Art de Vivre encompasses every detail that establishes a lifestyle, from hand-blown coloured glassware to nature-inspired ceramics.
We collate the year’s leading trends courtesy of our 2015 exhibitors:
Natural materials: To bring elements of nature to the dining experience look no further than Muubs’ Spring 2015 collection. The line features pieces that have been sourced from recycled wood found in Java, and cotton that has been carefully handpicked in Bali. The complete collection includes candlesticks made from the branches of dark teak wood, wooden plates, wooden bowls, teak tree cutting boards and modern, raw fiber tea towels and napkins.
Oriental inspiration: Wabi Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that accepts the imperfections of natural beauty, and is the inspiration for Muubs’ most recent collection: ‘The Darker Side of Design.’ The collection features a host of handmade objects that showcase ceramics in a matte black glaze, majestic terracotta jars that are black burned with hand-stitched details, beautiful teak root bowls with burned shells, wooden spoons and teak wood cutting boards.
From the sea: White Almond’s brand Medard de Nobal’s fascination with aquatic life is perhaps best expressed in this exquisitely formed tea set (pictured above). The Corail White and Gold collections include crockery and tea things that were shaped and texturized in a way that reminds us of shell, jellyfish, octopus and coral. Sea Life is perfect for any occasion on land or sea.
Organic forms: Mood by Christofle (pictured) is a 24 flatware piece set for 6 people that is silver plated and includes an interesting egg-shaped case. Christofle uses a subtle mix of sensitivity, conviviality and shared pleasures to create exquisite tableware pieces made of the finest silver, crystal, porcelain and steel that often appear in organic shapes and forms.
Works of art: Lalique is famous for creating unique interior design pieces that are decorative - and essentially works of art - that can be placed in any type of dining area. At Downtown Design, Lalique will present ‘Eternal’ a collaborative piece by Lalique and renowned artist Damien Hirst. The series features a collection of limited edition crystal panels depicting a different butterfly, and comes in twelve different colours. The rectangular shapes can be displayed in numerous ways: mounted on an easel; framed and hung across a wall partition or inserted into a wall.
Minimalism: LIVING Georg Jensen offers an array of collections for the home that are targeted to a global audience that appreciates Danish minimalism. The brand’s ALFREDO collection is an example of ergonomic minimalism, with shapes that fit in at home, in your hands or on a counter or tabletop.
Modern Mosaics: Another exciting trend this season sees tableware that features mosaics with a modern twist. The Cini plate by Day Studio incorporates a unique mosaic pattern that was created as a result of their extensive studies on Ottoman porcelain painting techniques. Day Studio deconstructed a traditional tile pattern to create a set of plates that carry the same amount of shape but vary in size and order. These plates are perfect for dining room tables and sideboards.
Playful colours/whimsical design: Kartell’s ‘Jellies Family’ collection by designer Patricia Urquiola features a comprehensive line of plates, trays, glasses, bowls and carafes made from colourful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that has clearly been inspired by nature, harking back to the moulds that were once used for making jellies. The faint, delicate and accessible transparent colours are suitable for furnishing any kind of table: creative and original, or more classic and monochrome.
Geometrics: Brought to you by the Latvia Pavilion at this year’s Downtown Design, An&Angel is a glass design brand founded in 2004 by designer Artis Nimanis. An&Angel’s new “DECO” collection (pictured) presents a range of geometrically shaped bowls that use refined colours and mirror effects. It radiates wealth and dominance in its simple, yet sophisticated style and is definitely a desirable piece for tables this season.
Symmetry: The final trend to watch out for this season is symmetrical patterns. Johanna Gullichsen’s patterned placemats, napkins, coasters and trays offer the best of symmetrical, Finnish design. The brand’s extensive range of colours and patterns will ensure any client will find something that complements their style and keeps them trending.
To view these brands and more, register to attend Downtown Design 2015
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