Watch: Theory11's High Victorian Playing Cards on Kardify Spotlight

We've partnered up with @thegentlemanwake on a series of 'spotlight' videos to give you the rundown on some of the latest and unique decks of playing cards around. We aim to publish the 1-minute spotlight video weekly on social media (Facebook: Kardify) and in addition, a link to @thegentlemanwake's full video if you want to have a more comprehensive look at a particular deck.

This week we have the stunning High Victorian Playing Cards from Theory11 and designed by Joe White. The deck is inspired by the intricate, breathtaking style of the Victorian era and features fully custom artwork with intricate details. Find out more in the video below featuring the Target exclusive Red Edition High Victorian Playing Cards. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE (YouTube: TheGentlemanWake)!

Kickstarter: Clouded Paper Playing Cards by Eliot Slevin

A long time coming, a deck of playing cards created by Elion Slevin, is currently seeking funds on Kickstarter. Eliot is a New Zealand-based cardist well known for the viral cardistry video, "Run Rabbit" and was the inaugural International Cardsitry Open champion.

The deck, Clouded Paper is a rather unusual deck of cards -  no two backs are the same. Every card is unique, yet tied together as a deck with a marbled paper aesthetic. On creating his own custom deck, Eliot told Kardify,

I never wanted to make a standard deck of cards. After lots of experimentation and inspiration, I really started to love the idea of a deck with unique backs. However, all the cards have to 'feel' as if they're from one deck - there needs to be a central theme. I realized texture could provide this - allowing a uniform aesthetic with variations and imperfections between the cards.

With such strong variation coming from the backs, Eliot felt the faces needed to be neutral and expected to balance the deck. With that, the face cards are standard American, with a few surprises. The deck is packaged in a neutral, minimal design tuck box.

Clouded Paper Playing Cards will be printed by the USPCC and pledge will start at $15 on Kickstarter.

Cardistry: Watch the Exclusive Launch Video of ICON Black Edition Playing Cards by Pure Imagination Projects

ICON Playing Cards was created by talented young cardist, Benji Taylor. The original deck sports a minimal, design that speaks loudly with its stylish back design made out of quirky icons. Since the release of the First Edition ICON Playing Cards, the team at Pure Imagination Projects have received countless requests to release another version. After four years, the ICON deck is back, and this time back in a sleek black colorway.

The look remains the same – a simple, yet elegant tuck box with a hanging light bulb, and a back design with a multitude of icons sure to pique anyone’s curiosity. The deck is professional and fun, keeping the same theme with some new upgrades included.

ICON has already proven popular with cardists. The courts and pips are standard but the unique back design on a black background enhances displays and card flourishes.

The new cards are crushed and have the USPCC’s classic air-cushion finish. Not only do the cards spread smoothly for magicians, but block together perfectly for any cardist. The deck is expected is to be released Friday, 22nd June.  Meanwhile, check out the exclusive launch trailer of the new ICON below:

Card Radar: Rap Quote Hip-Hop Playing Cards Volume 1: East vs. West

RapQuote's Hip-Hop Playing Cards is a fully custom deck prominently featuring quotes by famous rappers from each coast. The deck is designed by graphic designer, Troy Rojewski and produced by RapQuote.com, an awesome website delivering fresh quotes about love, life, money and more since 2001.

The design of the deck is aesthetically inspired by the Art Deco movement. The face cards come with original artwork showcasing 54 quotes from legendary East and West Coast artists. Ace, King, Queen, and Jack cards include Rakim, Ice Cube, Nas, Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, 2Pac and more.

The deck is very well thought out with the contrast between the intricate borders and bold typography and the harsh (often NSFW) lyrics. I found myself going through each card trying to find certain recognizable artist and quote. That was unexpected and fun!

The card back has been designed to look like the retro audio cassette tape in all of its glory! Nice touch especially when it has been printed with stunning gold metallic ink giving it a classy street vibe!

The Hip-Hop Playing Cards are printed by the Expert Playing Card Company on premium quality, air cushion (linen) finish playing card stock. First Edition limited print run of 1,000 and are available now on store.rapquote.com for $20.