For the past few years I have been compiling my shopping picks for modern Christmas Decor (including Nativity Sets) on This Next.com.
This is the most modern I have ever found, with the nativity scene set by Oliver Fabel's coming in at a close second, followed by one from Little Sapling Toys.
1. COLOUR NATIVITY by Sebastian Bergne
Continuing his research into the meaning and use of colour in objects, Sebastian Bergne has designed a contemporary nativity set. Each of the characters is a minimal wooden block that is recognizable by it's colour, proportion and place in the composition. The project makes use of our learned experience from exposure to thousands of images, toys and Christmas cards over the years. 
The hand crafted and painted beech wooden blocks are stored in a box that completes its character as a toy set with a difference.
Following the original edition of 6, this second edition of 250 sets are currently available only through buysebastianbergne.com and cost £85.00
If you would like your order delivered outside Europe, please contact them here
About the designer:
above photo Photo by Aurélie Berry
Sebastian established his studio after graduating from The Royal College of Art in 1990 designing objects and furniture. Bergne has collaborated for over 20 years with leading manufacturers including Authentics, De Beers, Driade, Gaia & Gino, Moulinex, MUJI, Procter & Gamble, Swarovski, Tefal and Vitra.
Sebastian’s achievements have been widely recognised with international design awards, frequent publication, exhibitions and inclusion in permanent collections such as The Museum of Modern Art (New York) and the Design Museum (London). He shares his knowledge and experience through guest speaking, lecturing and jury participation.
2. MINIMALIST NATIVITY SET by Oliver Fabel
Printed in English on one side and German on the other, this 11 piece set by Berlin designer Oliver Fabel, can be purchased at DaWanda, The Bauhaus Shop or buy it here.
3. MODERN NATIVITY SET by Little Sapling Toys
Designed as a children's educational toy by Little Sapling Toys, engraved wooden blocks of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, wise men, camel, shepherds, sheep, donkey, ox, star and angel make up this sturdy 11 piece set. Quality hardwoods Maple, Cherry and Walnut, are sanded smooth and rubbed with our own beeswax and jojoba oil finish.
This wooden set arrives ready to give in a cotton drawstring carrying pouch with a tag that includes information about their family business and care instructions. And each purchase helps them plant a tree through Trees for the Future!
Buy it here
The Three Most Modern Nativity Sets You've Ever Seen.
Rosh Hashanah At Your Fingertips. High Holiday Manicures and Nail Decals.
above: Rosh Hashanah manicure courtesy of Midrash Manicures
In honor of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, why not celebrate with a manicure? With the traditional symbols associated with the new year: the Shofar, apples and honey, pomegranates, wine and the whale on your nails, you are in touch with both style and tradition.
above: Rosh Hashanah Manicures by Shlomit Gueta
Don't have the time or the talent to paint your nails? Midrash Nail decals makes it easy:
buy them here.
L'Shana Tova!
In Praise of Pop Culture. Re-Imagined Religious Virgin Mary Statuettes.
Five years ago, I first introduced you to artist Soasig Chamaillard and her "Appartitions", repurposed religious statuettes of the Madonna (a post in which the photos have been recently updated.)
Since that time, the project has been ongoing, despite the controversy over her work, and Soasig has continued to take existing figurines of the Virgin Mary and re-imagine them as pop culture icons like Star Wars' Obi Wan Kenobi, Hello Kitty, Super Mario, Sailor Moon, My Little Pony, A Beauty Pageant Winner, Power Rangers, Vampires, Cowboys and Indians and even Astronauts. They are only getting better. See for yourself.
Hello Mary:
Nouvelle lune (New Moon):
Vierge de couleur (Holy color/Paint By Numbers):
Marie Rockstar (Rockstar Mary):
Sainte Force (Holy Force):
Super Marie O (Super Mary O):
Sainte Moon (
Holy Moon):
Sang Pitié (Bloody Mercy):
Disparition (
Disappearance):
Sainta Claus:
Nouvelle Bible (
New Bible):
Sainte Lumière
(Holy Light):
One:
Sioux Marie
(Sioux Mary):
Sainte John (St. John after John Wayne):
Rainbow Land:
Sainte Miss:
Holy Pocket:
My Little Mary:
Force Rose et al (Pink Power Ranger et al.) Power Rangers:
Vierge au petit robot (Virgin Mary with little robot):
For the prices and availability of statues contact info@galerie-albane.com
Art paper posters, like those shown above, in limited series of 50 copies are signed and for sale through the Albane Gallery website.
Books:
"Apparitions", édité par la Galerie Albane
Format : 28x21 cm, 56 pages
Prix : 25 euros
Buy it here
"NouvellesApparitions", édité par la Galerie Albane
Format : 30,5x20 cm, 66 pages
Prix : 25 euros
Buy it here
Soasig Chamaillard
Don't Forget to see her earlier Apparitions here
