With the rising interest in camping and other outdoor activities, there is also a rising need for safer and more sustainable solutions to common problems like outdoor lighting, off-grid power, and reliable shelter. There is no shortage of portable power stations now available in the market, and you’ll often come across innovative tent designs that take into account modern needs and conveniences. But when it comes to lighting, most of the products still follow the same old design patterns. Rugged and durable, they definitely are, but they also tend to be lifeless and uninspiring, the complete opposite of what time outdoors is supposed to bring. This lamp concept design tries to make that experience a little bit more fun while still delivering much-needed light, and it takes inspiration from objects that have long been in use, some even hailing back centuries past.
Designer: Yu Dan (0-1 Design Studio)
There are few things that immediately illicit images of spending time outdoors than an old gas lantern. These clunky metal vessels have been used by our ancestors to make the night less daunting and make life more bearable when the light and warmth of the sun are long gone. Of course, this kind of lamp is not only outdated but also dangerous, but we, fortunately, have plenty of technologies available to simulate both the appearance as well as the emotions generated by this artifact of a bygone era.
The camping lantern concept is a modern take on several antiquated lantern designs, both those using kerosene as well as those that employ candles. Instead of these fire hazards, however, it uses rechargeable lights, presumably LEDs, in a circular tube hidden at the bottom and top sections of the lamp. The “cover” of the lamp also takes inspiration from the wide-brimmed hats of ancient swordsmen from East Asian countries, which happens to also be similar to how the traditional gas lanterns look as well.
The effect of having candles is provided by a modular lighting design in the shape of low cylinders that can be stacked on top of each other to increase their brightness. The “candles” can also be used independently, in case you need a softer glow away from the lantern. Both light tubes and candles give off a warm, yellow light that sets the perfect mood at night while also providing enough light for reading. As a bonus, the lantern’s battery can also be used to charge other devices, though care should be taken not to drain it completely before the sun rises again.
Truth be told, the concept is a simple re-imagination of the iconic shape of a gas lamp, but it’s that simplicity that also makes its application and effect more diverse. The form immediately calls to mind the old frontier days portrayed in many TV shows and films, but its functionality is completely immersed in the demands of modern life. Best of all, it makes spending the night outdoors a little bit more interesting if not dramatic, silently keeping you company as you watch the fireflies dance in the darkness.
For our latest lookbook, we explore ten loft conversions and renovations in New York City where designers have inserted partitions, storage and other elements to cleverly organise open space.
Characterised by spacious open floor plans, high ceilings and large windows, loft apartments are as synonymous with New York City as coffee and bagels – at least in popular culture.
Loft apartments are housed in converted commercial, manufacturing or warehouse buildings, which informs their overall industrial feel as well as their wide-open floor plans, which have acted as a blank canvas for creatives for decades.
In the New York lofts below, designers have organised and reorganised interiors by removing walls, reducing and adding mezzanines, inserting glass and wooden storage units or embracing original structures.
From a Brooklyn residence that can be converted into an event space to a SoHo loft that now houses a sculptural partition wall, read on for ten examples of cleverly organised New York lofts throughout the city.
Architects from New York studio Future Projects have converted an industrial space in a 19th-century cast iron building, which once served as a hat factory, into a unique loft apartment that serves as a residence and event space.
To accommodate both the owner’s residential needs as well as public events, volumes covered in plywood and clay were inserted into an open floor plan to enclose private areas, while movable furniture including a sofa on wheels can be easily pushed out of the way for performances.
Interiors studio Crystal Sinclair Designs inserted a library mezzanine and a large glass partition to divide space in this Dumbo loft.
The building’s original 14-foot ceilings accommodated the addition of the mezzanine, while the floor-to-ceiling glass partition was used to enclose the bedroom from the apartment’s remaining open floor plan.
No Architecture combined two units in a West Village skyscraper to create this double-height apartment, into which the studio inserted an extensive wooden structure with net beds that span over the living area.
“We combined two units by first, redrawing all rooms into a cohesive ‘matrix plan’ and second, inserting a ‘garden folly’ that relates the interior to the adjacent Hudson River Greenway,” said New York-based No Architecture.
Architect Andrea Leung gut-renovated this loft in Tribeca for herself, opting to remove a mezzanine level and neatly organising private spaces in a linear row along the length of the space.
Leung’s fascination with secret spaces – informed by her grandmother’s penthouse, which contained hidden rooms – prompted the architect to conceal all spaces but the living and dining room behind a mirrored wall.
A large glass and maple wood storage unit was used to divide the kitchen of this industrial West Village apartment from a living area, while a custom corten steel staircase leads to the second floor.
London practice Tala Fustok Studio organised the interior to emphasise the apartment’s tall ceilings and oversized windows, as well as softening the space with limestone-washed walls.
New York architecture studio Worrell Yeung reorganised this NoMad loft to welcome more light, storage and an additional bedroom and bathroom for a growing family, who had lived in the space for over a decade.
All of the apartment’s walls were removed to reveal the building’s structures and pipes while bookcase units and cabinetry were inserted to divide the space.
Located in a converted commercial building in the Financial District in Manhattan, this loft was cramped with internal walls before Brooklyn studio Light and Air removed the partitions to make the most of the generous floor area and large windows.
The studio reduced the footprint of the overhead storage loft to allow for taller ceilings while inserting light wood shelving storage units, seating, a desk and cabinetry throughout the space.
A volume made of Baltic birch plywood was inserted into this Clinton Hill loft to create more storage and section off a private sleeping area, which was further enclosed behind a glass partition.
The adjusted floor plan places a living area towards the loft’s generous windows, the kitchen at its centre and the bedroom towards the apartment’s entrance.
To update this narrow apartment housed in a former silk warehouse, designer Julian King inserted a sculptural sleeping mezzanine at its centre, added a built-in bookcase and kept much of the remaining space completely open under its 13-foot ceilings.
The mezzanine, which hosts just a bed, is concealed behind a partial wall that’s lined with integrated LED lighting.
Green paint covered the wood pillars of this Chelsea loft before Worrell Yeung updated the space, adding a large kitchen island and organising private areas towards the back of the apartment opposite its large windows.
“The organising design strategy of this renovation was to maintain contiguous public living zones and extend daylight as far as it can reach by minimising partitions and concentrating private rooms on the north side of the apartment,” said the studio.
Life-simulation game The Sims has succeeded in keeping up with ever-changing interior and design trends. Dezeen’s Jane Englefield interviewed the creators of the legendary video game to discover how they consistently stay on the cutting edge of evolving styles.
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Local practice NAAW Studio has converted a former Soviet railway workers’ housing block into the Fika restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan, retaining original features of 1950s building.
According to NAAW Studio, the restaurant re-examines the TurkSib Workers’ House’s social context by contrasting the original ornamentation with playful, contemporary details informed by Almaty’s surroundings.
Studio NAAW uncovered soviet-era details in a Kazakhstan restaurant interior
“We wanted to ensure that the interior did not romanticise the legacy of the colonial era, but at the same time did not deny it,” NAAW co-founder Elvira Bakubayeva told Dezeen.
“When we found the original ceiling mouldings and capitals in a dilapidated state underneath the suspended ceiling panels from the past owners, we made the decision to preserve and give them visibility without a thorough restoration.”
A monolithic counter and timber shelves frame the cafe entrance
Following the client’s brief for a cafe that also acts as an urban space, the studio opened up the interior to reduce friction with the streetscape.
“The key feature of the place is its openness,” Bakubayeva explained. “We wanted to make it an extension of the city through a lack of unnecessary walls, an open bakery, spacious seating and large windows.”
“To support this, the floor material enters from the outside, from the porch, and passes through all the rooms and flows seamlessly into the bar.”
The studio followed the building’s original apertures for large feature windows
Finishes consist primarily of light grey terrazzo, white walls and bare structural concrete against accents of cedar wood and pops of colour.
Following the geometry of the original openings, angular windows with nook seating run the length of the restaurant and were fitted with undivided panes of glass to further dissolve the interior-exterior boundary.
The feature arched windows were carved with nook seating, cushions and mats
The studio placed a monolithic counter and timber display shelves in front the cafe entrance between the open bakery and primary dining space.
Tables, stools and cabinets were produced by local craftsman using regionally-sourced karagach wood, while upholstered chairs informed by Kazakh yurts and imported fixtures from &Tradition and Hay complete the “spatial tapestry”.
Towards the back of the restaurant, a secondary seating zone was defined by a bold, yellow-painted dado wall.
“Half-painting the walls is a technique that was used in all entrances and municipal establishments during the Soviet era,” Bakubayeva said.
“This was used consciously; we wanted to reinterpret this ascetic technique and give it a cosy touch by adding elements such as striped textiles, artistic lamps and tables made of recycled plastic with ‘confetti’ patterns.”
NAAW Studio used a yellow-painted dado wall to reference soviet-era interior styles
The bathroom corridor was lined with bright chequerboard tiles as a vibrant counterpoint to the rest of the restaurant.
“The chequerboard pattern on the floor, walls and ceiling of the bathroom was originally invented as a visual effect to dissolve the planes of a disproportionately narrow and tall space,” Bakubayeva said.
“The corridor to the toilets wanted to be like a brightly coloured ‘jacket lining’: not immediately visible, but pleasing to the eye of the user who went deep into the space.”
The bathroom corridor was lined in vibrant chequerboard tiles
Two key art pieces were selected for the project, the first being a painted depiction of Almaty city by Nurbol Nurahmet and the second an abstract work by Assel Nussipkozhanova reinterpreting Kazakh patterns.
“We wanted the art to reflect the idea of urban public space and tell the story of the building,” Bakubayeva explained.
“The walls also feature photographs from the building’s construction and a recreated drawing of the original facade, which pay tribute to the building itself as an architectural object, a physical witness to history.”
Fika restaurant in Kazakhstan by NAAW Studio
NAAW Studio is a female-led Kazakhastani architectural practice based in Almaty, founded in 2019 by Elvira Bakubayeva and Aisulu Uali.
It seems almost perfect that with the year 2023 coming to a close, the Design Intelligence Award unveiled its winners for the year and the competition gone by. The Design Intelligence Award (DIA), conceived by the China Academy of Art in 2015, stands as a beacon of creativity and entrepreneurial zest in the design world. More than just a ceremony to honor outstanding design, the DIA aims to be a dynamic incubator, fostering groundbreaking products that aim to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This initiative, open to all without an entry fee, unfolds through a meticulous three-phase evaluation, spotlighting designs that promise significant benefits to humanity. The DIA’s mission extends to boosting global trade and enhancing connections, thereby fortifying the Global East’s presence in the predominantly West-centric design industry. Recognizing that the true power of design lies in its widespread impact, the DIA has established a substantial prize fund of ¥5 million RMB (around $704,600 USD), dedicated to transforming exceptional ideas into extraordinary designs.
Bringing together an esteemed jury panel comprising experts from 37 countries, the DIA meticulously selects 30 groundbreaking projects that exemplify innovation and positive societal impact. Winners receive a share of the ¥5 million RMB prize fund, with the top project awarded ¥1 million RMB. These visionaries are also invited to the prestigious DIA Award Ceremony, offering unparalleled networking opportunities with global leaders from various sectors, including design, academia, and media. Additionally, winners have the chance to attend the D-WILL expert lectures, aimed at fostering innovation and connectivity. This exposure, coupled with a coordinated PR campaign, further elevates their work to a wider audience. With the 2023 edition of the award program having come to a close, a look at some of the top winners reveals a few interesting trends. The personal robots are resurging, as are prosthetics and EVs. Luxury designs continue to hold their clout, whereas self-driving technology seems to have gone on the decline. Here is a look at some of our top winners of the 2023 Design Intelligent Award.
2023 Design Intelligence Award – Winners and Honorable Mentions
BrainRobotics Hini Hand by Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co., Ltd.
A Gold Award Winner at the DIA this year, the BrainRobotics Mini Hand, honored at the Design Intelligence Award, revolutionizes the field of prosthetics by weaving artificial intelligence into the product for a much more natural, intuitive experience for the wearer. This effectively eliminates the need for physical buttons or joysticks, relying instead on electromyography sensors to interpret muscle signals from the residual limb. These sensors are adept at translating these signals into precise and lifelike hand movements. This innovative design empowers amputees to perform a variety of actions effortlessly, closely mimicking the natural function of a human hand. The BrainRobotics Mini Hand represents not just a technological achievement but a leap forward in enhancing the daily lives of individuals with limb loss, providing a new level of independence and improved quality of life.
LEMMO One E-Bike by Springtime Design for Hypaths Gmbh
With its unique detachable battery that fits snugly within the bicycle’s frame, the LEMMO one distinctly separates its mechanical and technological elements in a way that gives its riders the best of both worlds. Crafted by Hypaths Gmbh and Springtime Design, this electric bike is a fusion of practicality and style, perfect for both the bustling streets and leisurely paths. The innovative design of the LEMMO One lies in its clever, detachable battery pack that you can remove, carry around, and charge independently. This unique feature allows it to effortlessly switch roles – from a robust e-bike for daily commutes to a sporty pedal bike for recreational rides. This adaptability isn’t just about versatility; it also simplifies upgrades and maintenance of electronic parts, significantly enhancing the bike’s longevity.
nubia Pad 3D by ZTE Corporation
Crafted by ZTE Corporation, the nubia Pad 3D holds the distinction of being the world’s first AI-powered glasses-free 3D tablet, pushing the boundaries of digital interaction. This tablet boasts a sleek unibody design, combining an aerospace-grade anodized alloy body with a sandblasting oxidation process, resulting in a design that’s both elegant and durable. But it’s the inside that truly dazzles: the nubia Pad 3D is equipped with two sets of AI engines and super bionic cameras, both front and back. Its most remarkable feature is the unique 3D light field display technology. This allows for real-time conversion from 2D to 3D across various scenarios, without the need for special glasses. Enhanced by AI real-time face tracking and eight types of field of view adjustments, it offers an adaptable and immersive viewing experience.
Living Coffin by Loop Biotech
The Loop Living Cocoon is a biodegradable coffin that can turn a decomposing body into nutrients for plants. The coffin is made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, and upcycled hemp fibers. It biodegrades in about 45 days. The coffin is designed to be a sustainable burial option that can improve the quality of the surrounding soil. The mycelium neutralizes toxins in the soil and body, and it also speeds up the decomposition process. The base of the coffin is even lined with a bed of moss, which, apart from providing a nice surface to rest the body on, also helps with the decomposition process.
yangwang U8 EV by BYD Company Limited
The yangwang U8, BYD Company Limited’s foray into luxury off-road vehicles, is turning heads with its blend of high performance and elegance. As the flagship model of the YANGWANG brand, the U8 is designed for those who crave both the thrill of the rugged trails and the comfort of a luxury car. The vehicle stands out for its fusion of top-tier safety features, performance capabilities, and comfort, although it has some rather impressive features that definitely are deserving of the award. The U8 boasts impressive off-road capabilities, including the ability to float on water for 30 minutes and execute a 360° tank turn. The award-winning EV sports a four-wheel drive, but also packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (and a 75-liter fuel tank) that helps boost its range to a whopping 1,000 km (620 mi).
OBSBOT Tiny 2 Webcam by REMO TECH Co., Ltd.
The OBSBOT Tiny 2 isn’t your average webcam. Aside from boasting 4K output, it also leverages AI abilities to elevate your video experience, whether for live streaming, video meetings, or online classes. The OBSBOT Tiny 2 packs an exceptional 1/1.5″ sensor, ensuring vivid video quality in any lighting condition, but what really sets it apart is the 3-axis gimbal it sits on, allowing it to detect subjects and follow them around intelligently and with a great deal of flexibility and range. Its compact and exquisite design makes it an attractive addition to any setup, blending functionality with aesthetics. But it’s the innovative AI technology that truly defines the OBSBOT Tiny 2. This feature not only enhances video quality but also introduces new possibilities in user interaction and engagement. Whether you’re an educator, a professional, or a content creator, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is designed to adapt to a variety of usage scenarios, making it a versatile tool in the evolving landscape of digital communication.
Freeze into Fragments of Time Lipstick by Carslan
Inspired by the hourglass, this series of lipsticks looks less like cosmetics and more like jewelry. The inspiration for the lipstick’s body comes from the ‘Sands of Time’, with a gorgeously faceted body comprising multitudes of intersecting cubes, trapped in a transparent outer housing. The result is a lipstick that looks positively precious with its shimmering appeal and how every single corner of every square reflects light to make the tiny lip-tinter look like a gorgeous piece of glittering pyrite!
Seiko Metronome Watch by Seiko Watch Corporation
The Seiko Metronome Watch SMW series, developed by Seiko Watch Corporation, is an inventive blend of traditional timekeeping and musical functionality. Designed by Hitoshi Ando, with Kiyomi Tanemura on the team, this analog metronome watch is a unique offering for musicians. It combines the practicality of a watch with essential features for checking tempo and tone, making it a perfect accessory for musical performances. Arguably the most notable feature of the watch (as its name suggests) is its metronome mode. Here, the watch hands mimic the motion of a classic mechanical metronome, faithfully reproducing the pendulum rod’s natural movement. This functionality is achieved through a specialized module controlling the hands’ motion, creating a harmonious blend of precision and artistry. The watch’s design thoughtfully combines this feature with traditional timekeeping. The display sits within an inner circle, with musical functions distinctly marked along the outer edge plate at different heights. The hands are dual-purpose – their bulging base makes time reading easy, while the tipped end serves for performance indication. This compact, gender-neutral design makes the Seiko Metronome Watch appealing not just to professional musicians but also to students and casual wearers.
JMGO N1 Ultra by Shenzhen Holatak Co., Ltd.
The JMGO N1 Ultra reimagines the traditional projector, presenting a leap forward in home entertainment technology. This innovative device isn’t just about projecting images; it’s an embodiment of how technology can harmoniously blend into our living spaces. Central to the N1 Ultra’s design is its emphasis on user experience. It breaks free from the constraints of typical projectors, offering a seamless integration of devices, content, and environments. The projector features a fashionable, compact, and minimalist design, which allows it to effortlessly integrate into various home settings. One of its key innovations is an integrated gimbal combined with environmental sensing and real-time calibration. This feature enables the N1 Ultra to adapt to different spaces and scenes, offering unprecedented flexibility and environmental adaptability. Whether it’s for an immersive movie night, a vibrant gaming session, or a dynamic home workout, this projector adjusts to suit your needs.
SenseRobot Go Robot by Sensetime
The SenseRobot artfully blends the age-old game of Go with the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence. This device represents a significant leap in bringing a traditional board game into the digital world with flair and innovation. Featuring advanced AI vision and robotic arms, the SenseRobot offers a tangible Go-playing experience that caters to various skill levels. It’s equipped with multiple game modes and power levels, appealing to everyone from novices to Go masters. Notably, it even boasts a difficulty level that surpasses human skills, presenting an unprecedented challenge for top-tier players. A standout feature is its compatibility with popular online Go platforms, enabling players to participate in remote matches. This not only keeps the essence of the game alive but also offers a healthier alternative to the prolonged screen time of electronic devices.
Titan and Yanko Design are bringing 2024 in with a bang! A challenge by designers and for designers, the YD x Titan Design Competition is open for everyone to participate with cash prizes, free KeyShot licenses, and even job and internship opportunities at the Titan Design Excellence Center, the core design innovation arm of the Titan Company. The competition, which begins on the 27th of January 2024, is looking for young, aspiring visionaries to reimagine some of life’s most popular products with a unique twist.
At the heart of this competition lies a theme as timeless as it is forward-thinking: retrofuturism. It’s about marrying the golden yesteryears with the uncharted tomorrows, creating designs that resonate with the warmth of nostalgia yet pulse with the promise of the future. Your mission, should you choose, is to rethink, reimagine, and reinvent objects that define our daily lives. There are four categories to choose from – using the theme “Retrofuturism”, you can choose to design either an analog wristwatch, a women’s handbag, a piece of wearable jewelry, and eyewear.
Imagine designs that capture the essence of our past, seamlessly blending with modern design principles. This is your opportunity to propel Titan’s iconic brand into the future, intertwining functionality, aesthetics, and personal values.
Categories:
TITAN Brand – Design an analog watch for the wrist. You may choose the functions from plain 3 hands to multifunction based on design requirements.
IRTH Brand – Design user functionality and ergonomic bag for women along with unmatched chic and refined styling.
TANISHQ /MIA Brand – Design a wearable jewelry piece for any body parts of your choice, using precious metal and gemstones.
FASTRACK Brand – Design Fastrack eyewear that looks stunning and evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Disclaimer: Designers can contribute to one, multiple, or all four lifestyle categories, creating entries that are elegant, modern, and thoughtfully crafted.
Ear Cuff by Mario Bellini
CS-500 Hybrid Watch by Carl Hauser
How to Participate + Eligibility
Upload your design to Instagram and use the hashtag #YDxTitan in the caption.
The post caption should describe in detail the design direction as imagined by the designer.
The designers must upload at least one or multiple designs for each category.
This competition is open to all designers (students or professionals) across all nationalities.
Evaluation
The 3 winning designs will be selected based on four judgment categories – User Potential, Visual Aesthetics, Differentiation, and Technical Excellence.
Students/Graduates win a 6-month paid internship opportunity at the ‘Titan Design Excellence Centre’
Timelines
Contest Opens: Saturday, Jan 27th 2024, 4:30 pm PST Contest Closes: Sunday, Feb 25th 2024, 11:59 pm PST
Distortion Bag by BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE
Line Watch by Telekes Design
About Titan
Founded in 1984, Titan is India’s largest branded jewelry maker and also holds the spot of being the world’s fifth-largest watch-making company. Over the years, the company has solidified its leading position in industries like eyewear, fashion, and jewelry too with its sub-brands Fastrack, Irth, and Tanishq. The Titan Design Excellence Center forms the company’s design epicenter, guiding the creative vision for all its sub-brands and charting the path for design and innovation in India.
I’ve never DJ-ed in my life, although I’ve touched a turntable or two in passing. But even though I don’t listen to much of their music, I’ve always found those who use that “instrument” to be fascinating since I have no idea how it really works. One of the more popular tools for DJs who wanted to be portable was the Vestax Handy Trax. Now a brand that has been producing gear for the modern DJ is paying tribute to that particular vinyl player.
Designer: Korg
Korg worked with the former president of Vestax, Toshide Nakama (who passed away before completion of the project) to come up with the Handrytraxx Play, a tribute to the original Vesta Handy Trax. It is able to bring what made the original a favorite among DJs together with Korg’s more modern features in a lightweight product that the musician can easily bring along wherever they need it.
Original Vestax Handytrax
The turntable comes with built-in 3-W speakers and you can choose to spin at either 33.3, 45, or 78 rpm. It is powered by AAA-sized batteries or if you can connect to an outlet, a USB-C cord. It also has a built-in looper that has variable playback speed, a crossfader with reverse mode, delay and scratch effects and several “unique and creative filters”. You can of course monitor playback through headphones and it also has a detachable control panel.
It looks like pretty much a normal vinyl turntable except that it is pretty portable and lightweight. A non-playable prototype of this gadget is expected to make an appearance at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show where Korg will be unveiling several other products.
Get ready to embark on a journey to a galaxy far, far away as LEGO commemorates the 25th anniversary of Star Wars with this new 1050-brick version of R2D2, hitting stores in March 2024. R2-D2, the iconic droid who’s captured our hearts in countless Star Wars adventures, is making a triumphant return in his brick-built form, following a 2214-brick version from 3 years ago. This newer build is smaller (boasting half the parts of the original), and is focused around younger galactic enthusiasts age 9 and above. However, whether you’re a seasoned LEGO Jedi or young a novice Padawan, this delightful set promises hours of galactic fun!
Standing at 24cm tall, this brick-built rendition of R2-D2 is slightly shorter than the previous 75308 model, which graced us nearly three years ago. However, don’t let the size fool you, as this version is packed with exciting features. With a moveable head, an adjustable third leg, a periscope, and a plethora of tools straight from the Star Wars universe, it’s a true masterpiece.
But that’s not all, folks! R2-D2 comes complete with an information plaque, a Minifigure version of himself, and a special 25th Anniversary Minifigure of the infamous Darth Malak. It’s a Star Wars celebration like no other!
Here’s the lowdown on LEGO Star Wars 75379 R2-D2:
Set Name: R2-D2
Set Number: 75379
Age Range: 9+
Piece Count: 1,050
Price: $99.99
Release Date: March 1st, 2024
So, mark your calendars for this epic rendezvous with R2-D2 in March 2024. Whether you’re a young Jedi or a seasoned builder, this set promises adventure, nostalgia, and the joy of creating alongside one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters.
Over the past years, we’ve “stanned” brands that not only uses sustainable materials but are also able to upcycle and recycle materials to create new products. We’ve become conscious about how we consume things (well, hopefully, we’ve actually become conscious of it) and how this consumption culture affects this planet we’re living in. Ikea is trying to capture our hearts by creating a new lifestyle line created from materials that they themselves had to discard.
The Swedish brand will be launching their newest collection called VÄXELBRUK which is uniquely made from their recycled coworker uniforms that were discarded when they introduced new attire back in 2020. So instead of just throwing these old uniforms into the trash heaps, they came up with new products that were made from 300 tonnes of these “useless” IKEA uniforms. If you’re not a fan of yellow and blue though, you might want to look elsewhere, even though they managed to tone down the colors considerably without dyeing the textile, which can be more expensive and resource-intensive.
The collection features 16 textile-based items that use the aforementioned old uniforms. This includes things like throw pillows, bags, cushion covers, and even curtains. They are not entirely made from the uniform textile though as they are blended with other recycled materials like polyester from used PET bottles. They also even included some of the “faulty” new uniforms so they will also not go to waste. The inclusion of other materials also helped to alter the colors that are normally so bright.
If you didn’t know that they were made from discarded co-worker uniforms, you’ll just think they’re normal Ikea products that use the iconic colors of the brand. But knowing there they come from makes it even more interesting. The VÄXELBRUK (which means interchangeable use in the Swedish language) collection will be released in February 2024 across Europe stores.
Paris-based lifestyle brand Kitsuné has opened a cafe next to its boutique in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, both with minimalist interiors featuring white oak and stainless steel.
The interiors of the new Cafe Kitsuné and the renovated Maison Kitsuné store were designed by co-founder Masaya Kuroki to reflect the brand’s French-Japanese culture as well as the West Coast setting.
The Cafe Kitsuné interior includes a mural by Jeffrey Sinich that imagines the space as an old-school market
Facing Sunset Boulevard on the east side of the city, this is the brand’s fourth cafe in North America – following locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Vancouver – and its first in LA.
“A sprawling city of diverse findings, from cutting-edge restaurants to pockets of art and architecture second to none, LA has lent design inspiration and a backdrop to several campaigns for the fashion house,” said the Kitsuné team.
White oak tables and surfaces are set against stainless steel counters and panelling for a minimalist look
“Now, it’s the perfect setting for Café Kitsuné, a physical extension of the brand’s Franco-Japanese DNA, and reinvention of the classic Parisian cafe and wine bar experience with a Japanese twist,” they added.
The building’s red-tile exterior and poured concrete flooring were preserved, and hand-painted signage by Californian artist Jeffrey Sincich was added over the large street-facing windows.
Burnt orange dining chairs and upholstered benches highlight the colours of the mural
Inside the 700-square-foot (65-square-metre) cafe, white oak tables and brushed stainless-steel counters feature alongside burnt orange dining chairs and upholstered benches.
Another Sincich mural covers the full length of a wall, offering “a whimsical take on Café Kitsuné’s standard appearance” and presenting the space as an “old-school market”.
A speaker system by Japanese audio company Rotel was installed in the cafe “to provide a top-notch sound experience for customers”, according to Kitsuné.
Next door in the boutique, a similar material palette is used for elements including a built-in storage and display unit across the back wall.
The existing Maison Kitsuné boutique next door has also received a refresh
White oak forms the framing, shelves and doors that lead to the stock and fitting rooms, while ribbed stainless-steel sheets provide a backdrop for the items on show.
More oak was used for the minimalist service counter and panelling behind, and a bright blue table sits in the centre to add a pop of colour.
White oak and stainless steel are repeated in this space to create a visual connection with the cafe
Kitsuné was founded by 2002 by Kuroki and Gildas Loaëc and encompasses the fashion brand, Maison Kitsuné; a music label, Kitsuné Musique; and its line of cafes, bars and restaurants.
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