A thoughtful selection of the latest lifestyle and design news, plus the creatives who are championing regenerative fashion
Photography courtesy of Paul Smith
1. Sunseeker by Paul Smith
Channelling the optimism and joy of summer with bold colours, statement design and surprising fragrance combinations, the latest addition to the Paul Smith Home Collection’s fragrance line comes in the form of Sunseeker.
New for Spring Summer 2023, the summery scent – created by IFF perfumer Stephanie Anderson – is blended with premium and alcohol-free ingredients. Featuring notes of Italian bergamot, mandarin, basil and musk, the specially selected ingredients also include fine natural oils sourced from LMR Natural (Laboratoire Monique Remy), one of the world’s most renowned purveyors of raw materials.
Taking its inspiration from Paul’s happy summer memories, the evocative fragrance is created to transport users to the green fields and ocean breezes of Italy. Crafted from two-tone complimentary coloured glass, and designed to be reused again and again, Sunseeker is housed in turquoise glass to represent the warm Mediterranean Sea with a beautiful acid yellow glass that recalls Italy’s marvellous sunshine.
Photography courtesy of ARCHYVIO featuring Rodolphe Parente Bedroom, Guido Gambone (1909-1969) Bowl with hand painted decor, Italy c. 1950s. Eva Zeisel (Bauhaus) for Schramberger Majolika-Fabrik Rare and possibly unique bottle with hand painted geometric decor, c. 1930s
2. ARCHYVIO
Established in 2022 by Swiss-born globetrotters Lilya Turki and Antonio Fazio, a creative director and designer respectively, Archyvio is a new online platform for timeless objects curated by colour, shape and texture. Having worked internationally in Paris, New York and London, the pair draw inspiration from their travels and surroundings, but it was their passion for sourcing objects while voyaging across the world which eventually led to the inception of Archyvio.
A gallery of objects for people to observe and enjoy, to learn from and to purchase, Archyvio aims to democratise the industry, flipping on its head the classic narrative of galleries as elitist. Turki and Fazi source the objects in a variety of ways, both online and during their travels – mainly in Italy and France – perusing various markets, auctions and stores to find hidden gems.
To further bring this vision to life, Archyvio has recently partnered with photographer François Coquerel, floral stylist Pauline Monnier and interior designer and architect Rodolphe Parente on a photo shoot that encapsulates the values of the brand. Guided above all by taste, form and colour more than by name, Archyvio rethinks the way we communicate about craft.
Photography by Denki featuring Adaptism’s Split Bag
3. Split Bag by Adaptism
With Split Bag, emerging Paris-based design duo Adaptism hope to reimagine the fashion industry by designing with waste. Crafting design-led bags into contemporary upcycled statement pieces, the designers make use of waste haute couture leather, sourced between France and Belgium, to create handmade items at their Parisian studio.
‘The Split Bag suggests a new way of carrying our everyday possessions and accessories,’ say the designers. ‘It embraces the adaptability and transitions of our day and offers a new perspective on sustainable solutions.’
Available in a variety of colour combinations, the contemporary-style bag is a versatile design that can be worn in a number of ways, whether as a clutch, a cross-body or shoulder bag. By revitalising discarded materials and turning them into covetable custom pieces, Adaptism has produced a one-of-a-kind bag with a unique history and story to tell.
Photography courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Domus
4. Yinka x Domus
Domus has teamed up with London-based multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to create his debut tile collection Yinka Ilori x Domus. Launching at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week (23-25 May), the collection comprises a series of multi-coloured tiles, injecting a sense of fun and playfulness to interiors.
‘We were drawn to working with Yinka after seeing his wondrous style applied across numerous architectural and design projects in London and beyond over the last few years,’ says Jon Newey, CEO of Domus. ‘His unique application of colour and pattern, which aims to improve the everyday, seemed a perfect fit with tile design – an enduring addition to any interior space.’
True to Ilori’s vibrant use of colour, abstract forms and bold patterns, the Yinka Ilori x Domus tile collection presents a continuation of Ilori’s design work and homeware to date. Drawing on inspiration from nature and sunlight alongside his British-Nigerian heritage, two ranges – Glaze and Screen – capture the dynamic, geometric lines and shapes used across traditional African patterns and architecture.
‘Collaborating with Domus on my debut tile collection presented an opportunity to explore how we can encourage creative expression through surface design and inject joy and optimism into pockets of the home,’ explains Ilori.
‘Working closely with the workshop in Portugal, we have been able to develop two beautiful tile ranges that centre around the idea of being present, while celebrating nature. I’m excited to see how people adapt my work in their own personal way.’
Photography courtesy of The KO Eye
5. The KO Eye
Studio KO has launched The KO Eye, or L’Oeil de KO in French, an exquisite online gallery dedicated to handmade pieces, all unique or produced in limited editions. Founded in 2000 by architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, Studio KO is known for a contemporary aesthetic that’s infused with unique architectural lines, beautifully combining traditional and modern elements.
The studio’s work is contextual and site-specific, with a focus on using local materials, techniques and collaborating with master craftspeople. This year, the pair are turning to their next venture which sees them bringing the same aesthetic sensibility and passion for design to The KO Eye.
The aim is for each selected object or artwork to tell the story of an encounter, a coup de coeur, and to reflect the ethos and dedication to craftsmanship of The KO Eye. The site is divided in two sections: The Gallery and The Last Supper, which will showcase the site’s magnificent objects and designs.
What’s more, the KO Eye will also unveil a new collection of tableware and objects, co-designed with France’s finest artisans and craftsmen, and the first collaboration will be revealed soon.
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