Alfredo H?§berli

All week I’ve been writing about the work of product designer, Alfredo H?§berli. 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 Рin 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 ‚Äì a series of dots that, from a distance, blend together to form a single color with a path in the center. Read More…