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Fashematics

Claire Sullivan - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

In other non-Milan related design news. Fashematics is the term used to describe the influential sums that make up the whole in many a fashion collection. Check out www.trust-fun.com for other excellent examples. We can definitely see this mathematical theory applied to other design wonders. Keep an eye out for our own interpretations from some of the furniture at the Milan Salone.

Moooi at Milan

Claire Sullivan - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

In an obvious attempt to make light of certain current economic conditions, Marcel Wanders has released 'The killing of the Piggy Bank'. The ceramic piece is typical of Wanders always humorous approach to design, particularly when he states that it's main purpose is as a vase to hold flowers, which is probably better than holding nothing at all.

You'll have to use your imagination here, the above 'Blow Away Vase' by Front for Moooi was actually on display today next to a large fan, which did a good job of representing the designers vision of a Royal Delft vase given new parameters once it has been exposed to simulated wind.

Once again Moooi have taken an artistic and humorous approach to their design presentations. Moooi is available from ECC.

Poltrona Frau archives revisited

Claire Sullivan - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The iconic Chesterfield is always deserving of a revisit in my opinion, and this year, the Italian powerhouse Poltrona Frau have reissued one of their most traditional and well loved icons. Poltrona Frau are most renowned for their craftsmanship and zest for perfection, these pieces are no exception with each made painstakingly by hand. Poltrona Frau is available locally at Georgigregg.

David Trubridge Design

Claire Sullivan - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Arguably New Zealand's most infamous design exporter, David Trubridge is once again impressing the crowds in Milan. Trubridge became somewhat of a household name in Italian design circles when his now ubiquitous coral light was first shown back in 2002. I for one recall seeing the coral light all over Milan at my first Salone visit back in 2004.

This year Trubridge has taken an exhibition space in the ever popular area, the Zona Tortona. Sharing the same off-site postings as the likes of Marcel Wanders and Tom Dixon, Trubridge is attracting all the right attention from the crowds looking for the new and cooler alternatives to what's on display in the main fair pavilions.

Keeping with this years Euroluce theme Trubridge has developed a series of three lights based on the Maori legend of Tane. The lights vary in composition materials, and all come flat packed for easy shipping to anywhere in the world.

For more information click here.

Maison Martin Margiela in Milan

Claire Sullivan - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

One of our favourite visionary fashion designers Martin Margiela is making the obvious move into furniture and interiors with an installation at the Milan Salone. Margiela followers will be familiar with their clearly recognisable and often copied white interiors within their fashion boutiques. Their genius use of every version of white conceivable have produced some humorous and utterly unique interiors with ambience. It comes as not too much of a surprise then that after constant pressure from fans worldwide Maison Martin Margiela are taking on the world of interiors.

The Milan installation as shown above is actually a recreation of the fashion houses interior design studio in Paris. Walking through the space this afternoon it's easy to get excited by their forthcoming range. Employing similar techniques that we've seen them use in their fashion lines such as screen printing, a range of rugs and wallpapers will carry images of french baroque doors and window frames, while a swiss ball is covered with small mirrors creating a sporty disco ball.

Further to the lines in development, Maison Margiela will also offer their interior design services with the intension of working in projects such as hotels, bars and restaurants.

Margiela's fashion line is available locally at Zambesi. For more information on the interiors line go here.