DRIADE SPA

Since 1968 the Milan based design firm driade spa has worked with such leading designers as Enzo Mari, Ron Arad, Christophe Pillet, Tokujin Yoshioka, Ross Lovegrove, Philippe Starck and Paola Navone producing home furnishing designs with a conviction of eclecticism. The collection is divided into four brands: driade (furniture & storage forms); driade chef (kitchen systems); driade store (furnishings of a lighter variety); and driade kosmo (art objects, dinnerware, glasses, cutlery, equipment). Refer to portal for showrooms and representatives (U.S. showroom Miami FL).

related links:
www.driade.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Moor(e) leather chair by Philippe Starck (driade) (top)
Cugino Cuginetto table by Enzo Mari (driade) (2nd)
Fuoko kitchen (driade chef) (3rd)
Adelaide vase collection by Xie Dong (driade kosmo) (4th)

Tokyo Pop Dormeuse by Tokijin Yoshioka (driade store) (bottom)

ERIK JORGENSEN

Danish furnishing operative Erik Jorgensen has been producing upholstered forms that imbue a proper balance of quality, function and design for more than 50 years. Key to the company’s successful furniture collection has been their feel for the market and the craft, combined with the creativity of the company’s designers that include such names as Hans Wegner, Paul Volther, Hannes Wettstein and Johannes Foersom/Peter Hiort-Lorenzen. The collection ranges from chairs/lounge chairs, sofas/armchairs, seating systems, tables to innovative forms.

related links:
www.erik-joergensen.com
www.1stdibs.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Corona by Paul Volther (top)
Oxchair by Hans Wegner (2nd)
Apollo by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort-Lorenzen (3rd)
Cobra by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort-Lorenzen (4th)
Delphi by Hannes Wettstein (bottom)

ALVAR AALTO

Finish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) often referred to as one of the “Fathers of Modernism” is remembered for his work in architecture, furniture, lighting, textiles and glassware; the fluid organic shapes of his glassware, the revolutionary genius of the bentwood techniques used on his native birch and plywood, and notably his functionalist/expressionist and humane style of architecture. Aalto’s current furniture/lighting designs are produced by Artek and his glassware by iitala. Select vintage furnishings can be found on 1stdibs.

related links:
www.artek.fi
www.iitala.com
http://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Alvar_Aalto.html
www.istdibs.com

images:(click on images to enlarge)
Tank 400 lounge chair (top)
Vase 160 c1936 (2nd)
A810 floor lamp c1959 (3rd)
Stool 60 c1953 (4th)

Paimio Sanatorium in Finland, 1929-1933 (bottom)

POLTRONA FRAU

The Poltrona Frau collection remains the quintessence of attention to craftsmanship, quality, and aesthetics. The company has been attracting clientele for nearly 100 years who possess an appreciation for architecture, culture, and history. The elegant and understated design of the furniture combines classic, timeless styling with 21st century ergonomics. Maintaining its artisan soul, hand crafted methods are emphasized though when necessary the latest technologies are implemented. The elevated quality PF provides, particularly regarding their leather entails a patented 21-step process; from hand-selecting the calves to treating the leather to be both stain and water-resistant. The dye is not sprayed on, but rather tattooed in such a way that it penetrates the skin entirely, resulting in permanent color.
In addition to serving royalty, an international jet set or simply discriminating buyers, PF is contracted by top companies in many industries, and its work can be seen in the Guggenheim; European parliament; all Ferrari, Maserati and high-end models of Mercedes and BMW; Four Seasons hotels; first-class seating for Alitalia airline; and Disney cruise ships.
The PF collection represents the founding furnishings division for what today is the Poltrona Frau Group. In addition the Group is comprised of divisions Cassina, Cappellini and Alias. Refer to respective company portals for showrooms or representatives.

related links:
www.frauusa.com
www.poltronafrau.it
www.cassinausa.com
www.cassina.com
www.cappellini.it
www.aliasusa.com
www.aliasdesign.it

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Kennedee by Jean Marie Massaud (top)
Dezza by Gio Ponti (2nd)
C.E.O. Cube scrivanie by Lella & Massimo Vignelli (3rd)
Aurora Due by Tito Agnoli (4th)
Oceano by Andrèe Putman (bottom)

GROUND EERO

Finish born architect and designer Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) moved to the States in the early 1920’s. As fellow students Saarinen collaborated with Charles Eames on various projects, culminating in a range of furniture that won first prize at an exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1940 entitled, "Organic Design in Home Furnishings." After 1946, Eames went to work for Herman Miller, and Saarinen became associated with Knoll Associates since Florence Knoll had been a long time family friend. A number of Saarinen's chairs for Knoll were to become landmarks in the history of 20th century design. Like his furniture, Saarinen's architecture is characterized by expressive sculptural forms. Among his masterworks are the TWA Terminal at Kennedy Airport, New York; Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.; and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

related links:
www.eerosaarinen.net
www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Eero_Saarinen.html
www.knoll.com
www.1stdibs.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Tulip dining table & armless chairs (top)
Grasshopper chair, vintage (2nd)
Executive arm chairs (3rd)
Womb chair & ottoman (4th)
TWA Terminal at Kennedy Airport (bottom)

GLAS ITALIA

Glas Italia was established in 1970 in Macherio in Brianza, the industrial region of Lombardy famous for enlightened entrepreneurs of furnishings and industrial innovation … and notably the phenomenon of "Italian design". Adhering to principles of Lombardy industrial tradition, GI’s gradual progression for producing a variety of products for the house, office and contract venues gives evidence to its authentic passion for glass manufacturing. Kudos to GI for making the best of their heritage of experience of the family old glass factory founded at the beginning of the last century. In the designing process of mirrors, furniture, accessories, shelves, bookcases, and tables, GI has collaborated with design luminaries including Jean Marie Massaud and Piero Lissoni resulting in inexhaustible potentialities of glass design forms by virtue of GI’s technologically advanced production plants. Characterized by innovative design and quality, their products have attracted the aesthetic sense and contemporary taste of a broad array of international customers.

related links:
www.glasitalia.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Crystal Lounge by Jean Marie Massaud (top)
Rainbow by Nanda Vigo (2nd)
Hub Tavoli alti by Piero Lissoni (3rd)
Glass Shelves #1 by Shiro Kuramata (4th)
Illusion by Jean Marie Massaud (bottom)

Congratulations to the NY Yankees ... 2009 World Series Champs!

HENN-LIGHT

Danish architect, designer, author Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) is most remembered for his lighting designs. Henningsen developed a line of lighting known as the “PH” series that was not harsh and glaring but emitted warm and soft hues. In 1925, one of these fixtures won first prize for modern lighting at the Paris Exposition of Decorative Arts. The next year it was put into production by Louis Poulsen & Co. in Copenhagen, and it has been in continuous international demand along with his other designs ever since. By the time he died in 1967, Poul Henningsen had designed more than one hundred lamps for the "PH" range, all of them based on the original idea of multiple shades and diffusors to provide warm, diffuse light.

related links:
www.louispoulsen.com

www.1stdibs.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Artichoke pendant (top)
PH 50 pendant (2nd)
Snowball pendant (3rd)
PH 5 table lamp, vintage (4th)

PH 41 floor lamp, vintage (bottom)

AMERICA'S CASTLE

Credited with being the father of the art furniture movement Wendell Castle (1932 - ) remains a leading figure in American craft. Originally from Kansas and trained as a sculptor Castle went on to teach at Rochester Institute of Technology, School for American Craftsmen, in Rochester, NY, and is now an “Artist in Residence”. The curvaceous and organic shape of his designs makes one ponder whether they are more sculpture than furniture. Using plastics, fiberglass, wood and metal Castle has been creating these surreal shapes for more than 40 years. Although probably best known for his Molar chairs from the 60’s Pop era, to showcase the breath of his portfolio I elected to illustrate some of Castle’s other vintage and current volumes. Castle's vintage designs may be found from time to time on 1stdibs. Representatives for his latest work include New York based Barry Friedman Ltd and R20th Century.

related links:
www.wendellcastle.com
www.barryfriedmanltd.com
www.r20thcentury.com
www.1stdibs.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Jack coffee table, vintage (top)
Castle chair, vintage (2nd)
Nirvana Polychromed 2007 (3rd)
Swivel coffee table, vintage (4th)
Black Widow 2007 (bottom)

MILANESE MODULAR

Angelo Molteni’s vision in 1934 to create full range furniture for the home is realized now on 75 years by the internationally renowned brand that Molteni&C has become. State of the art technology, innovative design and mastery of the challenges of scale are not allowed to obscure or dilute Molteni’s passion for the subtle, ‘hidden’ quality of craftsmanship – a combination we perhaps would call today - an air of iconic style with unmistakable class.
The Molteni group has always worked with first-rate designers such as Rodolfo Dordoni, Foster & Partners, Ferruccio Laviani, Luca Meda, Jean Nouvel, Pagani e Perversi, Bruno Reichlin, Aldo Rossi, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Hannes Wettstein, Patricia Urquiola and Paola Navone.
Molteni & C is a company with advanced technology and a longstanding tradition. In the 1970s, it started to define its identity particularly in the sector of modular furniture, the focus of today’s post, developing with Luca Meda's designs a number of solutions suited to all parts of the home, from wardrobe to living room and study/home office. Modular systems such as Molteni’s 505 and Pass, to name but a few, are designs in constant evolution, both in technical and construction terms, as well as in function and comfort. They have been highly successful and Molteni is considered a leader in this sector. The Molteni&C collection also includes wonderful table, chair, wardrobe, sofa & armchair and bed designs. In addition to the Molteni&C home furnishings division the Molteni Group also has Dada, its kitchen division and Unifor its office furnishings division.
When talking about Molteni, people also speak of hidden quality, alluding to the technical, functional and material quality present but often unseen in its furniture. Molteni quality is well known in Milan where the group is based, and also internationally. Refer to company portal for flagship stores & distribution network.

related links:
www.molteni.it

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Pass by Luca Meda (top)
Graduate by Jean Nouvel (2nd)
505 by Luca Meda (3rd)
Wood by Rodolfo Dordoni (4th)
Sequence by Patricia Urquiola (bottom)

FATHER OF DANISH MODERNISM *** 50TH POST ***

Reputed by many as the father of Danish Modernism, Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971) received international acclaim particularly for his distinctive chairs. Perhaps most recognized is his Series 7 design which along with the Swan was designed for the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1955. The Series 7 design by the way is estimated to have sold more than 5 million copies. Exemplar of Danish Modernism, Jacobsen is also remembered for his architectural works which include St Catherine’s College – Oxford, SAS Air Terminal & Radisson SAS Royal Hotel – Copenhagen, Sterling House – Copenhagen, Bellavista housing project – Klampenborg, and Royal Danish Embassy - London. Jacobsen’s other contribution to pop culture was his flatware design with its right and left-handed spoons. The service collection was selected for the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey due to its futuristic appearance. Most AJ furniture designs are still produced by Fritz Hansen and lighting designs by Louis Poulsen. Vintage selections can be sourced on 1stdibs.

related links:
www.fritzhansen.com
www.louispoulsen.com
www.1stdibs.com

images: (click on images to enlarge)
Series 7 chair & B614 Super-Elliptical table - w/ Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson (top)
Swan chair (2nd)
Egg chair & ottoman (3rd)
Ant chair (4th)
Oxford chair (bottom)