How Vanity Items Became Collectible Art?!

Within the realm of retro beauty accessories, the lipstick case is a notable representation of glitz, sophistication, and individual flair. Vintage lipstick cases were made to be more than simply a place to store lipstick; they were works of art that could be found in any woman’s handbag, a far cry from the disposable, frequently simple packaging of today’s cosmetics. These cases, which date from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century, are highly sought-after objects for collectors and lovers of vintage beauty products because they capture the style, materials, and craftsmanship of their eras.

Vintage lipstick cases were a reflection of the artistic sensibilities of their day, made from a range of materials such as brass, gold plating, enamel, semi-precious stones, and exquisite etchings or inlays. Cases with geometric designs, crisp lines, and opulent metallic embellishments were popular in the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting the Art Deco trend. A return to femininity and luxury was witnessed throughout the post-war era, as cases grew more elaborate and included romantic designs, like as flowers and birds, which were frequently inlaid with pearls or colored stones.

These enclosures were technical and functional miracles in addition to being stunning. Many included an integrated mirror that made it possible to apply lipstick while on the go, and some even had a little space for powder or a miniature perfume bottle, which embodied the era’s requirement for small, efficient accessories. These jewels were masterfully crafted; designers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. created pieces that served as status symbols in addition to being useful.

Vintage lipstick cases are nostalgic and provide insight into the everyday routines and particular preferences of ladies from the past. They take us back to a bygone era when beauty routines were infused with a feeling of elegance and formality, which contrasts sharply with the modern emphasis on efficiency and speed. Many people have developed a passion for collecting these items because of their artistry and beauty as well as the histories and tales they represent.

Vintage lipstick cases require careful cleaning and periodic polishing (for metal cases only) to keep them shiny and free of tarnish. The excitement of the chase is part of the fascination of searching for these gems, which can lead aficionados to antique stores, estate sales, and online auctions. A vintage lipstick case is more than simply a container, whether it’s on show on a vanity or tucked away in a purse; it’s a tiny piece of history and a relic of a bygone era’s devotion to elegance and beauty.

Uber driver saves up for 8 years to build a genius expandable container home

Imagine dreaming of an expandable container home that can travel with you, unfolding into a comfortable living space quickly, and equipped with all the essentials.

That’s exactly what Kamal Kadhar dreamed of ten years ago, inspired by innovative designs he discovered online.

Despite lacking formal construction training, Kamal started a journey fueled by determination and passion.

Using his earnings from eight years of driving for Uber, Kamal built a compact yet expandable container home measuring 7.5 feet by 24 feet.

Kamal Kadhar during his interview about his expandable container home.

The beauty of his creation lies in its portability – it can be towed by a 4×4 vehicle, eliminating the need for cranes or forklifts.

Kamal’s journey began in a field outside Tiruchirappalli, a southern Indian city, where he constructed his first prototype.

What sets Kamal’s creation apart is its simplicity and resilience. He opted for mechanical winches instead of complex hydraulics to ensure ease of deployment in remote locations.

As Kamal describes it, the expandable container home is like an octopus – small when needed, expandable when necessary, and can withstand disasters like fires, hurricanes, or floods.

Kamal and a friend assembling his expandable container home prototype using winches.

The relocation process is as easy as moving a shipping container, making it legally transportable anywhere in the world using a 4×4 SUV.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges.

After investing almost a decade of hard work and facing financial strain, Kamal’s family was on the verge of giving up.

However, witnessing the prototype changed everything. Realizing the idea’s value brought relief despite the personal and financial sacrifices.

Kamal’s unconventional path involved learning everything from YouTube, combining his experiences as an Uber driver with visits to construction sites and apprenticeships at a builder’s shop.

The relocation process is as easy as moving a shipping container, making it legally transportable anywhere in the world using a 4×4 SUV.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges.

After investing almost a decade of hard work and facing financial strain, Kamal’s family was on the verge of giving up.

However, witnessing the prototype changed everything. Realizing the idea’s value brought relief despite the personal and financial sacrifices.

Kamal’s unconventional path involved learning everything from YouTube, combining his experiences as an Uber driver with visits to construction sites and apprenticeships at a builder’s shop.

His creative mindset was founded on his father’s small scrap metal shop, where he played with metal and aluminum, shaping the project to resemble a regular shipping container.

The main structure starts small at 7ft 6in and expands to 20ft.

The expandable container home uses built-in leg jacks so it could be assembled in anywhere.

The expandable container home takes less than 2 hours to build, with a foundation not required.

It can be adjusted on uneven surfaces using built-in leg jacks.

The roof opens with stainless steel hinges, both mechanical and electrical components, avoiding hydraulics for reliability.

The roof opens to add solar panels, maximizing power generation for personal use or resale to the government by connecting to the grid.

The sides expand mechanically, controlled by a hinge, making it easy to pull and open with just one finger.

Unfloding the foldable kitchen at Kamal's container home.

The kitchen, also expandable, is attached to the bathroom facility. Utilities run down the middle, and it’s designed to hook up to city sewage.

The living area is spacious, with a total interior size of 300 square feet, and the bedroom features a foldable bed.

This house has been tested in a remote village, and even non-professionals helped build it confidently.

You can expand it and adjust the interior to make it more spacious.

Setting up the Murphy bed.

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