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Taking it to the darkside

Claire Sullivan - Friday, April 24, 2009

This maybe a teensy bit morbid, however I was still really impressed by the beauty of these concrete graves designed by Budapest based designer Katalin Ivanka, who was showing at the Satellite Salone for emerging designers. The idea is that long after you are gone and potentially forgotten the grave will still be beautiful based upon the elements of the changing seasons. Constructed from concrete they come in various shades. To learn more go here.

Marcel Wanders for Flos

Claire Sullivan - Friday, April 24, 2009

Influenced by the decorated plaster ceiling in Marcel Wanders home, the Skygarden light has this year been launched in a recessed form so that it's outside edge will sit flush against the ceiling. Flos is available locally at ECC.

Philippe Starck for Driade

Claire Sullivan - Friday, April 24, 2009

Well known for his sense of humour with design, Philippe Starck has this year launched the Out-In Easy Chair for Driade. The backs of these chairs are incredibly high, and certainly give anyone seated in them an immediate sense of power. Driade is available from Indice.

Zaha Hadid for Artemide

Claire Sullivan - Friday, April 24, 2009

This stunning new lamp takes on the usual Zaha Hadid form that the architect has become so famous for. The floor lamp comes in polished black or white. Artemide is available from ECC.

Stealth photography at Kartell

Claire Sullivan - Friday, April 24, 2009

After posting the story a few days ago about the influences of fashion collections I was humoured by the great presentation at the Kartell stand today. Each Kartell piece was presented insitu with what we assume was the designers influence. Unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos at the fair, and normally I adhere to the rules, but in this case I did some stealth photography work, which explains the dodgy quality of most of the images. Hopefully it will enjoy it as much as I did.

Again, apologies for the not so great photography. To learn more about Kartell click here.

Diesel does design....interior design.

Claire Sullivan - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Yet another fashion house is throwing its design prowess into the world of interiors. I'm not sure how I feel about all of this cross pollination, and why have we not seen any interior designers trying their hands at fashion...or have we? The Italian jeans giant Diesel have launched a furniture range with Moroso and The Rock lighting for Foscarini. Stay tuned for any news on furniture designers doing fashion, I'm keep a look out.

Campana Brothers for Edra

Claire Sullivan - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Love them or not, you cannot discount the interest drawn by the ever controversial Campana brothers. Today at the fair crowds gathered around the newly released Cipria Sofa's (as shown above). Designed to be added to list of iconic pieces the brothers have produced, the Cipria is constructed from nine cushions fixed to a metal frame, Each cushion is covered in fake fur and comes in varying colours and fur lengths. No doubt the avid Campana collectors will be pleased. Edra is available from Matisse.

60 years of Kartell

Claire Sullivan - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The Italian design powerhouse Kartell are celebrating their 60th birthday at this years Milan fair. The presentation today was alive with all of the usual brightness and wonderment that Kartell are renowned for. One of the key factors of Kartell's success is their ability to manufacture outstanding products from some of the world's greatest designers at very low prices, and by doing so, making excellent design available to the masses. Three cheers to Kartell!

Above is Patricia Urqiola's new 'Frilly Stool' an addition to the 'Frilly Chair' launched last year.

The Cindy table lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani takes it's inspiration from the 1970's , and comes in a range of shiny metallic tones in various shades as shown above. Kartell is widely available in New Zealand click here for more details.

Stump side table at Ligne Roset

Claire Sullivan - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I'll admit to having a soft spot for marble. It's presence almost always adds classic sophistication to any environment. I was therefore drawn today to the Stump side table at Ligne Roset. The perfect height and modern shape make it a future classic. Ligne Roset is available locally at Domo.

Bringing out the crazies.

Claire Sullivan - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Yes that's right, the above is a new 'seating system'. According to designer Gaetano Pesce he has always loved animals, but will they still love him after this attempt at paying homage? The seating system was designed for Meritalia, and certainly got my attention, so I thought it only fair that I show you it's not all chic minimalism up here in Milan, some designers are really taking things into their own hands. To be fair though their faces are kind of cute, and would probably be well loved by a very young child, until it started giving them nightmares!

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