BL INKS FROM T HE WORL D OF
IT STARTED A S A LOVE AFFAIR - The stor y b ehind FRIENDS & FOUNDERS / L A PIPE - making a chair / Thre e hospitalit y destinations - FINE DINING AT FR ANT Z ÉN - VIP HOUSE COPENHAGEN - NOBU SH OREDI TC H / HILDEBR AND & B J ØRN - a joint proje c t / NOMAD workspa ce / Se le c te d RESELLERS
I T S TA R T ED A S A
LOVE AFFAIR
IN VI T ES YOU TO E XPLORE OUR E X HIB I T I O N AT
T HE C OUP L E BEHIND FRIENDS & FOUNDERS SHARE A PA S SION AND AMBI T ION FOR T HEIR YOUNG, FAMILY - OWNED C O MPANY. S T O C K H O L M F U R N I T U R E FA I R I T ’S A DE VOT ION T HAT ’S DRIVEN T HEIR WORK FRO M T HE S TART, 6-10 / FEBRUARY / 2018 AND WA S FOUNDED IN RO M ANCE S TA ND B 0 6 : 1 0 THE STORY BEHIND FRIENDSF OUNDERS. C OM Ten years ago, on an icy night in Stock-
Perhaps it was written in the stars…
ment and sales led to the creation of a new
holm, a young talented Swedish designer
who knows? It took five years before the
collection of furniture, lighting, and
met a Danish guy from the design-furniture
couple returned to Stockholm as business
objects. The style was ahead of its time.
industr y. Their shared passion for archi-
par tners and founders of the new
Only a few hours into their first fair, the
tecture, design, and life itself made the
contemporar y Scandinavian design brand
international design press embraced
two inseparable.
Friends & Founders. And one of their first
Friends & Founders and affirmed what the
stages was the Stockholm Furniture Fair.
two creators had felt so strongly.
That’s when it began: the star t of a relationship that changed both of their
Ida Linea and Rasmus Hildebrand´s years of
worlds and brought about the bir th of
experience within the field of design,
Friends & Founders.
interior architecture, product develop-
CHAP TER 1 - “FAVORITE SPOT PHILOSOPHY”
The original idea for the first collection in
mean something special to you or remind you
and Modernist influences. The ar tist creat-
of something or someone, creates authentic
ed hand-painted archways from palettes of
atmospheres.” - IDA L. HILDEBR AND
zinc-white, ocher and contemporar y blue.
2013, was based on Friends & Founders´ “favorite spot philosophy ”
FIND YOUR SPOT.
The exhibition theme aligned with Friends & Right from the star t the founders had a
Founders’ overall design philosophy:
strong belief in creating their own design
the materials will remain - so too shall the
direction, different from the prevailing NEW
products you choose to live with.
MAKE ROOM FOR PERSONALIT Y.
NORDIC wave, a trend that characterized
GE T INSPIRED AND SHARE WITH OTHERS.
most of the Scandinavian furniture scene and was soon to go out of fashion.
“We tr y hard to fulfill your needs by A NEW CHAP TER IS BEING WRIT TEN
influencing, inspiring and suppor ting your
Friends & Founders distinctive design di-
way of living. We wish the users to have a
rection, curated by Ida Linea Hildebrand,
long-term relationship with our products by
staged a “geometrical performance act”
The philosophy of Friends & Founders is
designing objects to last.”
which focused on mathematical theories,
spreading to all par ts of the world. We
geometrical shapes and outlines.
make new friends ever y day, and it’s a great
The designs take influence from a
pleasure to follow the results of these new
Scandinavian heritage in terms of quality
“Reducing material and approaching the
collaborations. The diversity of projects
craftsmanship and the idea of surrounding
limit of what is technically possible fasci-
and installations are wide, which is exactly
oneself with fewer, more essential things.
nates me as an designer. I am unwilling to
what we hoped it would be. People are using
By way of ensuring a product’s longevity and
compromise when it comes to design and
Friends & Founders´ products to suppor t
utility Friends & Founders strives to find
the realization of our ideas. Playing with
their own personal universe or company
new materials and methods of design.
strong silhouettes has become an impor tant
identity.
element in my work and this is something “We want people to understand that it’s
that Friends & Founders will continue to
Today the collection is stronger than ever.
wor th investing in innovative, contemporar y
explore.”
A firm decision to manufacture locally in
furniture where multi-functions are built in,
Scandinavia and Europe turned out to be a
thinking about how to expand the use of the
By creating awareness of their designs,
wise choice. It has allowed us to manage the
product. Also where the manufacturer has
Friends & Founders got instant international
craft behind the manufacture of products.
thought about sustainability in designing and
attention for their architectural, sculptural,
And with that control we can be flexible
producing objects that will last,” Rasmus
and distinctive ar tistic designs. These traits
and ready to deliver on our clients’ special
says.
have become signatures for the brand and
requirements.
for the designs made by Ida L. Hildebrand. Our products are developed to meet the demands for the contract market and that is an advantage even for our retail customers who CHAP TER 2 -
get a guarantee of quality and durability. The
“NON ICONIC COLLECTION -
CHAP TER 3 - “FRAGMENTS by Friends &
designer´s ability to integrate both architec-
GEOME TRIC PERFORMANCE”
Founders”
tural and ar tistic elements into functional furniture and objects is a rare skill. And
The visions for the brand continued to de-
Friends & Founders launched the extended
our designer does it without sacrificing the
velop in the same track as earlier with
collection of furniture and objects during
many practical features in each product.
intensified focus on the uniqueness in
the Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2017.
That’s why people are often amazed at the
people and their interaction with design
The exhibition was curated by the creative
possibilities of the collection. Once we get
products.
director under the theme “FRAGMENTS,” the
to work together closely with our custom-
In 2015 the NON-ICONIC collection was
third chapter in the stor y and philosophy of
ers and users, a new world of oppor tunities
launched and it featured furniture and
Friends & Founders.
opens up and new ideas come to life. Collaborations like these underline the
ar tefacts that celebrate the individual and The exhibition was envisaged as a set of
“Friends” in our name. We highly appreci-
scenes presenting different moments in
ate the fact that it is not only about us (the
“I am inspired by ever yday life, and I en-
life – memories and dreams, expectations,
“Founders”) but what we can accomplish
courage others to live in the present. It is the
achievements and inspiration. It comprised
together.
here and now. Curate your own life, create
fragments with different perspectives,
your own stor y and make things happen. I
reflecting a “whole,” which counted and
believe that making room for personalit y
mattered.
honor distinct personalities.
to shine creates inspiring environments and opens the space to interesting setups and
The products were accompanied by clas-
spatial relationships with others.
sic geometric architectural elements and
Surrounding yourself with original things that
colors drawn from Classicist, Renaissance
To be continued...
La Pipe & The family D esig ning a CHAIR
The chair L A PIPE was first introduced at
as sketches of a wooden chair made
the 2014 Stockholm Furniture Fair,
in steam-bended wood. The wooden
presented as an ongoing project. The
shape was the actual outline of the chair
dining chair was not 100% ready - it was
and an extended line in the back would
even missing a frame - but it was
form the legs. The idea was for a more
impor tant for us to show the outside
open and transparent form, but those
world what we were thinking about
thoughts were soon changed.
moving in a new direction, towards upholstered furniture. This new line of
In the middle of the process an even
organic, soft seating was a refreshing
more interesting shape appeared in
contrast and natural extension to our
between the lines. A solid, closed form
existing por tfolio which is expanding
came to life as Ida Linea found that
each year.
the characteristic shape of the outline would be more clear when adding
The original idea for L A PIPE wasn’t
surfaces and legs suppor ting the shell
even close to the final product. The way
instead of being a par t of it.
it was created was not a typical pro-
It turned out to be a vital turning point
cess for the designer who usually sticks
of the procces and development of L A
to her original thoughts and lines. In
PIPE.
this case the idea of L A PIPE star ted
FROM ALL ANGLES THE CHAIR´S EXTRAVAGANT, ROUNDED SHAPE SHOWS OFF BEAUTIFUL DE TAILING WHICH UNDERLINES THE THOUGHTFUL WORK OF THE DESIGNER. The name La Pipe would conjure parts gathered together to create a functional whole, like a tobacco pipe. Ever y component serves a valuable purpose. The silhouette of the chair “the piping” has striking similarit y to the shape of a well-crafted, handmade pipe.
L A PIPE IS THE RESULT OF DESIGNER IDA LINEA HILDEBRAND´S PASSION FOR REFINED FORMS AND STRONG SILHOUE T TES COMBINED WITH FRIENDS & FOUNDERS´ KNOWLEDGE OF MODERN PRODUCTION WITH STRONG FOCUS ON HAND CRAF TSMANSHIP AND DE TAILING. THE DESIGNER´S OBVIOUS SENSE OF BAL ANCE AND HER STRIVING FOR THE PERFECT COMFORT MAKE THE EXPERIENCE OF L A PIPE A NEW SOF T, ELEGANT SEATING SENSATION.
The LOUNGE version of L A PIPE has the
We like to think of L A PIPE as a good ex-
same conceptual theme as the dining
ample of how Friends & Founders sees an
chair. Yet, the lounge chair has its own
unwillingness to compromise as par t of
obvious and clean expression.
our brand. For us that means being true
The shell meets the ground instead of
to the original concept while obtaining
being suppor ted by a frame. The tailored
the perfect balance between design and
seat becomes more integrated with the
comfor t.
complete form and the organic, enclosed shape embraces you.
The design of the chair is also interesting from a technical standpoint. Its curved
Realizing L A PIPE was an interesting
3D shape makes it amazingly strong and
process for the designer behind the
therefore possible without reinforce-
creation, Ida L. Hildebrand.
ment. That means reduced weight and
“There are big challenges in making an
material-use, benefits from the perspec-
organic piece of soft furniture if you
tives of sustainability as well as function.
wish to maintain the expression, without compromising on comfor t or on what is technically possible to produce”. Too often people give up the original idea as the devolopment process itself,
L A PIPE SERIES - THE COLLECTION FEATURES
the finances or deadlines take over the
A NEW SOF T LOUNGE CHAIR, A DINING CHAIR,
control of the finished product. In those
COUNTER CHAIR AND BAR STOOL.
cases the compromises end up being visible features of the product, which a trained eye can discover,” says Ida.
FRANTZÉN Finest dining in STOCKHOL M
In 2017 Friends & Founders worked on a number of magnificent projects. One was a remodeling for the Michelin-rated restaurant FRANT ZÉN in Stockholm, which aspires for an exclusive third star this year. The unique project was headed by Swedish design studio JOYN. We paid a visit to the restaurant on a cold and sunny autumn day with clear skies. We enjoyed dazzling views of Stockholm city from the terrace where items from Friends & Founders’ outdoor collection are installed - CASTLE, OUR BENCH NET, and SHELVISH. The interior is made with carefully selected items. The atmosphere is international with a luxur y-home feeling. KNOCKOUT tables are placed around the lounge area of the restaurant. Unfor tunately, we didn’t have time to dine, but we can’t wait to enjoy the atmosphere and brilliant gastronomic experiences made by Björn Frantzén.
Rasmus was sent out to have drinks
Hublot, Dior and many more.
at the opening of VIPP LOF T - a
We have collaborated with the studio
400-square-meter, boutique hotel with
before as when David composed the
only one room
interior for the residential project “Pe-
located under the roof of an old
ter ’s House. The house and studio were
printing factor y in Copenhagen.
designed for photographer Peter Krasil-
Studio David Thulstrup made the interior
nikoff in Copenhagen, where the MIRÓ
featuring Friends & Founders’ handcast-
MIRÓ mirror adds depth and
ed planters CASTLE RAW, which are made
reflections to the raw brick wall and
entirely of recycled aluminum.
where the KNOCKOUT lounge tables accent the design of the wild rooftop.
David Thulstrup founded his studio in 2009 after working in Paris with architect Jean Nouvel and for architect Peter Marino in New York - the man behind amazing works for Louis Vuitton, Bulgari,
VIPP LOF T Boutique Hotel in COPENHAGEN
NOBU
shoreditch
A luxurious LONDON hospitalit y ex p erienc e
THE NE W NOBU HOTEL IN SHOREDITCH LONDON IS THE DISTINGUISHED RESULT OF RON AR AD ARCHITECTS AND BEN ADAMS ARCHITECTS. THE HOTEL’S INTERIOR WAS DESIGNED BY A LOCAL DESIGNER, ST UDIO MICA. Friends & Founders´ CASTLE planters in black were chosen for the project which put great emphasis on the landscaping concept. There are planters on each of the individual terraces as well as in the green entrance-area.
Hildebrand & Bjørn T h e m a k in g o f S TA ND O U T / C o a t h a n g e r 20 1 8
For the first time in the histor y of
The coat rack is a freestanding piece
Friends & Founders an external
where the thin-lined geometric metal
designer has been involved in the
construction balances on a solid
process of making a new creation - a
marble base.
joint project by Ida L. Hildebrand and
The collaboration between the two
the newly graduated, Danish designer
designers was a surprisingly smooth
Katrine Bjørn.
experience. The Creative Director was
The new STAND OUT coat stand
impressed by Katrine´s ability to absorb
compliments the existing collection of
and apply the DNA of Friends & Found-
TANGENT hangers and continues in the
ers design and philosophy.
style of design that has characterized our work and development of the
The STAND OUT was pre launched at DESIGNJUNCTION during LONDON design festival and was
KNOCKOUT family. Its materials have
selected by Dezeen as one of the five best new
been selected to harmonize with the
products.
existing por tfolio.
“I HAVE A PASSION FOR OBJECTS THAT CAN BE F UNCTIONAL AND SCULP T UR AL AT THE SAME TIME. ” - Ida L. Hildebrand
NOMAD - A CAP TIVATING COMMUNIT Y DRIVEN BY P OSITIVE ENERGY, DE VELOPMENT AND COMMITMENT
NOMAD is a professional workspace in the
decorated by the interior architect company
heart of Nørrebro, Copenhagen. In this
SPATIAL CODE and it is often used for making
attractive and exclusive environment
commercials, film, photoshoots and stylings by
creative, innovative individuals and teams
high end brands & createurs.
are enjoying a modern international work
On the premises Friends & Founders exhibits
and networking atmosphere.
selected furniture items and takes pleasure in hosting international guests visiting Copenha-
Nomad Workspace is based in the old clas-
gen. Collaborating with NOMAD’s owner Mr. HP
sicist cour t house building designed by the
and his intelligent and wonderful crew makes it
Danish Architect M.G. Bindesbøll, the far ther
an exquisite and complete experience.
of the famous Architect Thorvald Bindesbøll.
NOMAD is for members only but you should
The backside of the building, actually, still
swing by their lobby café next time your are in
serves as prison for 91 inmates and it is the
town just to get a taste of it........
oldest of its kind in Denmark. The historic space inside the cour t house is
NOMAD Worksp a c e in C OP ENHAGEN
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