"Asteroid: I think it's time" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the Pickle Puffer, a gherkin-filled coat created by fast-food chain KFC.

Created to advertise KFC's upcoming pickle-themed menu, the jacket was designed for picklebacks on the go and features a built-in straw and pickle-shaped zipper pull.

"I pick the Pickle Puffer"

Commenters were left torn by the "unhinged" originality of the jacket, vacillating between puns and practicality.

"We made the KFC candle a few years back but I am truly relishing this," wrote James.

Another commenter, Peter Piper said, "I pick the Pickle Puffer".

Other readers couldn't pass up the opportunity for irony. "Oh sick, it's my wife's birthday coming up," said Chris. "She will be thrilled!"

"Maybe the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will make one filled with cow patties?" proposed Charlie Bing. "Makes about as much sense."

But for some, the Pickle Puffer was granted no applause. "Plastic, really, if you show it in your magazine, could you at least say something about the harm to the planet this causes," said Machteld Shrameyer. "This fact needs to be called out any chance we get. When is the quarter going to drop?"

RK was similarly cynical, "Yeah, because what the world is really short of now is novelty plastic tat for the LOLZ, eh? Asteroid: I think it's time."

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

"The pastel colours may be of its time but might not be timeless."

Another story that caught commenters' attention this week was a Brooklyn apartment block constructed in pink concrete by American studio SO-IL, who aimed to give the structure a "civic presence".

Some readers found the design refreshing, with Apsco Radiales writing, "Bold, very bold. I like it," while Ben said, "Damn this is nice. Well done. Major props."

Others took a while to warm up. "My initial reaction was 'I don't like the colour,' but by the time I'd scrolled through the images, I loved it," reflected Chris. "Feels vaguely brutalist internally, like something you'd see at the Barbican," he added.

Some were concerned about the colour palette, with JZ saying that "the pastel colours may be of its time but might not be timeless" and that "the institutional green (that also recalls drafting board covers) in particular is associated with certain less savoury occupancies."

Diorama was similarly exasperated, writing, "What a mess of a facade. The pink concrete is the definition of lipstick on a pig."

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"One big, gaudy, gold leaf nightmare"

Also causing a stir in the comments section was news of the AIA suing Donald Trump over the Kennedy Center renovation.

Some commenters were hopeful with the steps taken by AIA. "So happy to see the AIA actually doing something to protect the integrity of the profession," wrote K Lenard. "It's not about politics, it's about holding the powerful accountable."

Other readers were outraged. Chuck Anziulewicz wrote, "By the time Trump is done with it, the inside of the (former) Kennedy Center will be one big, gaudy, gold leaf nightmare, not unlike what the Oval Office has become."

"How dare someone else (a classicist, gasp) co-opt the boorish tactics for which modernism is famous," scorned Jb. "Sue 'em all."

But the general consensus among the commenters read as weary. "Another lawsuit against Trump, another Leftist tantrum,"opined David Yborra." So productive."

"Lying is one thing," said Rule of One. "Breaking the law with impunity is another. Worse Trump is dismantling all institutions of justice and democracy."

"I think I need to contact my lawyer this afternoon and start my own lawsuit against Trump," joked The Discreet Architect. "Not sure on what grounds yet, as there are so many possibilities, but everyone else is suing him for something or other and I feel I may be missing out!"

What side are you on? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

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