Volume 8. Issue 08. August 2014 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
Living Spl.
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his year’s edition of Salone Del Mobile saw a variety of influences in furniture design, with a particular focus on intimate and oneiric design, selfproduction, materials, pauperism and new minimalism. Pauperism and new minimalism, which seem to be a creative response to the financial crisis, emerged dominant, with the language of
iSaloni Shines Through
iSaloni 2014 saw a sense of simplicity underscoring each genre and style, a stark contrast from the elaborate excesses of furniture design’s past. BY BRIONIE PEREIRA
Hermes’ Jean Michel Frank re-editions consist of a bench, armchair and console handmade from wrought iron and leather
luxury translating itself into lean and stark manifestations. The spirit of the prolific Piero Fornasetti, in wake of his recent critical rehabilitation, inspired several designers to take on a more whimsical, fairytale-inspired approach to design. Some designers borrowed inspiration
from the iconic past, while others followed a material-based approach – where the entire design of a particular piece revolved around the material of choice. We bring you a taste of the very best of furniture designs that were presented at iSaloni this year.
Hermes Hermes’ Jean Michel Frank reeditions evoke the austere, avantegarde spirit of the 1920s. The bench, armchair and console – all handmade – consist of wrought iron and leather. Each piece has been crafted with a meticulous attention to detail; the bridle leather polished, tanned, patinaed and laced by hand so it is thick, smooth and supple. The wrought iron is transformed through as tedious a process, its rawness playing off the leather to create a perfect testament to Hermes-appointed savoir faire. Fendi Casa Fendi Casa’s Diagonal Sofa, designed by Toan Nguyen strikes the perfect balance between elegance, comfort and quality. Part of their Contemporary line, the low-seated, modular sofa features a play of clean lines and compact elements,
interpreting tradition with a modern twist. The sophisticated offering is both comfortable and sleek, and comes tailor-made in different versions: one in a thickened nabuk with raw-cut edges, in leather, or inlaid fabric with tone-on-tone or contrasting inserts, that add a playful twist to its modern, minimal lines. Poltrona Frau Poltrona Frau presents a re-edition of Gianfranco Frattini’s masterful Albero bookcase, designed at the end of the 50s. The selfsupporting, rotating, adjustable bookcase is a testament to Frattini’s attention towards the laws of static and dynamics, with four vertical uprights and two rack and pinions pylons at its two ends. These and the shelves are made in Canaletto walnut veneer, and can continued on page 2