Friday, January 29, 2010

ACNE: Foray Into Furniture



Finding myself applauding at my computer screen, I knew I had to cover ACNE's foray into furniture design, which launched this week in Paris. The Swedish creative agency ACNE (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions,) known mostly as a fashion line, used the work of renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten, and in particular his "New Berlin" sofa as the reference for the line. ACNE founder, Jonny Johansson, explains that he decided "to objectify its form from a perspective play, [...] stretching, squashing and pulling the simplistic shape to create new sculptural forms," and he compares the remix, guided by "proportion, lineage and structure," to the brand's approach to fashion. Playing with proportions, is of course, a popular theme in fashion, and these pieces are jaw dropping examples of the beauty in distortion; transforming classics to create something truly modern. Creating a common thread between their fashion brand and the new venture, ACNE dressed these pieces in denim, treating the upholstery in the same way as they approach their jeans — by washing, bleaching, and hand-drying the pieces to create bespoke finishes.

Check out the video below for a glimpse into the launch party in Paris ("Wicked Games" in the background is a nice touch, too.)

-S

Acne Furniture Launch from Acne Studios on Vimeo.

ACNE: Foray Into Furniture



Finding myself applauding at my computer screen, I knew I had to cover ACNE's foray into furniture design, which launched this week in Paris. The Swedish creative agency ACNE (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions,) known mostly as a fashion line, used the work of renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten, and in particular his "New Berlin" sofa as the reference for the line. ACNE founder, Jonny Johansson, explains that he decided "to objectify its form from a perspective play, [...] stretching, squashing and pulling the simplistic shape to create new sculptural forms," and he compares the remix, guided by "proportion, lineage and structure," to the brand's approach to fashion. Playing with proportions, is of course, a popular theme in fashion, and these pieces are jaw dropping examples of the beauty in distortion; transforming classics to create something truly modern. Creating a common thread between their fashion brand and the new venture, ACNE dressed these pieces in denim, treating the upholstery in the same way as they approach their jeans — by washing, bleaching, and hand-drying the pieces to create bespoke finishes.

Check out the video below for a glimpse into the launch party in Paris ("Wicked Games" in the background is a nice touch, too.)

-S

Acne Furniture Launch from Acne Studios on Vimeo.

Monday, January 25, 2010

SEX In 18th Century Design


Underneath the aesthetic value of any iconic design, you are sure to find a real connection to the human condition. For me, that cross-section where a beautiful object corresponds with our universal experiences is a fascinating place. At the Hidden Dimensions gallery of the Milwaukee Art Museum, they're doing just that, focusing on taking an anthropological approach to understanding familiar objects. The following short reveals how SEX features into the function of early American objects, such as small-scale tea tables of the 18th century. Good stuff!

SEX In 18th Century Design


Underneath the aesthetic value of any iconic design, you are sure to find a real connection to the human condition. For me, that cross-section where a beautiful object corresponds with our universal experiences is a fascinating place. At the Hidden Dimensions gallery of the Milwaukee Art Museum, they're doing just that, focusing on taking an anthropological approach to understanding familiar objects. The following short reveals how SEX features into the function of early American objects, such as small-scale tea tables of the 18th century. Good stuff!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Gary Gibson: An Artistic Approach to Design


There's an obsession with making rooms pretty in the design industry that I don't quite understand. I'm not moved by pretty. Flipping through the pages of any popular design magazine, I'm continually shocked at the glorification of over stylized rooms, without personality, but with lots of perfectly plush pillows in hues of floral pastels. One published project after the other, it reminds me of watching a blockbuster movie where you know exactly how the story's going to end from the very first scene. Especially in LA, it seems that there's an absence of designers who take more of an artistic approach in their businesses, expressing themselves outside of a need to create pretty rooms. In my observant opinion, one such designer who's filling the void for LA based design with heart and soul is Gary Gibson.

Last week, I sat down with the native Angelino in his retail showroom to discuss his trademark look, and to pick his brain as an integral player in the design game. The following Q&A’s are insightful snippets from our conversation:

SY: How do you describe your aesthetic?

GG: "My aim is to create interiors that are timeless and classic, but at the same time comfortable and usable. Contrasting surfaces, colors, and textures that excite the eye are always the goal. I'm driven in creating spaces that make people comfortable in the emotions they like to feel. I love juxtapositions, like a gorgeous silk rug on a concrete floor. I think playing with history is fun... designing a modern space, but placing something vintage in it [...] something old brings it back to a human factor.”


SY: What was your goal for adding a retail aspect to your design business?

GG: "I wanted to create an extension of my art studio. The store is a collection of objects that are one of a kind, handmade, mass-produced, vintage and antique [...] this is all the stuff that inspires my design work. I wanted to create an inspiring work environment that could also be accessible to the public; a functional place that's aesthetically pleasing to all who enter. I wanted to put together all the elements of what Gary the artist, interior designer, and product designer are all about. “



SY: What’s your earliest memory of wanting to be a designer?

GG: “When I was a little kid, my parents gave me permission to do whatever decorating I wanted to do in my bedroom. I had a huge bookcase that spanned the entire length of my wall with lots of shelves, and I would display my toys, rock collection, and all sorts of objects in this bookcase. I'd always change the way I displayed my stuff, and in a sense, I think this was my earliest attempt at creating vignettes to inspire the viewer. “



SY: How has being a native Angelino affected your design sensibility?

GG: "Well, there's definitely a less formal approach to design here. I think there's a casual elegance about my work that is related to being from the west coast. We are all products of our environment, and there's a low-key, organic quality about LA that affects your approach as a designer when you grow up here. I was initially an art major and later made a switch to the design department at UCLA, so even my experiences in formal education and training were done here.”


SY: Have there been any shifts in your clients needs in this last year of disarray?

GG: “The economy has been a really big influence, of course, but surprisingly our business increased last year. I think that people are making an effort to turn their homes into a safe place, physically and psychologically. It has become more essential to have a beautiful, inviting, comfy surrounding to call home. I find that clients are looking to simplify things, and are looking for a Zen-like quality in design.”



SY: Who would you consider an important artist that has been forgotten in recent years?

GG: “Jack Larsen. I think that Jack Larsen’s work as a textile designer is something contemporary designers may have forgotten about. I find that contemporaries take textiles for granted as a form of art. Larsen was influential in opening up the world of textiles to the American public. I’m very proud to be the only retail store in the country to carry Larsen’s textile re-issues from the 50’s.”



SY: Any tips for young designers?

GG: "Work for someone before going out on your own, and realize that there are other positions out there outside of being THE DESIGNER."


SY: I enjoy…

GG: "I enjoy…mornings at my showroom. I love the way light filters through the drapery, and how the changes in light throughout the day affect all the furniture and objects in the store. I enjoy… the days when new shipments of stuff come in. I feel like a kid in a candy store, like Christmas morning every single time. I love playing around with how I place things, and creating vignettes that provoke emotions."

Gary Gibson: An Artistic Approach to Design


There's an obsession with making rooms pretty in the design industry that I don't quite understand. I'm not moved by pretty. Flipping through the pages of any popular design magazine, I'm continually shocked at the glorification of over stylized rooms, without personality, but with lots of perfectly plush pillows in hues of floral pastels. One published project after the other, it reminds me of watching a blockbuster movie where you know exactly how the story's going to end from the very first scene. Especially in LA, it seems that there's an absence of designers who take more of an artistic approach in their businesses, expressing themselves outside of a need to create pretty rooms. In my observant opinion, one such designer who's filling the void for LA based design with heart and soul is Gary Gibson.

Last week, I sat down with the native Angelino in his retail showroom to discuss his trademark look, and to pick his brain as an integral player in the design game. The following Q&A’s are insightful snippets from our conversation:

SY: How do you describe your aesthetic?

GG: "My aim is to create interiors that are timeless and classic, but at the same time comfortable and usable. Contrasting surfaces, colors, and textures that excite the eye are always the goal. I'm driven in creating spaces that make people comfortable in the emotions they like to feel. I love juxtapositions, like a gorgeous silk rug on a concrete floor. I think playing with history is fun... designing a modern space, but placing something vintage in it [...] something old brings it back to a human factor.”


SY: What was your goal for adding a retail aspect to your design business?

GG: "I wanted to create an extension of my art studio. The store is a collection of objects that are one of a kind, handmade, mass-produced, vintage and antique [...] this is all the stuff that inspires my design work. I wanted to create an inspiring work environment that could also be accessible to the public; a functional place that's aesthetically pleasing to all who enter. I wanted to put together all the elements of what Gary the artist, interior designer, and product designer are all about. “



SY: What’s your earliest memory of wanting to be a designer?

GG: “When I was a little kid, my parents gave me permission to do whatever decorating I wanted to do in my bedroom. I had a huge bookcase that spanned the entire length of my wall with lots of shelves, and I would display my toys, rock collection, and all sorts of objects in this bookcase. I'd always change the way I displayed my stuff, and in a sense, I think this was my earliest attempt at creating vignettes to inspire the viewer. “



SY: How has being a native Angelino affected your design sensibility?

GG: "Well, there's definitely a less formal approach to design here. I think there's a casual elegance about my work that is related to being from the west coast. We are all products of our environment, and there's a low-key, organic quality about LA that affects your approach as a designer when you grow up here. I was initially an art major and later made a switch to the design department at UCLA, so even my experiences in formal education and training were done here.”


SY: Have there been any shifts in your clients needs in this last year of disarray?

GG: “The economy has been a really big influence, of course, but surprisingly our business increased last year. I think that people are making an effort to turn their homes into a safe place, physically and psychologically. It has become more essential to have a beautiful, inviting, comfy surrounding to call home. I find that clients are looking to simplify things, and are looking for a Zen-like quality in design.”



SY: Who would you consider an important artist that has been forgotten in recent years?

GG: “Jack Larsen. I think that Jack Larsen’s work as a textile designer is something contemporary designers may have forgotten about. I find that contemporaries take textiles for granted as a form of art. Larsen was influential in opening up the world of textiles to the American public. I’m very proud to be the only retail store in the country to carry Larsen’s textile re-issues from the 50’s.”



SY: Any tips for young designers?

GG: "Work for someone before going out on your own, and realize that there are other positions out there outside of being THE DESIGNER."


SY: I enjoy…

GG: "I enjoy…mornings at my showroom. I love the way light filters through the drapery, and how the changes in light throughout the day affect all the furniture and objects in the store. I enjoy… the days when new shipments of stuff come in. I feel like a kid in a candy store, like Christmas morning every single time. I love playing around with how I place things, and creating vignettes that provoke emotions."

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment


Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment


Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Eco Antiques: The Answers are in the Past


(photo provided by LSA)

Sometimes I wonder how "green" an eco-product really is. Sometimes, the cynic in me is frustrated by the whole eco-movement, especially in the home products arena. Somehow, the real need to take better care of our environment turned into a brand new marketplace for capital gain. No I'm not a Communist, I thoroughly enjoy most of the benefits of Capitalism, but I still have a conscience and observing eyes. I bet my savings that most of the flyover states think they're doing right by Mother Earth when purchasing Breyers "organic" ice cream, and yet they know nothing of LEED Certification or the term "carbon footprint." This worries me.

Oh, here’s another observation. What’s up with 300-thread count organic sheets costing more than regular 600-thread count cotton? Um, I care n’ stuff, but this is a no brainer, I’m sleeping on the 600.

Ok enough criticisms, that's not what this blog's about... this blog's about ideas for stylish living, so here's my take on going green: BUY ANTIQUES. Wouldn't you say that an object that has made it through the ages is truly sustainable? And, the fact that nothing new is being created helps us maintain our natural resources. Not to mention, if you buy an antique near home, you wouldn’t incur the carbon footprint of shipping from overseas. Above all, I love that a solution to our environmental challenges can be found in the past. I also enjoy challenging the visual image of what people think eco should look like.

All I'm saying is that bamboo flooring and solar panels aren't the be all and end all for solutions, rather, think about antiques as a stylish solution to our current environmental concerns.

-S

Eco Antiques: The Answers are in the Past


(photo provided by LSA)

Sometimes I wonder how "green" an eco-product really is. Sometimes, the cynic in me is frustrated by the whole eco-movement, especially in the home products arena. Somehow, the real need to take better care of our environment turned into a brand new marketplace for capital gain. No I'm not a Communist, I thoroughly enjoy most of the benefits of Capitalism, but I still have a conscience and observing eyes. I bet my savings that most of the flyover states think they're doing right by Mother Earth when purchasing Breyers "organic" ice cream, and yet they know nothing of LEED Certification or the term "carbon footprint." This worries me.

Oh, here’s another observation. What’s up with 300-thread count organic sheets costing more than regular 600-thread count cotton? Um, I care n’ stuff, but this is a no brainer, I’m sleeping on the 600.

Ok enough criticisms, that's not what this blog's about... this blog's about ideas for stylish living, so here's my take on going green: BUY ANTIQUES. Wouldn't you say that an object that has made it through the ages is truly sustainable? And, the fact that nothing new is being created helps us maintain our natural resources. Not to mention, if you buy an antique near home, you wouldn’t incur the carbon footprint of shipping from overseas. Above all, I love that a solution to our environmental challenges can be found in the past. I also enjoy challenging the visual image of what people think eco should look like.

All I'm saying is that bamboo flooring and solar panels aren't the be all and end all for solutions, rather, think about antiques as a stylish solution to our current environmental concerns.

-S

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Causing A Commotion


Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Causing A Commotion


Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Christopher Brown: Craving Ruffles



In our vast archive of James Magni's residential projects, this dining room shot always seems to grab everyone's attention. The focal point is of course the stunning artwork. A painting by the artist, Christopher Brown, it's of Sir Anthony van Dyck- the Flemish Baroque artist who became the leading court painter in England, circa King Charles I.

I love the mix of classical elegance and sheer flamboyance in this piece.

-S

Christopher Brown: Craving Ruffles



In our vast archive of James Magni's residential projects, this dining room shot always seems to grab everyone's attention. The focal point is of course the stunning artwork. A painting by the artist, Christopher Brown, it's of Sir Anthony van Dyck- the Flemish Baroque artist who became the leading court painter in England, circa King Charles I.

I love the mix of classical elegance and sheer flamboyance in this piece.

-S

Monday, January 4, 2010

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters




There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters




There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

Friday, January 1, 2010

New Year, New Sean

Hello friends. Rolling into my 4th year of producing this blog, I can say that time has really allowed me to find my voice and to discover what it is, exactly, that I'm trying to communicate with all of you. When I first started seanyashar.com in 2007, I didn't know that I was going to be considered a "design blog." In the beginning, I just wanted to share my interests, and only over time was it that I discovered all my content had a theme weaving through every post...Stylish Living. In 2010, I hope to offer an even more intimate snapshot into all the stylish people, places and things that enhance my experiences. There are plenty of nuances in my life that I haven't shared in fear that the blog would become a gratuitous diary. Hopefully this year, I'll figure out the right balance of observations, reviews and narratives, so that everyone's thoroughly entertained. That said, I just want to thank those of you who have supported me, and those who have contributed your ideas with me as well. As cliche as this sounds, I couldn't keep this blog going without your engaged support. It's like that old philosophical riddle: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" I'm trying not to get too existential here, but basically this blog only exists because you are using it and giving it value. I truly feel privileged to have you here.

-S

New Year, New Sean

Hello friends. Rolling into my 4th year of producing this blog, I can say that time has really allowed me to find my voice and to discover what it is, exactly, that I'm trying to communicate with all of you. When I first started seanyashar.com in 2007, I didn't know that I was going to be considered a "design blog." In the beginning, I just wanted to share my interests, and only over time was it that I discovered all my content had a theme weaving through every post...Stylish Living. In 2010, I hope to offer an even more intimate snapshot into all the stylish people, places and things that enhance my experiences. There are plenty of nuances in my life that I haven't shared in fear that the blog would become a gratuitous diary. Hopefully this year, I'll figure out the right balance of observations, reviews and narratives, so that everyone's thoroughly entertained. That said, I just want to thank those of you who have supported me, and those who have contributed your ideas with me as well. As cliche as this sounds, I couldn't keep this blog going without your engaged support. It's like that old philosophical riddle: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" I'm trying not to get too existential here, but basically this blog only exists because you are using it and giving it value. I truly feel privileged to have you here.

-S