This month, design enthusiasts can indulge in a bit of nostalgia with Jonny Trunk’s delightful exploration of hi-fi history and the return of the 60s psychedelic boutique Granny Takes a Trip. The Vitra Museum’s exhibit suggests that past ideas could guide us in solving contemporary issues.
Milan Showcases Top-Notch Design
April brings Salone Del Mobile, Milan’s grand design gathering, where leading brands showcase their latest. This year’s spotlight is on kitchen and bathroom innovation, particularly tech that could revolutionize cooking.
An exhibit presented by six global food magazines will delve into gastronomy’s cultural impact with the help of artists, chefs, and designers. Participating periodicals include Italian magazine L’Integrale and others such as Linseed Journal and Farta. Also, David Lynch – familiar with furnishing through his film work – will display an installation aptly named “A Thinking Room,” featuring a hint of his iconic blue velvet.
For more details, visit Salone Del Mobile Milano’s website April 16-21).
Cult Boutique Granny Takes A Trip Resurfaces Online
The famed London boutique Granny Takes A Trip, established by Nigel Waymouth, Sheila Cohen, and John Pearse, became the hub of 1960s counterculture in Chelsea. It was recognized for unique antique and one-of-a-kind clothing from vintage materials.
The boutique was a hotspot for iconic figures like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix and was notable for its ever-changing, striking facade décor. Though closed in 1979, it’s set for an online revival with a nod to its origins—offering clothes made from repurposed fabrics and a vintage and rental collection.
Check out the boutique’s online comeback in April at Granny Takes a Trip’s website.
Design’s Role in Shaping a Green Future
The recent Green Design Skills Gap Report reveals that less than half of designers feel ready to address environmental design needs, highlighting the importance of sustainable solutions. “Transform! Designing the Future of Energy” at the Vitra Design Museum is timely, focusing on ways to reduce energy use and promote sustainable lifestyles.
The exhibition features visionary projects, like the Eames’ solar kinetic sculpture and a Swiss student’s hydrogen cooker, as well as practical architectural innovations optimizing old buildings for energy efficiency, reminiscent of how larger communal spaces historically facilitated heating.
As we grasp the significance of reducing energy waste, designers will increasingly need to innovate. To see the exhibition on transforming energy, visit Vitra Design Museum’s website.
The Design Museum will be open until September 1. There’s a promotion for a newsletter that offers original, sustainable ideas and creative products for smarter living. The newsletter may include information about charities, ads, and content from external parties. Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply to the protection features of the website.
The inaugural British Watchmakers Day (BWD) was a hit, especially with a quirky feature: pizza-themed watches from Studio Underd0g. Initially a joke, the Pepperoni pizza watch became a sensation, with the Hawaiian pizza edition also gaining popularity. These watches will be distributed in pizza boxes to buyers at trade shows. Look out for Studio Underd0g’s next event at the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco.
Jonny Trunk, renowned for his diverse record label, delves into the world of high-fidelity sound systems with his book “Audio Erotica.” The book explores the evolution of the home listening industry through a collection of hi-fi catalogues from the ’50s to the ’80s, including both iconic and obscure brands. This publication offers a visual and informative journey into the era’s technology and design. “Audio Erotica: Hi-Fi Brochures 1950s-1980s” is currently available from Fuel books.
Chanel, the iconic fashion brand, values design in various disciplines, evidenced by its Next Prize initiative. The bursary and mentoring program support 10 contemporary artists from around the world, working in fields like film, dance, video game design, opera, and digital art. Among the latest winners is Sam Eng, an independent video game developer known for a skateboarding glass demon game. Yana Peel, from Chanel’s culture fund, expressed excitement about supporting these influential artists and observing their progress over the coming years.
