What: Unique and unmistakable, Italian maker, Illy crafts espresso of the highest order for coffee-lovers around the world. Defined by its balanced full-bodied taste, distinct aroma, and unmatched consistency, each cup is designed to be a sensory experience that brings to life the brand’s artistic approach and passion for coffee craft.

Why: On the long list of things that go into every STORY: collaboration and a lot of coffee. And thanks to the makers at Illy, DESIGN definitely took on its own buzz. If you haven’t yet, stop in (very soon, DESIGN closes Sunday) to explore the unique intersection of good taste and better beans with a complimentary tasting. It’s our favorite way to “espresso yourself” – whether you play it straight or take the milky way.

What: Part portfolio, part platform, Working Class Studio gives the students and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design an innovative way to showcase (and sell) their schoolwork. Think: modern lamps, original stationary, and handmade vases – all by a fresh batch of up and coming designers.

Why: For those of us who relish the discovery of what’s next and the owning of things that can’t be found in a mall – this is about as good as ‘first dibs’ get. Shop almost famous wares for the home and beyond, all which feature a unique design sensibility.

Read on if you’ve been wondering where Working Class Studio gets all that talent from:

1. What is design?

For Working Class Studio, design is all about collaboration. We work with talented students from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) who research our brand developing trends and design needs in the marketplace before creating new designs. The student designers share their ideas discovering design solutions that otherwise may not be reached.

2. Who or what inspires you?

Our sources of inspiration are as varied as our student designers.  We work with a new group of students every 10 weeks, affording us a unique perspective on design and trends. The variety of interests, cultural backgrounds, and points of view help keep our line fresh and relevant in an ever-changing market.

3. What is one fact about you that we couldn’t find out through a Google search?

This quarter we are working with students from eight states and five countries.  They also represent eight different majors at SCAD: fibers, graphic design, illustration, advertising design, metals and jewelry, sequential art, industrial design, and painting.

What: It’s a mix of business and pleasure when Dragon Rouge joins STORY to mark the launch of its new book, “Business is Beautiful,” an exploration of the unmeasurable drivers of success. Discover the five tenets of a beautiful business as defined in a short presentation by Jean Baptiste Danet, Global CEO of Dragon Rouge and exemplified by companies all over the world (including ours!)

Why: Because good company is hard to find, particularly in today’s profit-first, people-later economy. So let’s stand up for standing a part and celebrate the story of those who make being in business beautiful by doing the right thing.

When: May 21, 7 pm RSVP to Hello@ThisisSTORY.com

Katrin Reifeiss: There’s an art to the quick change: it requires flexibility, a sturdy VW van, and one of Katrin Reifeiss’ free-spirited silky tunic top/dresses. Designed to slip on and look effortless, the range is hand-painted using traditional Japanese Shibori, creating an effect that captures the natural beauty of color and pattern. Whether worn over jeans, a swimsuit, or with bare legs, it’s destined to be summer’s one-hit wonder; play often and loud.

Lucky Fish: Printed t-shirts aren’t as revolutionary as say, an Illy coffee-slinging robot, but done well, a good graphic tee can be really great. Enter Lucky Fish, our locally made go-to for super comfy basics that are a heck of a lot more unique than anything you’d find in a 3-pack. This summer, discover, live, work, and sleep in the line’s array of super soft designs, adorned with feathers, bow-ties, and shooting stars. Forget the spring fling, just get lucky.

Rachel Rose: Mom always said we’d meet our “prints charming,” though we don’t think she imagined it would look like an boxy silken tank top. But true love takes many forms and in this case we can’t get enough of Brooklyn designer Rachel Rose’s handmade motifs, each its own wearable work of art. Whether to brunch in the city or — if you’re lucky — an island calls, these breezy beauties are summer throw-it-on-and go perfection.

What: Our goal – that of applying an editorial approach to commerce – gets put to the test when we host our first live editor-moderated interview, bringing in the Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company, Robert Safian to guide our talk with Yves Behar. Get inside the “designer’s studio” with one of the world’s foremost industrial and product innovators – Behar’s work an expression of his belief in the power of design to tell a story. We’ve invited Safian to bring to light Behar’s narrative philosophy and design one engaging dialogue.

Why: Because two innovators are always better than one and you’ve always wanted to be a fly on the wall during a Barbara Walter’s special. This pairing offers the chance to experience the theater that can be a thoughtful discussion while also providing intimate access to two of the forces currently shaping the narrative around design, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

When: Friday May 17, 5 PM

Space is limited. RSVP to HELLO@ThisisSTORY.com

What: A collection of chic bicycles made for “see-and-be-drooled over” city cycling. But these beauties have also got the brains, equipped with a top-of-the-line SRAM duomatic gear system that eliminates distractions and uses a centrifugal clutch to choose your gears automatically so that you can concentrate on looking good (or the road.)

Why? Martone’s two-wheeled spin on design is stylish enough that makes us want to risk helmet hair. From the built in basket to the signature red chain, each luxe bike is uniquely built to suit the lifestyle of the stylish city-dweller. Just make sure you buy a serious lock/alarm/gorilla cage to keep it safe when you stop off at the Evian fountain for a quick thirst quench.

We asked Martone about all things design. If you’re wondering whether he can play the piano, read on.

What is design? It is when form, function, and sustainability get together.

Who or what inspires you to create? Beauty, nature, and music.

What is a fact about you that we couldn’t find out via a Google search? I play the piano and I can actually cook very well.

If any one fashion designer could inspire a religion, it would be Norma Kamali, her endlessly wearable and female-flattering piece a true season-to-season of the style set. Now, with her new lower priced line, KAMALIKULTURE, Norma’s design perspective gets an affordable slant. Think effortless cuts, second-skin fabrics and pieces that can be mixed and matched with your entire closet – all priced under $100. Norma joins us on MAY 14 to her latest launch (available at STORY,) here she shares how she defines define and advice for the next wave.

What are three words that sum up your design perspective? Original, timeless functional.

How has your point of view changed during your career? I embrace however good design does not have an expiration date.

With your new line, KAMAIKULTURE, who are you designing for? KAMALIKULTURE is for an empowered woman who is smart and likes to make smart shopping choices. She shops for style under $100 even if she can afford to spend $1000 on a dress because she can pair it with a pair of $1000 shoes. She might be a college grad going on an interview – looking for modern timeless pieces. She wants styles that can go into her closet that aren’t precious, fit great, are easy-care, and easy to wear anywhere – that’s smart.

If you could re-design one thing, what would it be? My version of an amusement park.

What  great idea should have been/should be yours? The driveless car.

What advice would you give up-and-coming designers? It does not happen as quickly as you would like it to and if it does, it may disappear even faster.

What is one fact we couldn’t find out about you via Google? Too many to list!

Beth Macri Trunk Show: Our friend, jewelry designer Beth Macri will be in-STORY crafting her unique, “Hidden Message” necklaces. More discreet than the ubiquitous charm necklace, but still perfectly personal, each piece can be designed to say a little something special and customized for the wearer in a mix of gold, sterling silver, and new, rose gold.

Richart’s Chocolate Tasting: Reps from our favorite French import, Richart Chocolates join us for a sampling of their famously decadent confections. Indulge mom in a box of uniquely composed chocolates with complex flavor profiles designed for maximum pleasure. Is there a sweeter I love you? We don’t think so.

Thirdman Scent Specialist: A master perfumer from luxury line, Thirdman helps us follow our nose to the perfect gift. Learn about the complex science behind fragrance design and how to choose your own signature scent, while experiencing the unique aromatic profiles of the Thirdman range from calabria and mimosa grasse to citrus and amber.

Illy Espresso Bar: While you browse our selection of gifts designed to make mom feel special – from photo albums and Polaroid candles to signature scents, treat yourself to a complimentary espresso drink from Illy’s master barista.

Pantone Tea Service: Your mom has always been a colorful character, so give her something that will really brighten up her morning routine. While we know she’d never let go of her “I Love You Mom” mug, this hotly hued tea service from Pantone will let her express her creativity – and warm her heart.

Click and Grow Smart Garden: She helped you grow up strong, but unfortunately the same can’t be said for her garden. Green light her green thumb with Click & Grow’s collection of battery-powered smart pots. Technology takes care of all the hard stuff – watering, fertilizing, and tending – so all mom has to do is sit back and enjoy. It’s flowers, powered.

Thirdman Scents: She always warned you against being nosy, but in this case we say go ahead and bend mom’s rules. Luxury perfumer, Thirdman designs its exquisite scents to be lived in, using blends with a natural presence using the highest grade essences available. The result is a uniquely personal fragrance experience, in other words a perfect way of reminding mom you’re thinking about her every day.

Haven’t shopped yet? Be at STORY on Saturday May 11 when we host Mom-a-Palooza, a day devoted to the most special women in our lives.

What:  To kick things off The Feast brings its crew of innovative thinkers to STORY for Project Party: night of brainstorming, connection-building, and grassroots brilliance. The night will spotlight three Feast-inspired ventures – from a graphic designer specializing in “superhero” branding to the co-founders of a web app that aims to give low income moms mobility – while also offering opportunities for Feasters to ask questions, share resources, and find like minds.

Why: There are a lot of good reasons to get together but only a few that can give you the boost you need to remember why you love what you do and provide the tools to do it better.  If you’re hungry for change – this will be a good time.

When: May 8, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

RSVP to Hello@thisisSTORY.com