June 2007 / D2-Democratic Design
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Berlin / Designmai
The democratization of design, or design for all, is no longer limited to 'masstardization', but allows for individualization. This month's issue looks at the present and future of the design industries, reviews New York Design Week and the ICFF, and designmai. Products from furnishings and accessories to textiles, bedding, and apparel to new car models all share an interdisciplinary exchange.
The fresh look and improved usability of Trendease 2.0 in combination with new features will bring added value to your Trendease experience. Because we are so excited, as a gift, current subscribers and new accounts will get the scrapbook free for a limited time.
Upcoming Trendease Market Edge PowWows:
- July 7th: Peng Xin International Home Textile Design Peak Forum; Shanghai, China.
- July 15-19th: Manchester Furniture Show and the Halo Living Showroom; Manchester, UK
Trendease is always looking for great people. Team positions are open for international account managers and editorial / creative assistants. Please email opportunites@trendease.com.
REPORTING TO INSPIRE,
Jennifer Castoldi,
Chief Creative Director
Download an informative brochure on Trendease (3MB).
Features and Articles
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Jennifer's June Journal '07Berlin — The design of the radio, the telephone, and now the computer and mobile devices, has irreversibly altered the way we communicate. But now with the democratization of digital design, will it alter the way we live forever? Probably. For many it is a dream; for many others, a nightmare. Whichever side of the coin you rest, this issue of Trendease will inform you of the most cutting-edge trends from digital manufacturing to the preservation of handicrafts. Read more on Jennifer’s thoughts here. |
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Rapidly ImprovingWorldwide — It is no doubt that this trend is quickly picking up momentum. Products seen during Milan Design Week, designmai, ICFF, and as students’ final projects all embody the latest manufacturing and prototyping techniques. The democratization of digital design is what has made all of the products in this feature possible. Computers and programs like Magics are literally shaping the future and gaining more market share in the sphere of furnishings, fashion, and architecture. |
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Zoom, Zoom, ZooooomMilan — Instead of standing still, design is broadening and eliminating all limits and boundaries. It appears that with seemingly less innovativeness in singled-out fields of design, it looks as if with the combination of different industries, such as automobiles and furniture, art and manufacturing, or design and science, creatives have opened yet another door to even greater possibilities than anyone could have ever expected. |
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Rules No Longer ApplyNew York — The International Contemporary Furniture Fair was bigger and better than ever this year with an extra hall and even more designs to feast the eyes on. While attending the New York Deign Week the Trendease Team discovered that the only rule is that there are no rules when it comes to these unique combinations of styles and materials. Discover the latest trends from the largest and most important design event in the United States. |
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Urban Jungle or Quiet Retreat?New York — Are you in or are you out? Textile trends at ICFF blur the lines between outdoors and indoors. We invite nature into our homes, picking up the bright reds of poppies or the neutral tones of a grassland. Unblinking iguanas and soft deer wander onto fabrics and ginkgo leaves sprout from the walls. Make it an urban jungle or a quiet retreat to your condo in the woods. |
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The Wrong Store at the Right TimeNew York — "Come in, we’re CLOSED." This challenges our expectations of the availability of products – who can buy them and when. The Wrong Store adds a new twist to window shopping with its tantalizing displays, none of which are for sale at a shop the never opens. In this day and age, shoppers expect to be able to get their hands on what they want, when they want. Will good things come to those who wait? |
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Setting the Table Italian StyleNew York — Italian-style hospitality collided with objets d’art as visitors attending Design Week in New York were invited to dine on design. The exhibit was the result of a close partnership between government agencies, ministries of trade and designers and their shared interest to promote the best design the Lombardy region of Italy has to offer. With over 200 pieces on display, the tableware and furniture included some of the most important Italian designers. |
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Individual, Personal, and Luxurious DiningLondon — The new Rhodes W1 restaurant in London, designed by renowned British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who is notorious for designing residential and commercial properties, yachts and private jets, as well as the first-class cabins for British Airways. With the Rhodes W1, Hoppen was given the chance to delight the elite with her extravagant taste once again. |
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From One Continent to AnotherSydney — The undertaking of proprietor, Jeni Cross, is to bring together the best bed and table linens designed in-house or imported from Europe to Australia. Within the shop visitors are transported to another world, one of simplicity, quality and European luxury, combined with hand-made Australian products, all in surreally beautiful décor at the Plane Tree Farm store. |
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Ethical CompetitorsParis — The general idea of ethically produced goods has come a long way and the business is vastly evolving. The Marché Ethique was without a doubt another successful exhibition that increased the awareness of negative influences on our environment through production of goods. In addition, the market also promoted the idea that ethically and ecologically produced goods can compete with regular brands. |
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New Talent: Berlin Claims its StakeBerlin — The Designmai Youngsters exhibition in Berlin impressed with unconventional designs from creative newcomers from all over the world. Many trends could be discovered at the show, nine of which are outlined in this feature and punctuated with over 60 product examples. As Berlin gentrifies and claims its stake in the design world, DMY grows in importance and stamina fueling the locals and visitors alike. |
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EcoChic: Abundance of HopeNew York — At New York Design Week, sustainable and ecologically friendly products were in abundance, working perfectly with the notion of democratic design. As more traditional artisans help to develop fair and economically viable designs, the more people around the world will have access to their crafts. The more designers who use green manufacturing processes, the fewer people will have to contend with contaminated living spaces. Clearly, this is a natural fit. |
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NEWSLETTER #175Multiple European Cities — We have already discussed how motifs are now larger than life. The same transformation is happening with furnishings. Plus sizes are found all around. Also in this newsletter, more and more high-end car brands are present at the design events the Trendease Team attends, from New York to Milan to London to Rotterdam. Lexus, BMW, and its Mini are all on the design scene. What will they think of next? |
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NEWSLETTER #176Multiple European Cities — Unless you are Tyler Brûlé, it is recommended not trying to pull off a day trip to China from Europe, it’s a killer! This week’s newsletter gallery puts subscribers in the hot seat! This selection of the hottest chairs ranges from an intricately laser cut steel body, to organic slabs of delicate concrete, to a new version of a folding chair, loving legs and much more. Subscribers can see what is cool and read up on tidbits regarding the male shopper and more! |
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NEWSLETTER #177Berlin — Continuing on with the theme of this month’s edition on democratic design, Ronen Kadushin’s concept takes the cake. The idea behind Open Design is to encourage designers “to share their creativity and develop a design pool of quality products, much like with Open Source software.” Also in this newsletter read up on conspicuous consumption and the growing luxury market in China. |
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NEWSLETTER #178Rotterdam — This week’s gallery goes to show that inspiration comes from any material and any product. Lepidoptera Domestica by Manon van Kouswijk has been a project two years in the making. The work, which consists of hundreds of butterflies made from various household objects that Kouswijk refers to as “archetypical,” is something which boggles the mind while filling one with pure awe. |
