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-Trouv?© 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.
Marvelous Moroso
This year Moroso was spectacular. Not everything was a hit, in my humble opinion. I didn’t particularly like Ron Arad’s work. Patricia Urquiola’s Bohemian Collection was not to my liking.But her additions to the Shanghai Tip collection were beautiful.
Bohemian collection – not for me
The new sofas, chairs and settees from the Shanghai Tip Collection are more soft and relaxed. And she sets the gold standard when it comes to intertwining different textiles and pattern.
New, softer sofa
I love this settee, pouf and chair – with their Asian flair and wonderful use of pattern and texture.
Nipa Doshi and Jonothan Levian’s Charpoy Collection was wonderful for these up-and-comers. Definitely not for everyone, but I found them to be lovely, and totally new.
You can see Urquiola’s influence. Their customizable My Beautiful Backside (what a name!) settees are young and cheerful. They used wool and felt because the combination reminded them of old-fashioned clothes with stiff starched collars.
Nipa Doshi sitting on her Beautiful Backside Settee. She’s definitely someone to watch.
I saw copies of Tokujin Yoshioka‚Äôs Bouquet Chair throughout the Salone. He says, ‚ÄúI got the idea for Bouquet from the installation I created last October for Moroso’s New York showroom. I used about 30,000 paper tissues to recreate a cloud-like atmosphere.
The Bouquet makes people who sit on it happy, just as a bouquet makes the person who receives it happy. The vibrant, delicate colors trigger different sensations in each of us.”
The chair is a pleasure to sit in. I felt very feminine and wished I were wearing high heels.
Philippe Bestenheider’s collection of Nanook tables (part of a larger furniture collection) were a hit with me. They also remind me of Urquiola’s feminine instincts.
However, Bestenheider says he drew his inspiration from the cold north, and Inuit cultures.
The Moroso exhibit was jammed. Obviously a hit with everyone.
Cicatrices De Luxe 8 Pendant Light
What do you think of this pendant lamp? It’s designed by Philippe Starck. I’m always trying to figure out what he’s thinking when he comes up with these sort of novelties. It reminds me of those cut crystal bowls over at Gradnma’s house. They’re always filled with candy that’s become stuck together and sports a topping of dust.
Maybe this is one of those things that you really have to see to appreciate. I hope so, because it sells for $6,150. As my mother would say, “You could make that yourself.” And you should. But that’s just my humble opinion. At any rate, you can check it our over at Y-Lighting.
The Road To Milan: Autobahn
I’ll be leaving for Milan on Monday for the Salone del Mobile. Autobahn is on my must see list. In addition to their own new designs, they’ll be unveiling new designs by Matthew Hilton.
