Weekly Dose of Inspiration
Editor's Pick: Collectable Design
Welcome to your weekly dose of inspiration at eighty8lab – Editor's Pick! Every week, we'll be scouring the globe to curate a selection of the most innovative, exciting, and downright covetable products across a diverse range of categories. Think cutting-edge tech, statement fashion finds, groundbreaking architecture, sustainable materials, and more!
This week, we're diving into the captivating world of Collectable Design. Get ready to discover unique pieces that transcend functionality, transforming into coveted works of art and conversation starters. From limited-edition prints to groundbreaking tech gadgets and handcrafted functional art, we'll unveil treasures that elevate your space, spark inspiration, and hold the potential to become cherished heirlooms.
Rollo Studio (The Netherlands)
Established in 2020, Rollo Studio is an independent design brand known for their innovative use of advanced digital software and 3D printing technology. Biomimicry is central to their design philosophy, inspiring them to find creative ways to model organic geometries into contemporary lighting solutions for interior design.
Product Pick: Rollo Studio's exclusive 'Aureole Collection' of 3D-printed sand lamps exemplifies the fusion of art and technology. Each "Sun" lamp is a unique piece of functional art, meticulously crafted with Quartz Sand and Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing. Inspired by nature, these lamps go beyond creating ambiance; they are limited-edition artworks that transform any space with their organic structures and captivating interplay of light and shadow.
Estudio Persona (Los Angeles, USA)
This Uruguayan design duo, Emiliana Gonzalez and Jessie Young, are known for their bold silhouettes, neutral tones, and raw materials free of embellishment. Their work celebrates the skilled craftsmanship of Los Angeles manufacturers, transforming "constraints" into creative opportunities.
Product Pick: The O Stool harnesses the circular form, pushing its boundaries through unfolding and folding actions. This durable steel stool transforms into a depiction of fluid softness, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Project 213A (Porto, Portugal)
Founded in 2021 by Jurgita Dileviciute, Theresa Marx, and Clement Deboeuf, Project 213A is a European design house that champions traditional craftsmanship. Their focus is on creating long-lasting pieces that transcend fleeting trends. The brand often names their collections after Portuguese cities and areas.
Product Pick: The Porto Modular Sofa Set 1 The Porto Modular Sofa Set 1 embodies minimalist luxury. Its clean lines and modular design offer ultimate customization, allowing you to perfectly configure it to fit any living space. However, the true showstopper is the luxurious faux metallic leather upholstery. This unexpected material choice creates a visually striking piece that transcends the realm of furniture and enters the realm of art. The metallic finish adds a touch of cool sophistication, yet the supple texture beckons you to experience the artistry firsthand.
Genos (Milan, Italy)
Genos is a collective design practice bringing high-end, statement objects to life. Their diverse perspectives are reflected in the heterogeneity of their products, each one distinct from the others, contributing to an ever-evolving identity. They reject a singular aesthetic, opting for a supportive variety that reflects each member's unique observations of the world.
Product Pick: Genos' "How Dare You" chair is a powerful statement piece that goes beyond mere seating. This thought-provoking creation is dedicated to those caught in unfulfilling routines. The chair itself is a showcase the exceptional skill of the artisans who can transform such a rigid material into a precisely formed and surprisingly lightweight structure. This feat of engineering is juxtaposed with the luxuriously soft, screen-printed leather pillow backrest. The contrasting materials – the cold, industrial aluminum against the warm, inviting leather – create a powerful tension that reflects the chair's message.
Ben Storms (Belgium) ©AlexanderPopelier
Belgian designer and craftsman Ben Storms is known for his innovative use of materials. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, he transforms materials into captivating shapes that defy expectations. A master of both design and creation, Storms has honed his skills in stonemasonry, sculpture, and woodworking.
Ben Storms' In Hale Wallpiece is a captivating exploration of material transformation. This unique piece is crafted from inflated stainless steel, brass, or copper. Unlike traditional metalworking techniques, Storms employs a fascinating process where the chosen sheet metal is inflated against a piece of stone. The result? An unpredictable and ever-changing three-dimensional shape that echoes the contours of the stone it was pressed against.