of great design and quirky finds

Sad news this weekend from iconic motorcycle brand Ducati as they announce that they are now pulling out of the the World Superbike Championship (WSB) next year. In a press release by Ducati on August 27th 2010 they stated that:  “This decision is part of a specific strategy made by Ducati, the aim being to further increase technological content in production models that will arrive on the market in the coming years. In order to achieve this objective, the company’s technical resources, until now engaged with the management of the factory Superbike team, will instead be dedicated to the development of the new generation of hypersport bikes, in both their homologated and Superbike race versions,” declared  Gabriele Del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati. “I would like to thank Nori and Michel, and all of the riders that have contributed to the great history of Ducati in Superbike, but above all the Ducati employees; it is their hard work and professionalism that has allow...

You might well be thinking 'what is it?'. It's a rabbit. It's also a bag. And it's a bag that might just make it onto the Liv Design Christmas wish list... With the current trend (obsession?) of taking your own shopping bag with you everywhere to save the environment (or help shops make more money by not having to make bags, depending on how cynical you are...) here comes a nifty little idea designed by  EDING:POST  and produced by H Concept. It's a tote bag cunningly disguised as a rabbit. Unzip it's back and unfold the bag (a la pack-a-mac) and hey presto, you have space for all those carrots and a lettuce, plus a little friend to talk to whilst shopping. The 'Picnica' bag is available from the Design Museum shop .

These are beautiful bottles from French drinks brand 'Thirst Sin'.  Their range of spirits and pre-mixed spirits are 'Unconventional and innovative beverages that will arouse your senses'. The pre-mixed bottles (Curupira Cola, Green Dragon and Pink Fairy) are beautifully printed onto aluminium bottles while the Premium spirits are traditional glass. Check them out at their website . This is a brand to watch out for! Loving the gothic fairy/angel/demon logo too.

It's not often that Liv Design comes across a company with a similar view, outlook and approach as ours. Passionate. Dedicated. Friendly. Open. Honest. Trusted. Determined. Values that many may say are lost in business. Or maybe in the modern age of cut and thrust, of the single-minded grab for market share and the desire to make money, that brand values and character are left by the wayside. When I set up Liv Design four-odd years ago I wanted to create a business that was proud of the work it did. I'd had enough of the conformity and sacrifice of creative goals for financial ends. Our aim was to work with clients in an open and honest way, providing complete transparency, from our pricing, through planning, and down to the finished designs. We don't lie, we don't overcharge and we don't paper over problems. And where does that get us? It's built us a reputation. We don't use the cheapest suppliers on the market and we don't cut corners, and to date ...