Hasta La Ideas

The first signs of spring are just starting to show in the low mountains of the Jämtland region of Sweden (600 kilometers northwest of Stockholm) and the stores of preserved wild grasses, cured calf liver…

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In Part One, we wrote about The Conference’s theme of taking grassroots action in media—people doing it for themselves. Another persistent subject, which kept rearing its futuristic head, was the concept of expressive technology. In contrast…

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The new Swedish furniture line bears its own interpretation of Scandinavian design

The Scandinavian obsession with hallmarks of quality, attention to detail and hand-craft is embedded in the psyche of the region’s people. Recent years have seen a return to the core ideals of its design-minded countries—Finland, Denmark and Sweden—as each redevelops its own distinct national identity. For interpretations of its native style, Sweden can now look to Stockholm-based furniture brand Snickeriet, an offshoot of the carpentry workshop of the same name. Much like fellow Swedish company Zweed, the Snickeriet collection aims to bring its designers and craftsman closer together. While the original Snickeriet will continue its existing commission business, the new venture opens up a higher level of craftsmanship to a younger audience with a zesty, provocative visual aesthetic and an unusual stand-alone approach to building a design collection.

“As a designer or woodsman you’re always looking for projects outside your comfort zone,” explains founder Karl-Johan Hjerling. “The workshop is at the center of everything we plan to do with the new enterprise—from concept to production, all kept in the hands of pure craft. We can let each idea develop in a very pure form, seeking solutions as the need arises and solve them in-house.”

Production is handled by artisans Gunnar Dahl and Karolina Stenfelt, who have already been significantly recognized in Sweden for notable pieces for TAF architects, Byredo perfumes and Note Design’s jawdropping Soot. Rounding out the Snickeriet team are Hjerling and his design partner Karin Wallenbeck, who have cropped up recently with work for the likes of Swedish stalwarts Svenskt Tenn and Acne.

In keeping with the one-off approach to its commission work, Snickeriet will create each piece as a single unit, rather than as part of a series or ongoing collection. “Advanced cabinet-making is often associated with ‘older’ furniture and classical aesthetics. We want to preserve this of course but also develop it and apply it to new forms of expression,” says Dahl.

The initial four pieces—Havet, Frank, Verk and Fä (Sea, Frank, Work and Beast)—make expressive statements in this vein, boasting the kind of workmanship that pays homage to the roots of Swedish craft and exemplary skill while infusing each piece with an exciting, adventurous design narrative.

An undulating, tactile piece, Havet’s dark exterior hides a contrasting, clean inlay demonstrating perfectly Snickeriet’s old-meets-new approach. The hacked, waved exterior is as painterly as it is sculptural.

Frank offers a slightly humorous take on the cupboard, certainly not a piece for the fainthearted but one which, like the brand itself, is not afraid to wear a sleeve of hearts. Laser-cut and etched plexiglass with brass detailing straddles a clean oiled maple frame.

Slim and athletic, the suspended Verk desk plays on proportional form. Poised on sharp steel legs the Verk also shows off a contrasting inlay.

Rounding off the initial offering is Fä, the Beast lamp, which perhaps takes its name from the leather used in its construction. The richly lacquered pendant manages to convey simplicity and opulence at once.

Snickeriet launches 10 May 2012 at Nitty Gritty, which will show the pieces through the end of the month.

Win a head-to-toe Leifsdottir look styled by yours truly

Scandinavian label
Leifsdottir channels today’s “modern woman” with a mix of avant-garde cuts, gorgeously art-inspired patterns, a bold use of color and an approach to femininity that’s equal parts confident and seductive. So, when asked to participate in a video project documenting a day in the life of their shoes, I was happy to pick up the camera.

Apparently my fellow cinematographers (among them Susanna Lau of
Style Bubble and Tales of Endearment), had a similar idea, and (while my pedicure scenes must be on the cutting-room floor) the resulting video is a montage of feet making their way through their day, shot from the point of view of the wearer. Shoes fall in love, make a dinner table appearance and, in my case, play with some of NYC’s more charming sidewalks.

In addition to the video, Leifsdottir also asked me to style an outfit to go with the shoes. I opted to keep it simple with the sassy Tuxedo Jumpsuit, which nicely offsets the girly bows of the Ulrika sandals with its playful take on a masculine classic. You can win the shoes (though the style may vary) and one-piece by submitting your email in the below form. (See contest rules here.)

Emerging like edgy first blooms, a slew of new sunglasses from Stockholm are challenging other fashion capitals known for quality, stylish accessories. Both fashion forward frames and reconceived classics pop as the main styles, but three brands in particular have us excited for blues skies ahead.

Whyred (above) introduced handmade tortoiseshell frames with a sophisticated retro aesthetic. Taking their inspiration from The Who manager Pete Meaden, the look fits right in with the brand’s modern collections abiding by the motto “clean living under difficult circumstances.” The unisex sunglasses sell online for $340.

The Scandinavian staple Cheap Monday leaves nothing to chance with a ride range of styles and colors. (See more in the gallery below.) Putting their spin on the classic Wayfarer, the label adds wire arms in place of plastic while leaving the main shape intact. Rounded edges and cat eye frames in pastels make a more feminine choice, while stylish dark blue plastic rims and gun metal wire aviators bring a harder edge. Pick them up from their store in Copenhagen and online from Urban Outfitters or Tobi for around $40.

The Local Firm continues to reinvent the standard plastic sunglasses—last year, by squaring out the frame and oversizing it slightly. Now they’re even bigger with a more obvious block shape inspired by 3D glasses and ’80s electronica. The dark gray frames of its two models (Shadow or Dust) will sit nicely on the tanned and buff as well as the more pasty-faced. Both styles sell online for kr 995.