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Console Osselet by Jean-Marc Lelouch
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Chaise Longue Luge by Thomas Lemut at Galerie Fumi (limited ed. of 3)
This laminated sycamore, walnut and cherrywood chaise longue, which was handmade in Austria, revisits the theme of combining winter sport with furniture started by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. As reported in Le Figaro (in French) and by the Chair Blog (in English) Ruhlmann’s “adjustable Lounge Chair mounted on skis was reportedly designed for the Maharaja of Indore by Emile-Jacques Ruhlman (1879-1933) in 1929.” (It was sold in Christie’s Sale 1000, Les Collections du Chateau de Gourdon. 29 – 31 March 2011, Paris, France for €2,865,000 ($4,067,997).)
We point this out to underline the sculptural theme in much of the design in this exhibition and in particular through the work of Lemut. This is also to help one to visualize the evolution of taste/aesthetics of collectible design. See the two chairs together below. The coherent and singular nature of Lemut’s expression is the epitome of contemporary luxury at the moment.
Pure lines and a noble materials are combined in the minimalist work of Stephane Parmentier, who heads Artistic Direction for Christofle. We loved the play of geometric forms, which are fully experienced thanks to the bold contrasts of black Marquinia marble and white statuary marble.
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Geometric forms also come into play in this lamp in bronze, brass and eglomisé glass by Jean Louis Deniot. Voted into the AD Top 100 interior designers of 2014, this young Parisian who is a graduate of the Ecole Camondo and has created projects all over France and abroad from New Delhi to LA.
The architects and designers, Bismut & Bismut (Daniel & Michel) explore and play with materials and volume in their work with spectacular results, as in the table and bibliotheque shown here. Their ‘vocabulary’ is minimal and their materials, often sharp steel combined with gold, platinum and silver are worked into strong sculptural geometric forms which appear both sensual and severe.
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The designer Chahan Minassian and the architect Georges Floret share a passion for semi-precious stones, gemstones and natural crystals and worked together on these stunning pieces in steel, bronze, rock crystal and quartz, giving value to each distinctive element. The delicate and faceted lines of crystal combined in a sort of patchwork pattern combine with the steel to create a powerfully sculptural effect.
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This dazzling light by Patrick E. Naggar took 6 months of reflection to conceive. It is made of four pieces of blown glass exclusively made by Veronese for Ralph Pucci in ateliers in Murano with fibre optics producing the light within. Naggar has explained he wanted to symbolize the past by using Murano glass and the future by incorporating fibre optics. it appears like a hanging glass sculpture with lines of light radiating out.
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The ‘Appolonius’ light is among the first produced by Emmanuel Bossuet for Maison Charles, of which he is Artistic Director. A metre in diameter, it is quite simply breathtaking. The light is dispersed through the ends of large tubes perfectly worked into a circular overall form with strong sculptural qualities. Highly covetable!
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Chair in maple and black oak by Francois-Joseph Graf
Inquiries : contact@arte-case.com or 06 47 25 09 66
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Her interview with the fair director director Cyril Zammit sheds light on how the fair is defining itself and the market for collectible design in the Middle East. The fair focuses on high quality non-western design. You won’t find any Charlotte Perriand here! Instead you can expect to make new discoveries of “emerging and established practitioners from Dubai, the surrounding region, and further afield.”
Considering that the fair is actually introducing and creating this market the reviews seem to be that the crowds are engaging more with the vendors this year and that sales, while sales are slowly increasing. Read the full article here.
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Centre d’Innovation et de Design (CID), Grand Hornu, Belgium
10 May – 13 September 2015
This retrospective will celebrate the broad body of work of British industrial designer Jasper Morrison. Furniture, kitchenware and home electronics from Morrison’s 35-year career will be accompanied by archive material in a specially designed installation that mirrors his minimal style.
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Work by Finnish designers Stefan Lindfors, Leena Luostarinen, Rita Taskinen and Vesa Varrela will be displayed alongside products by international names such as Aldo Rossi, Nathalie du Pasquier and Philippe Starck.
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Collecting Design Begins in Paris. Come Find your Inspiration!