Malleable Processes: 10 Ways Contemporary Designers Work with Metal
Although it can feel rigid and permanent in our hands, with the right tools, metal is quite malleable. It can be twisted and contorted into numerous shapes, taking on many appearances. This edit displays the flexibility of metal, both physically and conceptually, and highlights the many techniques associated with metalworking. Some pieces contain subtle intricacies,…
Unexpected Media: 8 Materials You Didn’t Expect to See on the Global Design Scene
From cow dung to mushroom mycelium to 3D printed sand, this edit showcases examples of contemporary collectible design created from unexpected media. Similar to the unassuming construction and waste materials mentioned in a previous Adorno edit, these makers have looked beyond traditional media to develop practices based around the unexpected. They make use of non-traditional…
The New Ceramics: 7 Boundary-Pushing Examples of Ceramic Furniture
Thinking of the realm of ceramics, objects such as tableware, vases, or sculpture often come to mind. But, what about ceramic furniture? This edit features a selection of tactile, textural, and colourful ceramic furniture from the inventive minds of talented makers. Increasingly prevalent in the last few years, this aspect of contemporary ceramics allows makers the…
Tributo: Working with Dialogues of Heritage, Continuity, & Sustainability
“We have been influenced by an understanding [and] respect for time within all processes to achieve the desired quality of results and the importance of [a] knowledge of the past and inheritance to have a clear vision on the direction towards the future.” – Laura & Gabriela Noriega of Tributo View Tributo’s showroom, including “Your…
Along the Grain: 10 Designers Highlighting the Beauty of Woodworking
Developing from historic roots in master workshops around the world, this edit presents a selection of designers whose work highlights the beauty of contemporary woodworking. Carved, turned, oiled, lacquered, or painted, each designer emphasises the material knowledge and craft skill associated with this long-held artistic tradition. The resulting pieces show the flexibility of this seemingly…
UAU: An Intuitive Approach to Ceramic Design
“…throughout my creations I want them to set a mood, to convey a feeling. I don’t want you to pass by that object daily and just say, ‘Ah yes, that’s just my lamp’. I want it to make you feel something and hopefully acknowledge its presence.” – Vanessa Singenzia of UAU All images courtesy of…
The Mirror Edit: 10 Mirrors That Will Make You Reflect
On the cusp of functional and decorative, the ten mirrors curated here bring both light and a sense of personality to the spaces they inhabit. They offer a moment of reflection – literally and figuratively – and elevate our living environments in a simple, yet visually intriguing manner. The variety of materials and techniques used…
Erin Turkoglu: Exploring Craft & Process through Trial & Error
“I am often drawn to forms that showcase the material in interesting ways. Sometimes my work ends up cartoonish and sometimes it is brutalist, but I think it always has my design language in it. This is something I don’t consciously pursue, I think it’s just a side effect of my aesthetic values in practice.”…
Unassuming Materials: 7 Design Studios Upcycling Construction Materials into Collectible Design
Gathering inspiration in unexpected places and seeing the beauty of discarded materials. This edit highlights a selection of design studios who employ a more sustainable approach to material use, developing pieces which juxtapose original material histories with their final, collectible forms. They create an interwoven narrative of old and new, cast away and repurposed. Possibilities…
Christian + Jade: Encouraging Valuable Interactions through Intentional Design
“Instead of consistently working within a specific form or function, we seek to communicate the changes that we see in the world and our own behaviours through techniques and materialities that best convey and challenge it.” – Christian + Jade All images courtesy of the designers. View Christian + Jade’s showroom, including “Gathering Heat”…
“Existential Workflow” Guest edit by Charlotte Jul
The process is a vital part of the work of all designers, craft artists, and artists. No one just seems to acknowledge it. Because processes are a bit airy. A bit like working for fun. And does it even qualify as real work? This column makes an attempt to provide an insight into what it…
A. Vetra: Contemporary Collectible Objects with Ancient Mediterranean Memories
“As a designer, I want to create objects that evoke emotions and engage with people through their story or simply their tactile look and presence in space. As a craft enthusiast, I like to surround myself with objects that awaken memories and create an intimate and personal atmosphere.” – Giulia Ferraris of A. Vetra …
New & Noteworthy
Windows of Design
ADORNO x ALHAMBRA BERLIN
Co-curated by Garth Roberts & William Bagnoli
Photo: Ragnar Schmuck for ALHAMBRA BERLIN
Designers to keep an eye on
The Material Language
Connecting through Forms, Colours, & Textures
A Mexican Collection
Curated by Pilar Obeso & Ana Elena Mallet
Punk Pot by Alva Design
Objets d’Art
10 Pieces That Infuse Spaces With Personality
Adorno Editorial
BRUSSELS
Photo: The Sound of Time
by Nel Verbeke
Browse pieces by country
The premier destination to discover curated collectible design during the London Design Festival, 12-20 September featuring more than one-hundred independent designers from fourteen countries. Learn More & visit the online exhibitions at virtualdesigndestination.com.
As seen on
“The Online Design Gallery Redefining ‘Nordic'”
JILL SINGER
