Quality not luxury is the emerging theme of this year according to Patricia Urquiola, judging by IMM Cologne and Maison et Objet, it seems as though the global design community agrees /
We waste no time in this business, the new year has hardly commenced before IMM Cologne and Maison et Objet appear on the design landscape. The feeling at both this year was optimistic, and despite the fact that many companies save their big launches for Milan there was still much to see and explore.
Both fairs identified key themes, Maison Et Objet opted for ‘Unplugged’ an reassertion of modesty and rejection of standardisation, contrasted with ‘Haute Tension’, design that aspires to a state of heightened experience for the user. IMM, with the aid of Patricia Urquiola, envisaged four key themes; ‘Emotional Austerity’, ‘Rebalancing’, ‘Surprising Empathy’, and ‘Transforming Perspectives’.
At Viaduct we have always celebrated considered design, passion demonstrated through attention to detail, and the quality of both thought and process. Thus we could not help but be drawn to Urquiola’s notion of ‘Emotional Austerity’, an “elegant ambience, defined by clear and unostentatious aesthetics”. Below are some of our favourite new pieces from IMM and Maison that typify this design philosophy.
(Clockwise L-R Marcello Chair by Nathan Yong for Cinna, Grillage by Francois Azambourg for Ligne Roset, Etagere de Coin by Marie Dessuant for Ligne Roset with the Simplissimo Chaise Longue by Jean Nouvel for Ligne Roset, Metisse by Marie-Christine Dorner for Zeus)
(Clockwise L-R Random Box and Random Cabinet by Neuland for MDF Italia, Edward Sofa by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen, Morph Longe Chair by Formstelle for Zeitraum, Randomito by Neuland for MDF Italia)
(Elephant Wood by Neuland for Kristalia, Nigha Sky Delay by Jan Kath, Tor Side Table by Lambie & Van Hengel for Montis, Alcaraz Sky by Jan Kath)
(Clockwise L-R Phill Table by Studio Parade for Spectrum, Unfold Lamp by Form Us With Love for Muuto, Paperback shelf by Studio Parade for Spectrum, Flow Chair [new base] by Jean-Marie Massaud for MDF Italia)
It was also a great showing for several of our main companies who were featured in the IMM Cologne trendbook this year. They were identified as true advocates of the ‘quality over luxury’ ideal. Below are some of the featured images.
(L-R Bess Sofa by Stefan Diez for E15, Totem by Vincent Van Duysen for Pastoe, Ella Chair by Niels Bendtsen for Montis, Eugene by Stefan Diez for E15, images by Koelnesse)
The IMM trendbook can be purchased online for €50 from Katalog@koelnmesse.de.
Click on the product icon for more information /
Post by Claire Gittins.