MAGAZINE

Before we step into the new year, we take a moment to look back on the new collections presented by leading manufacturers in the design industry this past season. From those that have captured our hearts with their expressive form to those that have earned our respect by honouring traditional crafts, extending the legacies of legendary designers, and prioritising the well-being of our planet, we bring a curated selection of our 10 favourite new designs in 10 categories  to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of designers and manufacturers shaping the design landscape in the second half of this year. 

Designer Tim Leclabart creates furniture pieces that “oscillate between sculpture and art”. His approach combines his knowledge in art, design, architecture, decorative arts, as well as his personal life experiences, to create unique and striking objects.  His latest collection, New Space, embodies this boundary-defying approach. Recently, however, the French designer has also ventured into the world of mass-production with the Boo Collection developed for this year’s Maison&Objet. We interviewed the designer to find out more about these projects, his professional trajectory to date and the influences behind his unique approach to designing furniture bordering on sculpture.

Christmas and New Year are approaching, which means the gift-giving season is almost here. We've handpicked a selection of items from top design brands to help you surprise the most important people in your life with a thoughtful, personalized gift this holiday season. From kitchenware designed by architects to collector’s items, games and stocking fillers that are sure to captivate the hearts of design aficionados of all ages, find the perfect present with our carefully curated gift guide for the upcoming holidays.

Ettore Sottsass was an Italian architect and designer active during the second half of the twentieth century. Sottsass is known primarily in association with Memphis, the radical design group he founded in the eighties. However, his lengthy and fruitful career brought forth much more than his brief stint with Memphis, though it remains a defining segment. So, who was Ettore Sottsass, the designer lauded “one of the design geniuses of the 20th century” by Karl Lagerfeld and whose designs were collected by the likes of David Bowie?

Breaking free from conventional archetypes with designs that redefine the interplay between form and function, French designer Athime de Crécy is reshaping the very essence of industrial design. Based in the vibrant city of Paris, where he operates his design studio, Athime’s creative journey is just beginning, though his vision is far-reaching and clear. With a keen eye for the future, he's on a mission to restructure our perceptions of beauty and utility towards more energy-constrained products and the new aesthetic standards they are generating. In this interview, we discuss with Athime his journey navigating the dynamic field of industrial design so far: his sources of inspiration, his method, and his vision for the future.

This year has been dominated by retrospectives: from interior design trends embracing the nostalgic charm of the 70s and 80s, to numerous reissues and limited editions releases of iconic furniture pieces. 2023 also marks significant anniversaries for enduring designs by the likes of Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, Carlo Scarpa among others. These classic pieces have not only stood the test of time as well-designed, functionally and aesthetically enduring objects, but have also achieved iconic status in society over the years. In this article, we raise a toast to some of the most celebrated designs of the previous century as they mark important milestones, reflecting on both their evolution and the lasting impact they've left on the contemporary design landscape.

Paper lanterns have a rich history dating back to ancient China, where they were initially used during the Han dynasty for lighting and decoration. The journey of these humble paper lanterns signifies the convergence of traditional materials with contemporary design, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the world of interior lighting. In this showcase, we explore the approaches of contemporary designers that masterfully combine the themes of tradition and craftsmanship with illumination to produce inspiring lighting designs based on the Japanese paper lantern.

CLUZEL / PLUCHON founders Sébastien Cluzel & Morgane Pluchon base their joint practice around two core values: that design should be accessible, and that it must serve humanity. With this aim, they create designs that “cue memories, invoke moments in history, and redefine the expectations of everyday objects”.  Their most recent achievement was their participation in this year's Maison&Objet, where they were honoured as one of seven young design studios to receive the Rising Talent Awards. In light of this recognition, we had the opportunity to interview Sébastien and Morgane, who shared their reflections on the event and their design philosophy.

Some furniture types transcend the confines of time to become classics. Among these, the Chesterfield sofa stands as a timeless piece, maintaining its allure in the face of ever-changing design sensibilities. Its roots can be traced back to 18th century England, but whereas the exact origin story of the Chesterfield remains shrouded in mystery, what is unmistakably clear is the sofa's endurance in interior design and its steadfast association with luxury, comfort, and classic aesthetics. We delve into the manifold versions of the Chesterfield found today that breathe new life into this beloved design classic, ensuring the evolution of this archetype into the future.

Positioned at the intersection of furniture and fashion, Arthur Fosse and Samuel Perhirin stand as exemplars of a new generation focused on the creativity of interdisciplinary and sustainable design. Their approach has earned them the Rising Talent Award at this year’s Maison&Objet, a reflection of the growing recognition of their work to date. In this interview, the duo discuss their experience from the recent French design fair and reveal more about their design philosophy, which has firmly established Passage as an emerging design brand shaping the future of the industry. 

Situated within the confines of New York's bustling John F. Kennedy airport stands the iconic TWA Terminal. Constructed in the aftermath of World War II, the terminal has weathered a tumultuous history, transitioning from a symbol of American ingenuity and freedom to its current incarnation as a hotel. Preserving the spirit of the golden age of air travel, this architectural masterpiece offers visitors a glimpse into an era when the possibilities seemed limitless and the promise of utopia felt within reach. Its elegant contours and unique wing-shaped thin-shell roof were designed to embody the essence of flight, a vision brought to life through the ingenuity of its creator, Finnish-American architect and designer, Eero Saarinen.

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have been bringing a fresh perspective to their designs for over two decades with their innovative approach. They are said to be successors to the French design throne held by Philippe Starck, though they prefer to remain elusive on the matter. The duo approaches design with a similar attitude. Their work is characterized by a low-key and subtle tone whose message is clear without being imposing. 

As we increasingly recognise the profound impact of our choices on the planet, the design industry is responding to pressing environmental issues with an array of innovative approaches. From recycling materials to material innovations, ingenious manufacturing processes that create more from less to reinstating premium quality and craftsmanship in the industry, this article explores six furniture designs by manufacturers that are setting the benchmark in terms of sustainable design, shaping a greener future where aesthetics evolve from ethics.

In the heart of one of the world's most culturally vibrant cities, the annual London Design Festival gathers design enthusiasts from around the globe for a series of events, from exhibitions to design trails and forums. Transforming the British capital into a playground for creativity and innovation each year, the LDF has cemented London’s position as the global centre of design over the past 20 years. There’s a lot to unpack from this year’s edition as we delve into the extensive festival programme spread out across London from 16-24 September, highlighting the most memorable design stories that at their very core foster and celebrate design excellence.

He didn’t write books nor did he comment on them. Many people criticized him for not having a clear attitude. He thought that his works didn’t belong to any movement and that each one is adjusted to a problem. He listened to his clients carefully and considered them to be “co-creators”. Eero Saarinen moved the boundaries of Modernism and turned it into an exciting game of materials. He changed an already established pattern and started a period of another Modernism. 

Over the last century, desk lamps have become essential additions to workspaces and home offices. Especially necessary for those who spend extended hours in front of screens, desk lamps provide adequate lighting to prevent eye strain and enhance productivity. With a wide variety of models and sizes produced by the top manufacturers in design today, there is a lamp for every workspace, from small nooks and temporary desk setups to corporate offices. We’ve chosen five desk lamps that combine quality, function and style in different ways, appealing to a variety of spaces and applications.

The latest installment of Maison&Objet, one of Europe's foremost design festivals and an integral part of Paris Design Week's September edition, has come to a close. This year, the event embraced the theme of enjoyment, placing a strong emphasis on the celebration of vibrant colors, extravagance, audacity, and humor as essential elements of the showcase. We delved into this year’s programme featuring more than 2,500 exhibitors from 15 sectors to bring you our highlights from the “quest of pleasures” that was this year’s Maison&Objet.

Established by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 1995, Japanese firm SANAA has since become a leading force of the twenty first century architectural scene. It is with a quiet confidence that the duo has swept the world off its feet with their distinctly minimalist, highly sensitive and thoughtful designs. SANAA’s is an architecture of subdued elegance, not distracting from, but instead elevating the very thing essential to a building – the life it houses and nurtures. 

Building a sustainable educational institution and building a sustainable education are multidisciplinary endeavours, necessitating collaboration among experts from diverse fields, including architects, engineers, teachers, administrators, and furniture designers and manufacturers, all united by a common goal. We delve inside five projects of educational buildings that embrace this holistic approach to create sustainable, creative environments that aim to provide a positive learning experience and community connections.

A material with a history dating back thousands of years to 1400-1200 BC, concrete has evolved from a simple composite of aggregate and fluid cement into the cornerstone of modern construction. It ranks as the second-most-utilised substance globally following water. The architectural application and distinctive visual and tactile qualities of concrete have inspired a host of applications of this material in the realm of contemporary furniture design. In homage to this remarkable material, we take a closer look at unique furniture pieces whose concepts both embrace concrete as a structural material and concrete as an aesthetic.

A revolution of the design process happened: swimsuit material tightened over a metal frame? This idea hadn’t been seen before. Pierre Paulin presented something atypical to the 20^th century, something refreshing. In fact, he deepened the incision between the past and the future. His work gave a hint of the 21^st century to a large degree: „My favorite design is the one to come, either by me or by a future generation.”

Blade Runner continues to hold its position as one of the most impactful films in history, particularly in shaping the visual representation of the future. Its influence has extended to a multitude of creators across various media worldwide, with contemporary works such as Altered Carbon, Akira, Judge Dread and Cyberpunk 2077 all drawing substantial inspiration from Blade Runner's distinct style. Through the lens of Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, we delve into the topic of depicting the future in film and explore how designer furniture found its way into the sci-fi genre, playing a pivotal role in creating immersive and believable environments.

In discussions on design, aesthetics sometimes take precedence over functionality, leading to a disregard for the fact that a well-designed object must properly fulfil its primary purpose. When it comes to seating design, ergonomics play a crucial role, evolving over the 19th and 20th centuries to become a primary concern of designing today. This evolution was driven by a deeper understanding of human anatomy and the recognition of the significance of proper posture for overall health. We have selected six ergonomic designs that place comfort and well-being at the fore, mapping the development of ergonomic seating from the beginnings of modernism and its preoccupation with the functionality of objects, to the more recent focus on challenging seating conventions, 

“There are good and bad architects. I’m a good architect.” The words Ernő Goldfinger used to describe himself speak volumes of his character, strong-willed and uncompromising. Famously, he was the inspiration for the eponymous James Bond character which immortalized him as the power-hungry villain in Fleming’s fictitious writings. But more importantly, his legacy is seared into London’s skyline in the form of two iconic towers – Balfron and Trellick.

This month’s release of the Barbie film was accompanied with an overwhelming stream of publicity. But Barbie is only at the culmination of the current pink colour trend that began last year on the runway helmed by the likes of Valentino and Alexander McQueen and has since spread to the realm of architecture and design. Following the commotion caused by what was undoubtedly this year’s most anticipated film, as well as this year’s hottest colour, we have rounded up 6 furniture/object designs that make interesting use of the colour pink—from its saccharine allure to its floral and feminine associations.

While minimalist design has only become more popular since Mies Van der Rohe’s declaration “less is more”, by its adversaries, it is often viewed as a rigid standard of a good taste. However, minimalism has much more to offer than what obvious criticisms suggest, for the simplest solutions often require a complex thought process and meticulousness in the execution of details. With the dawning of summer, as we move dining, relaxation and socialization outdoors, we have selected six outdoor furniture designs that embody the strengths of minimalist design, for ultimate enjoyment of outdoor living this season and many more to come.

Japanese designer Oki Sato went from architecture graduate at a top Tokyo university, to founding his design studio Nendo and being included in “the Top 100 Small Japanese Companies” in just five years. Another five years later, his infectious designs and personality had gained international traction and had him on multiple “Designer of the Year” lists. Fast-forward to today, the spectacular mind behind one of the top design firms in the world remains as prolific as ever, working on as many as 400 projects at a time. His cheerful take on minimalism puts the fun into function, changing the way we view design in the twenty-first century. So, how does he do it? 

As we step into the second half of 2023, we take a moment to look back on the new collections presented by leading manufacturers in the design industry this past season. From those that have captured our attention with their playful spirit, creative concepts or functional innovation, to those carefully chosen for their topicality, addressing issues of sustainability or democracy in design, we bring a curated selection of our 10 favourite new designs in 10 categories (Lounge/ Table/ Storage/ Chair/ Commercial/ Reissue/ Outdoor/ Lighting/ Installation/ Trending) to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of designers and manufacturers shaping the design landscape in the first half of this year.

Modularity continues to be a strong trend in all areas of furniture and object design, including lighting. Due to their highly adaptable and often formally or technologically innovative nature, the advantages of modular lighting systems are manifold. However, for designers, achieving variability in consistency is one of the biggest challenges in modular design. In this article, we present six modular lighting designs that defy the repetitive pitfalls of modular design by playing with form, color, and materials to deliver visually captivating designs applicable to interiors big or small.