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Chair of the day: Arad’s Rover
The Museum of Modern Art, in NYC, has opened an exhibit featuring the work of architect and product designer, Ron Arad. 
This is one of this first designs, which he created a bit out of desperation. He quit his job and was working on his own. Should we call him a Maverick? Some night say, “You betcha!”
You can read Roberta Smith’s review of the show by following this link. I think she covers Ron’s work and attitude perfectly.
Have a nice weekend everyone!. I’ll be back in full force on Monday.
Friday Favorite: Gretchen Langner’s fabrics & bags
Fine artist, Gretchen Langner’s life is a “tapestry of art and movement.” Her paintings hang in both public and private collections. She has recently been inspired to delve into the world of fabrics for interior design. Her online shop sells fabrics as well as cute tote bags and note cards featuring images of her artwork.
All of Gretchen’s patterns, like Bud, are large in scale. I love this trend. Make it big!
Double Dot is intended to coordinate with Gretchen’s other designs. She makes a single dot, too.
Gretchen’s Spiral comes in eight colorways. Each design is shown on furniture, so you can determine the scale.
I like this one best. Flower, like all her prints, is hand-screened.
Her bags come in two sizes. Medium bags are $80. Large are $90.
You can buy Gretchen Langner’s designs printed on four different fabrics including cotton/linen and sailcloth. The fabrics sell for $89 per yard and there is a ten yard minimum. That’s a rather large minimum order, in my opinion. She needs to add a swatch option, too.
As I said, I love the large-scale prints I’m seeing. How about you? Do you like the big stuff?
The Conundrum of Modern Bicycle Design
Ah, the bicycle. Ubiquitous, green, efficient. Designers are always trying to “improve” its basic design, which hasn’t changed much for over 100 years. See? Here’s one from 1898.
Doesn’t look much different from something you’d find at the bike store down the street. That basic shape has been improved over the years so that today, it’s light, strong, and durable. Some designers don’t think that’s enough, and decide to “reinvent” it. Such is the case with Mark Newson’s Biomega MN1. Voila:
Yes it looks groovy and “modern”. But here’s the problem. Mark’s re-imagining of the bicycle frame does nothing to improve upon that which we’ve become used to. It’s neither lighter, nor more efficient, nor easier to produce. Hence the outrageous price: It costs $7,800. (But you do get to pose around and tell people you’re riding a Mark Newson designed bike).
So what’s a designer to do? One route is to leverage everything we’ve learned about making great bicycles, – and execute it perfectly. I can think of no better example than one of Vanilla Bicycles’ masterpieces. Like this.
Here’s a detail that shows the craftmanship.
Beautiful, no? Craftsmanship costs money, and Vanilla Bikes are quite expensive – though not nearly as expensive as the Biomega Mark Newson MN1.
Alright, so where does that leave a designer who wants to build something beautiful that most people can actually buy?
Here’s a great solution by Michael Young. Here’s his “City Speed” designed for Giant Bicycles. Lovely, modern, light, efficient, and affordable.
I particularly like its tail light – most bike tail lights are pretty cruddy looking pieces of plastic.
You really need to visit his site to see all that he’s designed. The guy’s a real talent. The bicycle’s just an example of his work, but I think it illustrates a couple of things. One, that you can take something utilitarian and make it beautiful – without making it look designed (like Newson), and that you can do it so that most people can actually afford to buy one.
Thumbs up to Michael Young from a cycling (and design) fan.
Patricia Urquiola and me
If you’re wondering where I’ve been – I’m in New York touring the International Contemporary Furniture Fare (ICFF). It’s a pared down version of the Salone, in Milan.
Last night Molteni held a party in honor of Patricia Urquiola. I finally got to meet my design hero. That’s me on the right with the goofy grin.
We had a nice chat about the challenge of raising children while working full time. I can now report that Patricia is not only a very talented designer, she’s also just plain nice.
I’ll be travelling home tomorrow and will start posting about the show on Thursday. I’m exhausted. But it was well worth the sore feet.
Dwell Interview with Patrizia Moroso
There’s a fun interview with Moroso owner, Patrizia Moroso over at Dwell’s Blog. Patrizia is the brains behind this cutting edge Italian furniture company. The world’s most talented designers line up to work for them. She has a good eye for new talent, too. At last year’s Salone, Moroso premiered work from Patricia Urquiola, Ron Arad, and newcomers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien.
Here’s the start of the interview:
Creative director of the storied Italian furniture manufacturer Moroso, Patrizia Moroso was in San Francisco on Thursday morning at the Dzine showroom to chat with the press about the history of her company—founded by her parents outside Milan in the 1950s—and what we can expect in the future.
A disarming, unpretentious woman, Moroso chattering about this Parisian showroom or that trip to India or how this is her first ever visit to San Francisco. Dressed in a colorful top, loose pants and flat shoes, with short burgundy hair and chunky glasses, she looked like any Italian mother and seemed at greater ease than the bubble skirted, pastel tied and perilously high heeled in attendance. We spoke after things quieted down and I found her pleasant, personable, and happy to chat.
To read the rest of the interview, scoot over to the Dwell blog here.
Alfredo Häberli
All week I’ve been writing about the work of product designer, Alfredo Häberli. I admire his work and hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about this innovative designer. Alfredo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1964. Today, he’s based in Zurich where he manages to unite tradition with innovation, joy and energy in his designs. He’s pretty cute, too.
His work for Iittala is splendid. Essence, his collection of glassware was designed in 2001 and includes wine and water glasses, pitchers and decanters. I like the long, simple lines of the wines. these would be perfect for any contemporary tablescape.
You can find them online over at FinnStyle.
Verner Panton
The online database and magazine, Architonic, just released a series of articles detailing the life of designer Verner Panton. He’s most famous today for his Panton Chair. Panton was responsible for helping to create the Modern Danish design aesthetic. It’s worth a read – even if it’s just to impress people at your next cocktail party. Being well educated about design is always in style.
I found the interview with his widow, Marianne Panton, to be especially interesting. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it, too. Scroll down from this link to find it.
Marc Newson for SMEG
Italian appliance firm, SMEG is famous for working with Italian designers and architects. Marc Newson is the first non-Italian designer to work with the appliance company.
The new hobs and ovens designed by Marc Newson in stainless steel, glass and in 7 chromatic enamel finishes, were inspired by the desire to create something absolutely new, a look never before seen in the market. Conceived as a true synthesis of the SMEG philosophy technology with style, Newson said he wanted to bring back curved elements, which remind me of sturdy appliance designs from the 1950’s.
After analyzing the present collection of domestic products, Newson decided to begin by designing hobs and ovens – best selling products – in order to leave the strongest and most distinctive imprint on the international market.
Newson’s line for SMEG US will be available in the US in a couple of years.
Jaime Hayon
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see Spanish designer, Jaime Hayon’s exhibit. But his shoe designs for Camper, and some of his chairs, were featured at the Barcelona Designer’s exhibit, which I wrote about earlier today.
I adore this chair, which Hayon designed and has used in several of his interiors, including for Camper. It’s really fun, isn’t it? It reminds me of those hair salon hair dryer chairs.
Nanimarquina Carpets
Nanimarquina’s carpets are always a beautiful surprise. Her designs celebrate modern design, but with a sense of fun. This year was no different.
My top fave was Rangoli, which takes its name from the classic Hindu mosaics. These are typically found at the entrance of Hindu homes and are symbols are good luck. Rangoli comes in three sizes (each with a slightly different pattern), and two colors.
The aptly named Victoria is a colorful take on a classic, Baroque style. Partida is more minimalist – a series of dots that, from a distance, blend together to form a single color with a path in the center. (more…)
Patricia Urquiola’s Head
As promised, here is a photo of the back of Patricia Urquiola’s head! Suitable for framing to be sure. My friend, Sandra met Patricia a few years ago, so she took a moment to catch up on the news. That’s me with the star-struck look on my face (and oh, I don’t like the way my hair looks either).
I had been hoping for a proper interview, but that will have to wait for another day – not during the Salone – which is a total mad house (of fun).
Emu and Beautiful Outdoor Living
I’m still pleasantly surprised at all the color at this year’s show. I had heard a rumor that there would be lots of glossy black things. Wrong. And, as Yoda would say, “Happy I am.” When we first turned the corner and spotted the Emu Outdoor Collection, we thought, “meh.” But then, soon after (quite soon), I thought of a French garden and happiness. Emu’s new collection is a delight.
Gee, what a surprise that Patricia Urquiola (Arthur took my picture with her standing behind me yesterday – you can’t see her face, but her hair looks nice. Maybe I’ll post it later) designed the Re-Trouvé Collection. Again, here is her wonderful use of color. It’s nice to see feminine designs in a contemporary world.
Paola Navone designed the Ivy Collection. It’s comprised of wire-woven sofas, chairs and tables. Several tables have ceramic tiles, which can be rearranged to suit the mood. This was Arthur’s favorite. Urquiola’s was a bit too girlie for him. I can understand that.
Finally, we both fell in love with this LED, outdoor floor lamp designed by Chiaramonte and Marin. It’s difficult to really appreciate it in a photo. The arms are light and flexible and sway in the wind. Ah, to be in a tropical climate on a hot summer night by the pool with this lamp reflecting romance. Was that last comment just a bit too over-the-top?
You like? Discuss.