It is always interesting to see what stood out to the judges (representing leading industry design publications such as Metropolis Magazine, Dwell and Interni) from endless streams of creativity, especially after attending the fair in person and literally getting lost in the most unusual, innovative modern designs. With that said, meet the winners and decide for yourself:
Body of Work – Vitra Tip Top chair by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
New Designer – Rich, Brilliant & Willing
Drawing inspiration from the 2011 Academy Award Best Picture Nominees is a bit of a far fetched analogy but one that is nonetheless fun to do. The entertaining parallelisms between modern interiors and what the Academy selected as best picture contenders means thinking on the peripheries and delineating whether the movie is fittingly personified through its designer furniture element counterpart, which is a real challenge if you think of the messages embedded in this year’s nominees as well as the target audiences.
Gothic and intriguing: Black Swan / Nathan Modern Baroque Bed by Noir Collection
Resilient and resourceful: The Fighter / Rodeo Drive Marble Extension Dining Table by Cattelan Italia
Innovative and versatile: Inception / Gallery 127 Wall Unit with LED Lights by Milmueble
Since it was first introduced at the Maison&Object Designer Furniture Fair in September of 2008, Wave Hammock has been catching the world’s attention and making its mark through coveted design awards (like the 2009 Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Award), honorary industry recognitions in major publications (like Marie Claire Maison and Made in Design) and through a one-of-a-kind US tour aptly titled “Catch the WAVE”. Wave’s #2 stop (after a month-long sojourn at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach Florida) is at the none other than the 2010 Academy Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge. Yes, Wave will get to cozy up to the crème de la crème of show business and serve as a backdrop to the other perk of attending the Oscars (other than winning one of course).
So why exactly did the Wave Hammock so quickly and so profoundly became an undeniable symbol of outdoor extravagance. Simply and mainly because it is one of a kind, a hybrid between a lounger, a hammock and a parasol, a piece of functional art, and sculptural seating solution that serves its intended purpose while centering its surroundings with outmost design aesthetics, comfort, convenience and ergonomics.
These are some of the most futuristic modern furniture designs I’ve seen to date.
LOMME (Light Over Matter Mind Evolution) Egg bed is an experience of immense relaxation and rejuvenation. A masterpiece and a piece of art, the Lomme bed uses cutting edge technology and scientific research to enhance the time spent on sleep with the therapeutic qualities of color, light, sound and massage. Futuristic in its contemporary design and in practice, the Egg ultra modern bed restores and replenishes – physically, mentally, emotionally – elevating corporeal corollary into levels of sheer sensory exaltation.
Manufactured in Germany by Bau+Art, Kinzo Air office collection epitomizes what the future holds in a simple, minimal and light interpretation. Winner of the 2008 Red Dot design award, Kinzo Air is dominated by rigidly geometric surfaces that are seamlessly linked into a convenient whole. With an elegant and certainly unconventional design, Kinzo Air does not fall short in terms of customization and practicality…perfect for a modern office space that’s ahead of its time.
Into a world where “i” stands in front of many mainstream products comes the first “i” furniture piece – the iTable by Willisau Switzerland which is also a winner of the 2008 Red Dot Award. Generous in dimensions, this designer modern table is a symbol of pure minimalism, a sign of futuristic modernism, in tune not only with current design trends but with latest technology. Visually striking, the iTable comes ready for your iPod/iTunes in terms of technological and stylistic accommodations. The flush mounted docking station is integrated into the top of the dining table operable via remote control while the stereo sound system and a bass reflex box are mounted conveniently on the side. The white lacquered finish of the iTable serves as a beautiful backdrop to the iPod, providing unrivaled sensory experience, both visually and acoustically.
