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Cover Feature
Homework furniture collection by Nika Zupanac
is becoming rare to find nowadays in the industrialised world.” Echoing this, Mari added: “I felt it was an opportunity to show that luxury objects do not have to be vulgar”. What we felt really added to the sense of luxury was the quality of the materials used. Clémence bull calf leather plays a key role in the collection and gives a wonderful impression of longevity. Also showing at Rossana Orlandi (but
with a different approach to luxury) was Nica Zupanac whose new pieces explore the ideal of comfort. Her ‘Homework Chair’, ‘Homework Table’, ‘Homework Cabinet’ aim to question self-discipline - or the lack of it. She explained: “I think we all feel -
especially in the West - a little bit too comfortable. I think it’s really time for a more self-restrained approach to living. I used this literally in the measurements of the pieces, for example for the chair which is quite small so that it’s not really so comfortable. If we are comfortable all the time then I believe we stop thinking critically.” We were drawn to Zupanac’s work, as
we believe it reflects an intriguing new idea of ‘Restrained Luxury’ where objects no longer shout about their quality but rather reveals it on close inspection and over the course of time.
INVISIBLE
A continuation of last year’s ethereal theme was the trend for transparent, fluid objects, not only in a literal sense, but also in terms of providing a calming and tranquil atmosphere, helping to de-clutter our homes. It was the Japanese designers that
traditionally employed this purist aesthetic that also stood out at this year’s Salone. It is important to note that the spaces in which these ‘invisible’ pieces were presented had also been carefully considered, giving the visitor a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of Milan.
A master of poetic design, Tokujin
Yoshioka’s ‘Twilight’ installation for Moroso was a prime example of this trend. Variations of his ‘Moon’ chair were presented in a white,
atmospheric environment, only revealing the subtle differences in texture through reflection of the light. ‘Transparent Table’, a beautiful piece
by Japanese designer Nendo, explores the different levels of transparency in all its gradations in space between transparent and opaque. Cast in a wooden form with a strong grain, the clear acrylic table appears transparent at first, but with a closer look the wooden texture becomes visible. British designer Paul Cocksedge
worked in collaboration with BMW and Flos on a captivating luminary installation named ‘Sestosenso’. Inspired by the new BMW 6 series, the first BMW with full LED headlights, Cocksedge designed a conical light sculpture that hides the source of illumination. The LED light is guided through the edges of the lampshade, creating a very soft and gentle light. “What I like about them is that they are
voluminous shapes, they’re cones and usually a light bulb would be in the middle. But here it’s hidden away and comes from somewhere
“DESIGNERS ARE TAKING ON THEIR TRADITIONAL ROLE OF INVENTORS AGAIN AND ARE QUESTIONING THE NORM”
else. It’s the idea of being invisible, being deleted, not showing,” Cocksedge explains. He also thought of a clever way of letting people experience the car. Visitors could step within one of five red ‘Sestosenso’ lamps hanging from the ceiling and magically a video of the car appears on the white wall that wraps around the room. It points towards a bright future, where technology will be embedded into our environments in a fluid and harmonious way. Technology will be ubiquitous, but without competing with the look and feel of our homes, leaving space for a calmness and serenity when we need it.
EVERYDAY DELIGHT A couple of years ago, a lot of design was driven by technology and somehow became out of touch with the end user. However, the global financial crisis has forced many designers and manufacturers to reconsider the value of design and we can now see the positive impact this rethink has had. Designers are taking on their traditional
role of inventors again and are questioning the norm, giving us delightful products that offer simple yet joyful improvements to daily life.
We were excited to see so many designers responding to the need for adding ➔
Top: Sesto Senso by Paul Cocksedge in association with Flos and BMW
Above: Tokujin Yoshioka’s ‘Twilight’ installation for Moroso
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