Punga & Smith, Phil Cuttance, D-Lab and Ivanka

Staying with the Satellite show for the moment, Punga & Smith presented some recent work as well as some new experiments. The Vodka Trolley is an example of how to do indulgence well, while providing refreshments for those long days at the fair, courtesy of 42 Below. The beast rug with its Brass skull extends the P&S theme of restrained opulence, but it’s execution adds a touch of humour.

Few designers can claim to do anything truly new, but the Phil Cuttance Weld collection came closest to achieving just that. The pieces are based on the process of plastic welding, the weld lines suggesting that the forms are a literal translation from drawing to object. z

The absence of any kind of pretense, or unnecessary formal reference in these pieces is refreshing, particularly when surrounded by a sea of one liners, gimmicks and re-hashed ideas that so often populate these shows.

D-Lab is a Japanese group who presented a typically slick collection of ‘Objects for the Tablescape.’ The subtle depressions, soft bright colours and unique treatment of table objects have made this one of the most popular collections among visitors.

Death is a subject not typically associated with the kind of furniture design presented in Milan. However, Ivanka showed that it can be done beautifully. Two concrete gravestones with crucifix depressions sit in a space surrounded by images of trees. A brave presentation that is neither morbid nor flippant, but peaceful.

Posted by Nathan Goldsworthy at 7:48 PM 0 comments

Thursday, April 23, 2009

An update from Milan;

Access to the internet is sporadic and short, and this week there have been a few disasters with freight companies. I’m still waiting for most of my work to arrive, and so is Punga and Smith. We have been assured that it will arrive early Thursday morning.

Anyway, I managed to seek out some gems from the Salone Satellite and Euroluce lighting exhibitions.

My first foray was into the Euroluce lighting Exhibition. The very first show I came across happens to be an old favourite of mine, Ingo Maurer.

While typically quirky, I am not sure that it measures up to the standard he set with his early work.

Then came FLOS, whose space simulates a house complete with outdoor garden. They are presenting new designs by several well know designers including Marcel Wanders, Patricia Urquiola, and Antonio Citterio. An intriguing piece by Paul Cocksedge – a vase whose light dies as the flower does.

The Salone Satellite was full of interesting work (tempered by the usual dash of appalling ’what are you thinking’ moments).

Particularly impressive was Brikolor, a Swedish group who are launching a collection of furniture this week. Their attention to detail is a clear reflection of their aim to guarantee 300 years of use.

More to come…