Aren’t they a great idea? These anchors – designed by Andreas Saxer for Fidea Design – can be used anywhere for storing shawls, belts, caps, anything. They can be hung from each other to form a chain, which saves space in the wardrobe. Fashioned from powder-coated steel, they come in five colours.
I like Andreas Saxer’s aesthetic sensibilities, the clarity of his lines and the playfulness of his expression. His designs make complete sense in the way the materiality and form are addressed. I like the way he looks at things – and our chats in the studio we share.
I came across this Thing in Tokyo last October. DO is a wonderful gallery shop on the second floor of the Claska www.claska.com. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but there are nice furniture shops you can browse on the way including www.karf.co.jp. If you get peckish, you must try http://haradonuts.jp!
Paper tableware is destined to serve its purpose only once – and Wasara is no exception. That said, Wasara ware is designed with a minimal environmental footprint in mind, thanks to the use of reed pulp, bamboo and baggasse (sugarcane waste).
The Thing I like: the Kaku plate has thought-through yet simple lines that sit perfectly in the hand.
The guys behind Wald-Haus say: feeling good starts with the small things in everyday life.
They design and create high-quality furniture for the living room. I think it’s really clever to leverage a process or material you’re familiar with (like they are with the production of the Indiana Skateboards see #12) for use in a different context – it means you end up with something new. The Wald-Haus ash veneer lampshade is so thin that the light shines through and imparts special warmth to the surroundings.
The Thing I like: the use of formal simplicity and high-quality materials to create a product you’ll buy once and always want to keep.
I know Indiana Skateboards through my friend Kevin www.frieszumbuehl.ch who used to come to school on his. That’s some time ago, but when we were looking for products to take to the Designers’ Open, I thought this brand could do well. Indianas are classic handmade boards; they started up in 1989. I had the opportunity to see their production facility and was amazed, not only because everything is handmade, but because a lot of thought has gone into the products. Indiana are now leveraging their slalom material and processing know-how to create a new line of products under the Wald-Haus brand name.
The Thing I like: the thought of getting a walnut Indiana for myself and getting into skateboarding…
An embroidered napkin from grandma reminded me of the fine tradition of personalised linen. Napkins displaying a monogram, name or word make lovely gifts and can be ordered from me. The napkins are made from 100% pure linen and are embroidered in Zurich.
The Thing I like: an old tradition in a new style…
I received the prototype samples of my knitwear today. Yay! They were manufactured on wonderful Swiss knitting machines dating from the early 1910/1920s, which were sourced and restored back to their former glory by Werner and Mr. Eichenberger – I’ll tell you the whole story later. First let me enjoy these children’s blankets, which my mum sewed together by hand (danke tausig!) – I’m also looking forward to designing woollen caps and scarves and a whole lot more. The Blankets can be ordered from me or can be purchased at my booth in Leipzig at the Designers’ Open.
The Thing I like: LANG yarn from Switzerland knitted on Swiss machines in a little village between Zurich and Basel.
In blog #7 I forgot to mention my morning coffee, which I get from www.stumptowncoffee.com right next to the Ace Hotel, where I’m served by four superb baristas. It’s worth queuing – the views are great… The Ace lobby offers wireless internet and comfy sofas so you start your day as you mean to carry on, and there’s a great atmosphere here in the evenings as you wind down and sip your drink. My budget didn’t stretch to a room here, so I bought some souvenirs instead… a laundry bag and a poetic shawl.
Discovered at the 99% conference and profiled by Cool Hunting videos www.coolhunting.com/food-drink/the-mast-brothe.php.
I’m captivated by their concept, their attitude, by the way they design their product, by how they hand-pack the chocolate bars, by the smell in their store – and of course by their chocs!
I devote my favourite number to my favourite city.
A sunny morning in Bedford Avenue, a new bag and wool cap from www.catbirdnyc.com, a walk to www.brooklyndenimco.com and a wonderful meal at marlowandsons.com. Followed by a visit to Mast Brothers Chocolate and a great evening meal at www.txikitonyc.com.
My perfect day.