OBJEKT INTERNATIONAL
LIVE THE DREAM
since 1991
Af ter more than 33 years of creating OBJEK T International, photographing unique projects, and collaborating with top international interior designers from around the world, this will be the final issue under my direction.
From the ver y beginning, we have always combined antiques and classic design with modern aesthetics, with a strong emphasis on the ar ts
We never adhered to a specific design philosophy but forged our own path an approach that was respected globally, as evidenced by the awards the publication received, par ticularly in Italy and the USA
We built a unique magazine, distributed in 88 countries, until Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic compelled us to transition to a digital format Even in its digital form, OBJEK T International was a great success, recognized with a Gold Medal in Hollywood, USA , and a journalism award in Bologna, Italy, just recently.
Creating OBJEK T International, as well as OBJEK T China for a few years, has been a great privilege and an immense source of joy As the founder, I will continue to contribute to the publication and provide advice to the new publisher when needed
From this point for ward, the reins will be handed over to Rana Florida, who will take on the role of publisher and editor-in-chief, operating from Miami Beach, Florida.
So, farewell for now: OBJEK T International will continue to uphold its high standards.
#D 21
OBJEKT© INTERNATIONAL Living in Style no D21, winter2024 OBJEKT INTERNATIONAL MIAMI BEACH
Publisher and editor-in-chief: Rana Florida 1445 16th Street Suite 302 Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA Rana@objekt-international.com
Founder: Hans Fonk Raadhuislaan 22-B NL-2451 AV Leimuiden - Netherlands t:+31 172 509 843 Hansfonk@objekt-international com
Honorary editor-in-chief
Alexander Sasha Josipovicz, Studio Pyramid Inc Honorary editor in chief USA and Canada 1232 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4V 1E4 sasha@studiopyramid com
Contributing writers: Izabel Fonk, Sasha Josipovicz, Susan Grant Lewin, Milosh Pavlovic, Ruud van der Neut, Lorenza Dalla Pozza, Robyn Prince,Raphaëlle de Stanislas, Rene Wilms
Contributing photographers: Edouard Auffray, Meritxell Arjalaguer, Alexandra de Cossette, Ivan Erofeev, Rimbon Foeller, Alaia Fonk, Hans Fonk, Andrew Frasz, Andrew Giammarco, Nivedita Gupta, Heinong, Kate Jordan, Dino Karailo,A aron Leitz, James McDonal, Ibrahim Ozbunar, Veeral Patel, Vito Stallone, Kuber Shah, Laura Stevens, Eller Studio, Suiyu Studio
For this issue
Graphics: Hans Fonk Studio
Art directors: Hans Fonk, Alaïa Fonk Video productions: Alaïa Fonk
FACEBOOK: @OBJEKT.INTERNATIONAL
INSTAGRAM: @OBJEKTINTERNATIONAL
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PINTEREST: @OBJEKT
Design has always been my passion Growing up in a Jordanian family in Michigan, I was captivated by the chandelier that hung over our dining table. To me, it symbolized elegance and a sense of occasion During holiday meals, I’d gaze at the twinkling cr ystals, their dance reflecting the glow of candlelight, filling me with warmth and gratitude.
Those early impressions ignited a lifelong love for design and creativity in interiors, ar t, travel, food, and enter taining
Today, it is an incredible honor to step into the role of Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Objekt International, following in the footsteps of its visionar y founder, Hans Fonk .
For decades, this award-winning magazine has celebrated the most inspiring intersections of design, architecture, and culture I am humbled to carry forward its legacy and continue to showcase the creativity that elevates our world.
Throughout my career, I have admired and collaborated with creative leaders From inter viewing design icons like Peter Marino, Yabu Pushelberg, and Zaha Hadid for my Huf fington Post column and my book Upgrade, to working with global cities and companies as CEO of the Creative Class Group, creativity has been the foundation of ever ything I do
Together with my husband, urbanist and professor Richard Florida, I’ve traveled the world helping communities harness the power of ar ts and culture for economic growth One of the highlights of this journey was par tnering with Ar t Basel to launch Ar t Basel Cities in Buenos Aires, demonstrating the transformative impact of creativity on urban life
My passion for the ar ts extends beyond my professional work . I am proud to ser ve on philanthropic boards such as Silver Ar t Projects at the World Trade Center, where nearly 50,000 square feet of space are donated annually for free ar tist residencies.
I’ve also contributed to initiatives with the National Ballet of Canada, the Detroit Institute of Ar ts, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Aspen Ideas Festival, each underscoring my belief in the power of ar t and culture to enrich our lives
As I take the helm of Objekt International, I am excited to connect with its discerning and design-savvy readers
Together, we will continue to explore the world’s most eclectic homes, inspiring ar tists’ studios, innovative hotels and restaurants, and unforgettable events
I hope this journey through beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship will delight and inspire you as much as it does me.
Here’s to the next chapter of Objekt International
Rana Florida
FOREWORDS
AKAA , ALSO KNOWN AS AFRICA
VAAR LUXURY YACHT FURNITURE
AMELS YACHT
BALI ROOTS RANTI BAM
LISSONI’S SIGNATURE
TATT VAM VILLA
GRADUATE PRINCETON
PARIS DESIGN WEEK
WOW HOUSE LONDON ENGLAND
HEBIL HOUSE BODRUM
SPACE NEEDLE LUXURY
EDIT NAPOLI
BEAUT Y OF CERAMIC TILES
MAAT LISBOA MUMBAI BY THE SEA
THE ART OF CHESS
SWISS BARN SECRETS
743 ART LAB
FWS WORKS
PARIS - DESIGN MIAMI/ RURAL CHIC IN TUSCANY
EL DORADO FERRETTI YACHTS INFYNITO 80
OBJEK T INTERNATIONAL INFO
798 beijing art district Hans Fonk, 2024, 80x100
Photo printed on canvas partially painted with tempera and ancient Chinese pigments
Also Known As Africa
The ninth edition of AKAA, the fair in France dedicated to the artistic scenes of A frica, its diasporas, and A frodescendants, was one of the mustattend events during the Paris Art Week at the Car reau du Temple, fall 2024.
With the growing interest for A frican art, AKAA continued to highlight the conversations between A frica, the Americas, and the Caribbean, with a focus on the ultramarine scene.
Numerous galleries and artists amplified the voices of these vibrant artistic communities from French overseas ter ritories.
For this 2024 edition, AKAA had invited Cameroonian artist Malamto present an exhibition project at the heart of the fair.
One of the special events was the presentation of the Ellipse Prize to Nobel Koty, born in 1988 in Cotonou, Benin.
Co qu illad e - Relai s & Ch ateau , Lub ero n, France - ph oto: H ans Fon k
VAAR: the new level in luxury yacht furniture
These pages: Vaar Polarus -181 Bellini bar chairs
Monegasque brand Vaar seamlessly blends Italian creativity with traditional Italian crasmanship. Specializing in custom, handmade luxur y furniture, Vaar caters to both high-end interior and outdoor projects, with a focus on iconic, yacht-inspired designs produced in limited editions
e company was founded in Monaco in 2014 by interior designer Fulvia Ciapparelli and Carlo Tissi, a seasoned yachtsman and captain of luxur y vessels. eir shared passion for the sea gave rise to meticulously craed pieces that seamlessly fit specific spaces, drawing inspiration from yacht layouts and adding an exclusive touch to Vaar's projects.
eir combined expertise ser ves as the foundation for creating bespoke handcraed yacht furniture, with the harmonious blend of functionality and the beauty of pure forms at the heart of their design philosophy.
Vaar’s design inspiration draws from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly the Modernist Movement, which is known for its clean lines and cool simplicity, executed with precision and fine materials e brand's focus on the purity of form reflects the perfect marriage of aesthetic and practical principles.
Functionality, simplicity, and extreme elegance are the core elements of their design, with the interplay of various materials and finishes adding an eclectic and visually intrig uing contrast. Each piece is unique, reflecting a personal vision and craed to exclusive, bespoke shapes
Italian ingenuity, a hallmark of traditional Italian crasmanship, lies at the core of ever y Vaar piece. Each item is handmade in Italy to ensure top -tier design, quality, and durability, especially within the marine environment
e production process is the result of close collaboration between Fulvia Ciapparelli Tissi, head of the design team, and a group of highly skilled crasmen, including blacksmiths, carpenters, car vers, marble workers, marqueteurs, painters, metalworkers, titanium specialists, and upholsterers.
ese artisans employ the most appropriate traditional techniques for each stage of production, with a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing practices.
Each piece of furniture is individually designed and craed as a haute couture
creation an exclusive luxur y product, made possible by exceptional Italian crasmen who excel in custom marquetr y, grating , leather stitching and weaving , upholster y, metal forging , and superior wood finishing Vaar’s handcraed approach also allows for client-driven customization
Working directly with yacht owners, as well as shipyards and architecture studios, Fulvia Ciapparelli , Vaar’s co -founder and art director, creates bespoke, handcraed luxur y pieces.
e brand consistently delivers custom projects with exceptional quality, uniqueness, and exclusivity. Fulvia’s visions, dreams, and functional requirements are at the heart of ever y custom project
Aer presenting initial sketches and drawings to clients, the final designs are approved, followed by a detailed render and prototype e production of new furniture begins only aer the prototype has been finalized. is handcraed prototype sets bespoke projects apart from large-scale manufacturing Custom finishes play a crucial role in personalizing each Vaar piece
Vaar’s production is predominantly focused on yachting projects, with a continuous emphasis on sourcing high-quality, durable outdoor materials and finishes.
e brand’s ability to customize ever y product ensures a willingness to experiment with new materials, while its expertise in delivering unique finishes in custom projects remains its strongest asset As a result, ever y Vaar interior and exterior project is truly one-of-a-kind
This page: interior designer Fulvia Ciapparelli , Vaar’s co-founder and art director She works Working directly with yacht owners, shipyards and architecture studios
Right-hand page: some of the jewels of Vaar.
Top left: Vaar VSB07 Salomé on board M/Y Polaris and next to it VDC02 Colombre, Titanium.
Below that from left to right: detail of the VSB09 Colombre , VCT06 Steel Vera Coffee Table, detail of the VTC04 Folding Colombre Coffee Table and the fine lines of the VLC07 Kalatrava armrest.
Third row from left to right: the VSB09 Colombre and the Bar Chair Bellini on the MY Polaris.
Bottom row: VDC01 Bellini, the VLC03 Salomé Lounge chair and the VLC07 Kalatrava Lounge Chair.
