issue n25
This week brings you: Upcycled construction materials, fashion houses at Milan Design Week, Flinstones chic, Armel Soyer's Gassin showroom, and Bemz pillow covers!
Current Affairs: Upcycled construction materials!
In the world of interior design, embracing sustainability is a duty—it sets a positive example and cultivates a culture of responsibility and innovation.
Two standout companies, FabBRICK and Smile Plastics, have been transforming waste into beautiful, functional, and sustainable materials for the architecture and design sectors.
They're not just making a positive impact on the planet; they're also driving the circular economy. By repurposing waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, they're reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing waste, which creates a closed-loop system that enhances environmental health and resource efficiency.
Smile Plastics specializes in turning waste materials like yogurt pots and cosmetic bottles into very cool terrazzo-looking plastic sheets that can be used in furniture, wall panels, countertops, signage, and any type of custom project.
Meanwhile, FabBRICK focuses on recycling textile waste into colorful compressed fabric bricks that are structural and with the added bonus of being a creative insulating and acoustical solution, and structural support. These eco-designed bricks are perfect for furniture and partition walls.
(image via Fabrick)
Current Affairs: Fashion houses at Milan Design Week
This year's Milan Design Week celebrated the intersection of fashion and design and these were some of the exhibits we can't stop thinking about:
- Hermès showcased its expertise in blending luxury craftsmanship with sustainable design principles with its exquisite furniture pieces crafted from recycled materials, underscoring their commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising on elegance.
- Issey Miyake x We Make Carpets presented a collaborative exhibition titled "Fold and Crease," blending fashion and art into innovative carpet designs. The collection featured interpretations of textile folds and geometric patterns, merging Miyake's iconic pleats with We Make Carpets' whimsical approach to carpet artistry. Each piece transformed traditional flooring into dynamic, tactile installations that invited interaction and exploration
- Bottega Veneta x Cassina x Le Corbusier launched a limited-edition seating collection inspired by Le Corbusier's iconic LC14 Tabouret. These stools, available in four colors, highlighted the brand's signature Intreccio foulard technique and hand-painted black strokes that are unique to every chair. With only 15 stools per color-way - and 100 wooden iterations - produced, each one is distinguished by an engraved gold plaque, emphasizing its exclusivity.
- Saint Laurent x Ginori 1735 x Gio Ponti curated by Anthony Vaccarello, their exhibit reintroduced a rare tableware collection exclusively designed by modernist architect Gio Ponti for Villa Planchart; a private residence commissioned by the Planchart family in Caracas, Venezuela in 1953. These hand-painted porcelain plates feature motifs that reflect Ponti’s distinctive architectural vision and can be purchased via ysl's website.
(image via We Make Carpets)
Trends: Flinstone’s chic
Beyond its comedic portrayal of suburban life in the Stone Age, The Flintstones influenced a distinctive design aesthetic. Its animator, Ed Benedict, was responsible for the show's universe and crafted a style reminiscent of midcentury-modern architecture and reflective of the Southern California atmosphere of Hanna-Barbera's studios.
Bedrock, the setting of The Flintstones, blended elements of Palm Springs and Arches National Park with chunky, organic materials in natural, primitive shapes. This unique prehistoric-meets-midcentury-modern style has inspired architectural projects and evolved into a lasting aestheticknown as Bedrock, or as the kids call it today: Flintstones chic.
While it can fall into the cartoonish if taken too far, there aresome iterations that do it right, like our Chic Living's highlight on this week's feature. The key is to emphasize the chic over the Flintstones.
(Image via Objects With Narratives)
Chic Living: Armel Soyer's Showroom, La Maison Bellevue
French furniture gallery Armel Soyer introduced La Maison Bellevue in Gassin, a captivating fusion of Provençal charm and contemporary design with elements of Flintstones chic aesthetics back in 2022.
La Maison Bellevue served as a curated showcase for Armel Soyer's collection of furniture, artwork, and sculpture, seamlessly integrating these pieces into a rustic yet refined environment. Each item harmonized with the natural textures and earthy tones of the space, offering visitors an immersive experience of elegance and craftsmanship.
Highlights included plush sofas by Olga Engel, reflective tables by Julian Mayor, and a trippy rope chest by Christian Astugueveille
While La Maison Bellevue has now closed, you may still visit the gallery's Saint-Tropez or Megève locations if you're ever in France, or simply enjoy their complete collection on their website straight from your home.
(Image via Sight Unseen)
On our carts: Bemz
By now you must be familiar with Bemz, a brand known for making super cool covers for your Ikea furniture, and while they have been here for a while now, we recently discovered they carry affordable, original, and high-quality cushion covers, sofa legs, and even curtains
The main thing we love about this brand is that they're committed to sustainability, encouraging the re-use of your favorite affordable furniture with versatile fabrics made from recycled materials and organic cotton that meet strict environmental standards. Their manufacturing process focuses on reducing waste and water usage, ensuring responsible production practices. Plus, their versatile textiles are made in Europe with high-quality, super durable fabric and great designs. What's not to love?
(Image via Bemz)
