The Tokyo Olympics’ infamous “anti-sex” beds, which have emerged to be, in fact, not anti-sex at all (image: Akio Kon).

Hot Crit Summer is in full effect, as the newest episode of our podcast has arrived to explore all the latest design news.

Join show hosts Oli Stratford and Johanna Agerman Ross as they explore some of the biggest stories from across design, architecture and fashion in July.

The show also features a long-form interview with David Rockwell, founder of the new York-based architecture practice Rockwell Group, speaking about his new book Drama and why architecture has much to learn from the impermanence of set design.

Alongside the interview, the episode sees the team discuss the design elements behind the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; Phyllida Barlow’s new sculpture for Highgate Cemetery; Samuel Ross’s 2021 Black British and POC artist grants; the second edition of the Where Are the Black Designers? annual conference; Virgil Abloh’s promotion at LVMH; and the return of Phoebe Philo.

You can listen and subscribe to The Crit on all major podcast platforms or here on our website.

Please like, share and subscribe to The Crit on Apple podcasts, Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.

And if you want to get in touch with us about future episodes, please email thecrit@disegnojournal.com.

Show Notes: Ep.12 ‘Kitsch Flame’

Phyllida Barlow at Highgate Cemetery – 1:41

Tokyo 2020 – 5:40

Black British and POC Artist Grants – 15:20

Where Are the Black Designers? – 18.17

Virgil Abloh – 21:22

Phoebe Philo – 25:57

Product: Tylko Type02 – 29:44