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Muungano ........ Blending In African Influences!!!!!

March 10, 2010 1:00 AM

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Swedish design collective Muungano was started in 1996, and began as "a critical discussion about the meaning, methods and values of design but has broadened through the years to include a commercial stance to design." For the past several years the studio has been focused on projects in or related to Africa and this collection of furniture is a result of these collaborations. The collection, Baufrica, combines the form and function of Bauhaus design with the color and pattern that is found in traditional African design. The furniture is made of waxed ash, and multi-colored lacquered tubular steel. The modular collection is upholstered in neutral grey, strengthening the weight of the bright colors native to Africa. 

It  is no secret that the depth & quality of African color appeals to me!!!!! I think Muungano's ability to use this influence in an innovative and contemporary design context is very exciting ....... the union of "north" and "south" ..... the "cold" country and the "hot" one...... blending  traditional Bauhaus grey with bright "piped" African colors ....... resulting in a harmonic use of color as an accent, but one which does not trivialize or minimize it's presence!!!!!! They have used color as an excellent "accessoration!!!!!"

2010 Armory Art Fair ......Pascale Marthine Tayou!!!!

March 8, 2010 1:00 AM

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This past week, at the NY Armory Show, I continued my love affair with the work of African artist, Pascale Marthine Tayou, exhibited by the Galleria Continua, located in San Gimignano, Italy.

Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon in 1967, Tayou began his career in the 90's, when after abandoning his studies in law, he changed his birth name, Jean Apollinaire Tayou, taking a double name in the female form: Pascal(e) Marthin(e) and went abroad to begin his art career. His first exhibition was in 1994 in Cameroon, it was followed quickly by international recognition. Tayou refers to himself as "a lawyer not an artist" saying "I never intended to be an artist, but I'm curious." Currently living with his wife and children in Ghent, with trips to Africa, he says of leaving Africa "I never left my country, I am a traveler now."  The work, like his name, is fluid, easily transitioning between sculpture, drawing, video, and installation ..... purposely mobile .... reflecting his double-life, traversing two diverse worlds. In addition to the theme of movement between cultures, Tayou's work also explores the issues of the "global village."  

Thought sold individually, the installation at the Armory features a "family" of four crystal figurative objects; individuals or twins ....... each different, but having a relationships to each other ..... a "community."  The "birth" of the pieces began with Pascale drawing the "figures,"  followed by him supervising master glass artisans in San Gimignano, who blew the forms, and  then he "dressed" them. They have strong connections to Tayou's "double-life;" the wrappings inspired by the earthy African elements of his childhood, and the figures made of glass, a European material, not part of the African culture. The combination of materials, shapes, colors, and textures; the use of worn bits of textiles, yarn, string, beads, wood, etc- are in direct opposition to the new, icey cold, flat, bright, clear, almost soulless crystal "bodies." But, when all the parts join together, the pieces come to life, ........ they are joyful, elegant, and humorous creatures. The last pieces of the "puzzle" are the pedestals, tree stumps that reference Tayou's African roots, where nature is a part of life.  According to  him, "Les Siamois, Fraternal Twins A&B, Twins & Co, is a plastic reflection on the magic that binds human beings to nature." 

I saw Tayou's work for the first two years ago at the Armory and thought it was fantastic. These new pieces are equally stunning and for this "accessorator," his work continues to be among the most innovative and exciting at the show!!!!!!!!!

Paul Smith Reworks an Iconic Coffee Pot!!!!!!

March 3, 2010 1:00 AM

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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Danish brand Stelton, British fashion designer Paul Smith was given the task of reworking danish designer Arne Jacobsen's iconic Cylinda Collection. Smith has selected a range of 12 colors, from bright to pastel, to color the handles of the stainless steel coffee pots. In addition, he has created a collection, called Dot, of stainless steel bowls with 54 different colored inside surfaces and lids.

"I was very flattered when asked to work on this project, but equally nervous as I have such respect for this iconic collection by Arne Jacobsen.  To tell the truth I was unsure whether I should take the task of reworking such a beautiful, timeless set of designs. However, once I realized that I would just give a new lease of life through color, I felt more comfortable." Paul Smith

For me this is a match made in heaven .......I adore Arne Jacobsen's "Danish Modern" style .... I live with "The Egg", a chair to die for!!!  And, Paul Smith is the ultimate "Color King" ...... his iconic stripe pattern is this "accessorstors" dream ....... shopping bag, wallet, briefcase, and especially the trim around the seams of the most fabulous black leather gloves you have ever seen ..... which I own!!!!! So, I think that the only decision I will have to make in April, when this collection arrives in the stores is ....... which color handle do I want, because....... it is way tooooo piggy to get all 12!!!!!

Roderick Vos ...... The "Vanity" Table!!!!!!!

March 2, 2010 1:00 AM

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The "Vanity" magazine table is designed by Dutch product designer Roderick Vos for Linteloo.  Each table is based on a system of nine compartments, each holding one magazine, the sizes are based upon the most common magazine dimensions. Included with the table is a wooden panel for one space, that can be used to place a coffee cup, a vase of flowers, or nothing!!! Beneath the table top three boxes are created, each can hold additional volumes of the magazines. Vos created two designs for this sleek table, one square and one rectangular, both having a matte black coated steel frame ...... taking a "problem" and creating a stunning "solution" is his design formula!!!!

Vos's message to his clients is simple ...... "I don't want to be constantly entertained, or entertain others. I want to make you happy with beautiful useful pieces. Objects that exude aesthetic pleasure. Strong shapes that feel beautiful, good and true. Such sensations are nothing to be ashamed of."

The "Vanity" table is perfect for "the accessorator," ....... I am a magazine junkie, who lives in a constant state of magazine mess ...... piles covering every surface, including the floor!!!!

Fornasetti ...... A New Discovery!!!!!!

February 23, 2010 1:00 AM

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Milanese artist and illustrator Piero Fornasetti was the creator of over 11,000 witty and imaginative patterned decorative objects. He died in 1988 and his son Barnaba, "is perpetuating the workshop tradition, continuing the production and reviving the most popular pieces, creating new ones," keeping his Father's whimsical, humorous, and elegant designs alive. Recently, in the basement, he found a plastic form of a vase that had never been produced and he used it as the jumping off point for this imaginative and off-beat collection of objects; vases, teapots, a tale, etc.. According to the Fornasetti company, these stunning pieces, produced by licensee Bitossi Ceramiche, will "travel" from display at the Spazio Fornasetti to be shown at Barneys New York in mid-May.

These pieces are the ultimate collectibles, the most fabooooooolous "accessorations" ...... I would do back flips to get one ...... and that would look pretty silly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marti Guixé ....... Pushing Design's Boundaries!!!!!!!

February 18, 2010 1:00 AM

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Catalonian Marti Guixé, living between Barcelona and Berlin, calls himself an "ex-designer." He is extremely outspoken in his "disregard" of design and works hard at pushing boundaries between design, art, and performance. Firmly ensconced in the contemporary movement, often using cheap or disposable materials, looking forward rather than backward, and forfeiting traditionalism ...... results in his more playful, less commercial, approach to design. An important example of his work is this installation, "Respect Cheap Furniture,"  an edition of 50 hand painted plastic Monoblock chair that are painted with the name of the edition. This well-known, inexpensive chair, universally accepted for it's good design, is an important addition to his series "stop discrimination of cheap furniture" begun in 2004.

"There are several products in which the shape is not important and the function is important. I think the way to do that is working basically with ideas, so that the shapes and materials become anecdotal."

I think that these chairs, part of an exhibition last fall in Berlin, are a wonderful reference to my view of our current design climate ..... nothing has value and everything is valuable!!!! Seems like an "accessorator's" dream ...... or is it a nightmare???????

"Vases" by Jaime Hayon ...... at Bisazza, Paris!!!!!!!

February 12, 2010 1:00 AM

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J'adore Spanish design guru Jaime Hayon ...... Maison et Object's designer of the year!!!! Remember the fantastical giant chess game at London Design week (blog 9/25/10) ..... incredible!!! This past week in Paris, luxury Italian tile company Bisazza had a stunning installation of "The Pixel Vases Collection" designed by Hayon. Using his "family of figures" for shapes, as well as glass mosaic patterns, Hayon created these 20 limited edition handmade ceramic vessels. Each piece is exhibited on it's own unique shaped pedestal, complementing it's design. The color palette is the whitest of whites as the base color, then accented with black,white, red, and metallic gold & silver tile ...... pretty fabulous!!!!

Bisazza is the premier producer of glass mosaic tiles; interior & exterior, decorative & commercial. To creatively extend their "luxe" brand identity the company continues their collaboration with some of the most significant designer of this generation, including Tord Boontje, Marcel Wanders, Paola Navone, and Andrée Putnam. The extensive collection of limited edition works includes giant silver tiled objects from Studio Job, large gold tiled pieces from Alessandro Mendini, a spectacular tile folding screen from Patricia Urquiola, and tiled furniture from artist Sandro Chia. The editions are featured at Bisazza stores worldwide. 

I adore Bisazza and would love to "accessorate" with any object they produce ....... especially the Marcel Wanders tables ...... wait till you see them next week!!!!!!! DIVINE!!!

Maison de Cire Trudon ......... Lights Up Paris!!!!!

February 11, 2010 1:00 AM

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The stunning, well designed Magasin Trudon on the rue de Seine in Paris, is a visual feast, a must see, a "go-to" shopping experience ........ an "accessorator's" dream!!!!!!! From the well known scented candles, the individually sold bright colored candles in a variety of sizes, the "candle-busts" of nobility, the "church" candles in natural with gold text, and those with gold seals....... everything is eye candy ....... Look everywhere ...... don't forget the furniture, the accessories, the vintage candlestix, the color-walls, and the fantastical propped displays ......spectacular!!!!!

The history of Cire Trudon candles began in 1643, when wax merchant Claude Trudon began making candles for the churches of Paris. The all natural candles were (and still are) made of 100% vegetable wax, with pure cotton wicks, for the purest candles and the cleanest burn. Royalty, including Marie Antoinette, learning of the quality of the candles, asked that the candles be available for their castles .... Versailles included!!!. Today, Cire Trudon candles remain the oldest and finest candles in Paris, and possibly world-wide. In addition to manufacturing private-label candles for a variety of companies, including Hermes, Dior, and Guerlain, Trudon sells their candles internationally

I found these divine candles, encased in stunning absinth colored, hand blown be-spoke Italian glass vessels and labeled with gold crests made by the same company that makes Moët Chandon's champagne labels, at Barneys NYC. I think the black boxes that house the candles are as identifiable as Tiffany blue boxes!!! Over a dozen scents are available but, my favorite is "Ernesto," a clean scent that favors leather, wood, and tobacco. The total package is a wonderful "accessoration" and a divine gift!!!!!!

Vase by Fernando Brizio ...... Galerie Kreo, Paris!!!!

February 10, 2010 1:00 AM

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Galerie Kreo, opened in 1999 by Didier & Clémence Krzentowski, is "dedicated to artistic exploration in design." Known as a "design impresario," Didier is a lifelong collector, who following his passion, has been a major force in establishing contemporary design as an "art form". He disagrees with the term and explains, "there's a difference between collecting furniture and art. You use furniture. It's your home, in that way, design is not like a piece of art, it has a much more functional place."  The galerie produces limited edition pieces from internationally renowned contemporary designers, rather than the conventional model of dealing, buying and selling pieces. 

My heart starts to pound furiously every time I go to the galerie ....... there are dozens of things that I would die to have but,  .... and for the past two years I have been madly in-love with Portuguese designer Fernando Brizio's vase, "Painting with Giotto #3". Created in 2005, this limited editon "vase" of faience (earthenware) and felt tips pens, an edition of 20 + 20 A.P. + 2 prototypes, makes my heart flutter!!!! I love it with all of my heart and am using all the control I have to not bring it to NYC ........ but, my resolve is withering ....... so I thought to make me feel better to share it ......  but, it hasn't really!!!! WHAT AM I TO DO!!!!!!!!!!

Seletti ......... Innovative & Eccentric Accessories!!!!!!

February 3, 2010 1:00 AM

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herringbone .JPGI think the Italian design company Seletti makes "spicy" accessories, their designs are innovative, exciting, irreverent, and quirky (think Pantone Folding Chairs featured 1/15/10)!!!! The collection blends iconic elements and objects, showing that style can be functional, have an edge and still be unique, personal and fun. At the NY Gift Show the back wall of their booth was stacked with this wonderful collection of faux antique chests .... and of course, I feel in love with them all!!! Each piece is hand painted and is available in a variety of shapes including fat boys, bombays,  and french regency. Tables and bureaus are part of the collection ....... and I wouldn't be surprised to see a series of odd chairs appearing soon!!! 

These fabulous pieces have everything going for them ....... shape, color, and patter ....what else can an "accessorator" ask for ..... to zing a room????????

From a Taiwan Alley to a New York Apartment!!!!!

January 28, 2010 1:00 AM

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"Plastic Classic," designed by Taiwanese industrial design student Pili Wu, combines the expensive, traditional classic design of Chinese furniture with a typical cheap, anonymous Taiwanese stool. Redefining the traditional loop chair ..... simple. elegant, and expensive,design .... into an object that is in combination with mass-produced product results in a "split personality!!"

"The Plastic Classic project began as a focus on the transformation of Taiwanese culture, hoping to represent what i thought and felt living in Taiwan. In Taiwan, plastic stools are very popular, seen on street, alleys, and by street food stalls or ban dou (traditional Taiwanese outdoor banquet, seen at weddings or celebrations). Taiwan used to be a plastic production kingdom, plastic chairs and stools have been present fot a very long time, yet interestingly nobody knows about the designer or inventor of plastic stools, but it's cheap price, simple structure and fast production has enabled its popularity, so popular that it has turned into a "classic" design that nobody has ever really noticed. Similarly, loop chair is another classic of traditional Chinese furniture, its elegant and reliable structure represents a certain social status and position." Pili Wu

I think this chair, the ultimate meaning of low-brow meeting hi-brow, is divine and would be wonderful in New York, as well as Taiwan!!!!!!!!!!

More Beirut Buzz......Bokja's Mix of Color & Pattern!!!

January 21, 2010 1:00 AM

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I have always adored the unique pieces of furniture from the Lebanese furniture company Bokja, the brainchild of Huda Baroudi and Marie Hibri. I first heard of the collection from a Lebanese friend who was renovating her apartment. Her architect sister, who had designed the space, took her to meet these two wonderful woman and see their furniture. The result, an immediate match was made and a stunning vintage chaise, covered in a patchwork of antique suzani textiles was sent to New York. I must admit I was very jealous when I saw it ...... it is sooooooo me!!!!!I 

Since then, I have been following the company with a passion!!! I have seen the collection in New York City at ABC Carpet & Home; in Miami, in 2008 at Design Miami; in Milan at Spazio Rossana Orlandi; last fall in Paris at Merci; and in London at Gallery Fumi. Finally, last month I was in the new Bokja store in Beirut and met Hoda!!!! She was charming and of course, as is the case in Beirut, we had friends in common...... but, most importantly, she remembered the chaise that had come to NYC!!!!! We chatted, I learned more about the company, and fell in love with a number of pieces in the store!!! 

Bokja is not the new kid on the block ........ Hoda and Marie's partnership began in 2000, when textile collector Huda, put a piece of Uzbek tapestry over one of Marie's antique chairs, to get a better look at it ..... and a collaboration was born!!! The charming, eclectic furniture combines extraordinary textiles from all over the middle east, a melange of color, patten, and often needlework, with antique furniture from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.  Each bespoke piece of furniture tells a different story and the narrative results in a name and "passport" specific to the piece. 

Linking old and new, repurposing both the textiles and the "used" furniture ..... this riot of colour and pattern, the incredible sense of history in the textiles, and the wonderful shapes make these pieces so special ......  they are the ultimate "accessoration" for any room!!!!!!! 

James Cohan Gallery ..... Tapestries by Contemporary Artists!!

January 20, 2010 1:00 AM

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Gavin Turk "Mappa Del Mundo," 2008
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Fred Tomaselli "After Migrant Fruit Thugs," 2008

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Kara Walker "A Warm Summer Evening in 1863," 2008

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  Astro Vivid Astro Focus "aaxé vatapa alegria feijão," 2008

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Grayson Perry "Vote Alan Measles God," 2008

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Julie Verhoeven "Far From The Maddening Crowd," 2008

DEMONS, YARNS, & TALES: Tapestries by Contemporary Artists, currently on view at James Cohan Gallery, is one of the most unusual and interesting exhibitions in Chelsea. This visual feast, featuring hand-woven tapestries from thirteen internationally acclaimed artists, was the brainchild of Brits Christopher and Suzanne Sharp of The Rug Company. They created the London- based art organization Banners of Persuasion and  commissioned the project. Approaching artists to use a medium foreign to their practices was very adventerous and required a great deal of thought and time. Each artist translated his/her "known language"  into this centuries old medium, "a craft faded long ago in much the same way as the magnificent tapestries themselves disintegrated."  Each artist's tapestry is an editions of 5, prices range from $40,000 to $145,000. The weaving house that is making the tapestries is in China, set up ten years ago, it uses Flemish weaving techniques, originally used by the tapestry makers of Aubusson. "The factory is situated in a  rural area north of Shanghai and the weavers, all of whom are women, part time so that the can continue to work in the fields and gather the harvest."

The artists' works reflect a variety of subjects ....... including "fictional landscapes, architectural abstraction, fashion and flora and the politics of race, gender, international conflict and the environment." The connections between the artists', their traditional mediums, their own voices, and this new medium are very clear. Gavin Turk focused on the environment, appropriating  Boetti's map and creating the continents from garbage. Shahzia Sikander reflects her interest in the detail of Indian miniatures in her design. Fred Tomascelli said, "Tapestry..oh, that is the first pixilated image." His piece continued incorporating hallucinatory visions that he used in a wood panel piece of the same name, substituting "his frequent use of unorthodox materials such as drugs and hemp for silk and gold threads." Kara Walker's piece, a black silhouette of a lynched woman hanging in front of this racially charged image taken directly from a vintage Harpers Magazine continues her use of historical references. Artists' collective avaf have designed "a collage of images, that captures the hedonistic ethos both of carnival and clubbing; they evoke the glory days of disco and gay activism." Grayson Perry created "a tapestry littered with images that we associate with the perceived threat of global terrorism- following the historical tradition of of using the medium to tell stories of power struggles and war." Julie Verhoeven, known primarily as a fashion designer and illustrator, has seamlessly blended the art of tapestry with her illustrative drawings, weaving her "girls" whom she describes as "swinging between sweetheart pretty and angst-ridden desperate" in yarn.

These tapestries are incredibly stunning, they have to be seen "out loud" to be appreciated!!!!! I have given you a small selection, but sincerely suggest a trip to the gallery ..... this is a must see exhibition!!!!! 


Pantone Folding Chairs by Seletti!!!!!

January 15, 2010 1:00 AM

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These divine aluminum folding chairs are going to be previewed at Maison et Object in Paris, January 22 to 26. And of course, this "color queen" is dying to see them immediately !!!! Created by the trendy Italian accessory company Seletti, the chairs have padded seats in six pantone colors. The colors include; 672C pastel pink, 186 C ruby red, 377 C macaw green, 14-0848 mimosa, 268 C royal purple, and cool grey. Love the labels too!!!!!

Of course these are fabulous "accessorating" colors and if you miss them in Paris you can see them next month at the New York Gift Show!!!!

Metaconcrete's Signature Bookcase!!!!!!

January 14, 2010 1:00 AM

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signature-1.jpgThis graceful and lyrical bookcase was designed  by Beak Jonghwan and Woo Yangsic. Called "signature shelf" it is a combination of a long, thin piece of metal that curves, creating  the shelves, combined with vertical metal columns that pierce the shelves and hold the system upright. According to the designers, "Signature is made by a combination of simple and brief configuration factors." The duo's design company, Metaconcrete, started in 2008 and based in Seoul, Korea, reflects their belief that  "design is created from the point of contact between the idea and reality." The company's name refers to their approach of blending metaphysical and concrete science.  

I was extremely captivated by this piece of furniture and the thoughtfulness in the approach to its design. I think that if we blend metaphysical concepts with concrete ideas we will create new and innovative ideas and products.  This seems to me to be an eastern philosphy that we might embrace in the west. But, what I adored most about the project was the drawing for the piece that the designers sent to me ......... the simplicity of line, and how it had come to life so seamlessly!!!
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