100{ff546b69e23b1524d799f96c6ba7a638e1f677053b0a2a1568b05315fd5f8fc7} Design was flying the flag for British Design with an installation at Vivienne Westwood‘s shop on Corso Venezia, entitled New British; a celebration of a new British confidence in high-quality, local materials and craftsmanship.
100{ff546b69e23b1524d799f96c6ba7a638e1f677053b0a2a1568b05315fd5f8fc7} Design Show Director William Knight said: “We are privileged to work in conjunction with one of the world’s leading fashion innovators. This initiative in the Vivienne Westwood store during this year’s Salone Internazionale del Mobile is a reflection of our commitment to promoting the best in British design today.”
It’s testament to the curation of the show, that the design looked completely at home nestled between rails of high fashion. The first piece I spotted was this cheeky little ‘Stool 1 in Red’ by Another Country, posing perfectly in front of Kirath Ghundoo’s gorgeous wallpaper.
Next was this gentlemanly vignette featuring Deadgood Ltd’s Loved Up Chair, Niche London’s Fractional Side Table and the Clamp Lamp by Plant & Moss.
I was a little too star-struck to speak to Bethan Gray when I (almost!) met her at this event, but when you see her Brogue Table – you can see why! The green version was first created for the Maggie’s Joy of Living Project at London Design Festival’s Design Junction last year. The white version is equally lovely and rumours of new finishes are even more exciting!
Tristick II by Charles Trevelyan for Viable London is a collection of individual candle sticks designed to communicate the complexity of a candelabra when grouped together. They look slightly like they might walk across the table of their own accord!
The Bridge Armchair is by Matthew Hilton for Case Furniture and is available in oak or walnut. Case was also exhibiting at Edit by Design Junction – more of which later!
By no means the only clothes stand in Milan, but certainly the most original – James Smith’s Uma Clothes Stand offers an alternative to the ubiquitous, if slightly shameful, clothes-covered chair in every bedroom.
This side table is by Hong Kong-born designer Samuel Chan for his own label, Channels, as is the light in the window display. Both were made in Channels’ Shropshire workshop.
I was introduced to Samuel Wilkinson, so star-stuck or not, I did get to meet the man behind the Plumen 001 bulb – a brilliant piece of design that took energy efficient bulbs from ‘hair shirt’ to ‘must have’ overnight. This is his Vessel light for Decode, designed to celebrate said Plumen – the concept was inspired by a traditional ‘ship in bottle’. Decode specifically works with emerging London-based designers.
I love the Odd Couple Bench by Plant & Moss. It is handmade in Britain using traditional wood turning and steam bending skills.
Donna Wilson’s Earnest Pouffes for SCP look quite at home in this little corner, bringing a touch of down to earth Scottish charm to all the glamourous fashion.
Finally, this Wire Table Lamp by Deadgood Studio is a great example of modern British Design.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- out and about :: ventura lambrate
- out and about :: salonesatellite
- out and about :: spazio rossana orlandi
- out and about :: milan 2013
