5 Influential Women in the World of Modern Design

We’ve celebrated women all month long in our Friday Five column in honor of Women’s History month, but we didn’t want it to end there. While design has long been a male-dominated field, we’re finally seeing the balance shift with more and more notable women not just entering the arena, but taking over and permanently cementing their names in history. Today, we’re taking a look at five influential women in the world of modern design who deserve to be household names.

Photo courtesy of Cecilie Manz

Fresh off a Designer of the Year win from Maison&Objet 2018, award-winning Danish designer Cecilie Manz continues breaking the mold in the design world working with major brands, like Fritz Hansen, B&O, Muuto, Duravit, Georg Jensen Damask, Iittala, Fredericia Furniture, and more, creating everything from bathtubs, furniture, speakers, lighting, textiles, objects, and glassware. Her Scandinavian roots prominently show through in each of her designs with a clean, minimalist approach that brands and consumers both appreciate.

Beoplay P2 Bluetooth speaker for B&O Play

Caravaggio lighting for Fritz Hansen \\\ Photo by Christian B / YELLOWS

Aitio shelves and storage boxes for Iittala

Photo by Laurel Golio, courtesy of Metropolis Magazine

Japan-born, Brooklyn-based Nao Tamura brings a clean, serene aesthetic to everything she creates, no matter what material she’s working with. Whether it’s wood or glass, her thoughtful designs merge both her Japanese and New York cultures resulting in pieces that very easily fall into the category of art and not just product design. Along with many awards under her belt, the prolific designer works with a multitude of brands, including nanimarquina, Hem, Wonderglass, Established & Sons, HBF, Nikari, and Artek ,to name a few.

Quill rug collection for nanimarquina

Kanso Bench with Table for HBF

Flow[T] chandelier for Wonderglass

Photo by Evan Miller

Lauren Larson is 1/2 of the duo behind Material Lust, a New York City based design studio she co-founded with partner Christian Swafford. The pair met at Parsons The New School for Design where she earned her BFA and quickly got to work steadily building a diverse portfolio of forward-thinking work that redefines the dark side of design. Their bold work stands out for all the right reasons, leaving a majestic impression that you’ll never forget and never want to. From furniture, lighting, textiles, art, an experimental space named the ANNEX, and a side endeavor called Orphan Work, it’s no doubt that Larson, and Material Lust, will continue breaking the chains and leaving basic design behind.

Crawl Chair

Opioid Painting

002 Pendant from Orphan Work

Photo courtesy of Cristina Celestino

Born in Pordenone, Italy, Cristina Celestino first worked as an architect after graduation before changing gears to focus on interior architecture and design. She founded her design brand, Attico Design, in 2009 when she moved to Milan and since then has been designing for brands like Seletti, Fendi, Tonelli Design, Nilufar, Fujifilm, Bulgari, and Sergio Rossi. Her partnership with Fendi in 2016 led to The Happy Room collection, which made its debut at Design Miami/, featuring pieces that were indeed happy. She has a knack for the way she boldly uses materials and her unique color palettes, resulting in her interiors being as equally mesmerizing as her pieces of furniture and design objects.

The Happy Room for Fendi

Laguna glassware by Attica Design

Sergio Rossi boutique

Photo by Noah Kalina

Neri Oxman is an Israeli-born architect, designer, and researcher based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where besides founding Mediated Matter research group, she is also a professor at the MIT Media Lab. She earned her PhD in Design Computation as a MIT Presidential Fellow, coining ‘Material Ecology’ to describe the research she was doing. Oxman’s award-winning work can be found in permanent locations, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. She blends technology and biology in her work, a rarely occurring mix in the design world, pushing the boundaries of art and design and paving a way that’s never been seen before.

Vespers mask \\\ Photo by Yoram Reshef

Mushtari 3D printed wearable \\\ Photo by Yoram Reshef

Ancient Yet Modern installation for Lexus Design Award

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/5-influential-women-in-the-world-of-modern-design/

Poltrona Frau Launches the Cove Chair That Gives Privacy in Public Spaces

If you’ve spent any amount of time in an airport, you know just how loud and distracting they are with thousands of people rushing to catch their flights. It’s usually so noisy that you can’t hear your own thoughts making it nearly impossible to attempt to get any work done. It’s just as bad in reception areas and lobbies. Looking to solve that, Foster + Parners designed the Cove lounge chair for Poltrona Frau that gives the user a comfortable spot to work while offering just enough privacy to be productive.

Besides working, the cozy chair makes a great spot to sit back, relax, and charge your devices while you’re waiting. The circular, upholstered structure provides a comfortable seat, an integrated USB charging port, as well as an optional main power supply and table. Cove’s inner and outer surfaces come in a variety of fabrics and leathers that can be chosen.

Cove recently made its debut at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Stockholm.

Photos by Aaron Hargreaves.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/poltrona-frau-launches-the-cove-chair-that-gives-privacy-in-public-spaces/

The New Lincoln Aviator Plugs Into Design and Technology

Sometimes a name says it all: the newly unveiled Lincoln Aviator SUV wears its aeronautical influence both in name and across its handsomely streamlined silhouette, bringing along with it plug-in hybrid efficiency and an impressive degree of technological features within.

A few years ago Lincoln unveiled the Continental Concept, a grandiose statement signaling the Ford luxury brand’s intent to redefine its reputation as “Grandpa-esque” into a more contemporary interpretation intended to appeal to a younger and more design-versed generation. The efforts are beginning to pay off, most notably with the gracefully modern design of the new mid-sized Lincoln Aviator at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

The Aviator’s design references both the bio-mechanical wings of a bird and the tapered aerodynamics of a plane in flight. With its noticeable downward roofline tailing fast toward the rear, the confidently horizontal beltline and a mirroring crease immediately underneath adds contrast accentuating both planes, while the Aviator’s wraparound windshield references the air-cutting design of airplanes more covertly. In combination, speed is implied and the vehicle’s commodious size is made evident.

“You have the stature and presence of the grille at the front, then the body and tail taper off – creating a distinct aerofoil analogy. From the headlight to the taillight, there’s a beautiful undercut feature varying in depth that connotes poise and grace.” – David Woodhouse; Design Director at Lincoln

By no means is Lincoln becoming a fast lane automotive brand, but the Aviator hits the mark in segment and design – inside and out – designed to appeal to younger buyers in the 35-44 market seeking a sleek sanctuary of a spacious SUV, delivering economic and environmentally engineered efficiency, while fully appointed with the comforts and conveniences now associated with the luxury segment.

The Aviator isn’t just a rote response to the luxury SUV segment: Lincoln has equipped this latest sports ute with novel features to distinguish itself from its competitors. For example, drivers will be able to use their smartphone as a key. Lincoln’s Phone as a Key technology is activated through the Lincoln Way app, giving owners the ability to lock and unlock, open the trunk and, and start/drive the vehicle without nary a traditional or smart key fob. Drivers can also find the Aviator amongst a crowded parking lot via the app, a feature likely appreciated amongst families served by the three-row vehicle.

The horizontal lines of the Aviator’s exterior are mirrored within, an effort designed to visually declutter the cabin. The results are an interior which reminds strongly of Volvo’s recent successful efforts of utilizing sophisticated simplicity as a means of communicating luxury, rather than a reliance upon the traditional appointments of conspicuous materials.

The driver and passenger up front will be treated to 30-way (!) adjustable front seats, complete with massage capability (something one must experience during a long road trip to thoroughly understand of its appeal); second-row seats can recline and slide forward to permit easier access to the third row.

Finally, it’s the Aviator’s signature iridescent Flight Blue exterior color that may leave the greatest impression that Lincoln is finally setting course for a more exciting – and contemporary – experience for its customers.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/lincoln-aviator-plugs-into-design-technology/

BuzziHat: A Hat-Shaped Acoustic Lighting Collection by Alain Gilles for BuzziSpace

BuzziSpace continues their mission to make communal spaces more pleasant, functional, and basically, more fun with their latest release – BuzziHat. Designed by Belgian designer Alain Gilles, the hat-shaped lighting collection not only provides lighting from above, it also absorbs sound.

It’s recognizable silhouette gives nod to collapsible top hats with an upholstered foam body, metal shade, and ring. The playful lamps come in four sizes to match different spaces and their sonic needs. They’re also customizable with a variety of color and fabric combinations to choose from, along with four finishes – black, white, beige red, and gold – for the metal shade and ring.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/buzzihat-a-hat-shaped-acoustic-lighting-collection-by-alain-gilles-for-buzzispace/

Friday Five with Lily Kwong

To celebrate Women’s History Month, every Friday in March we’ll be featuring women in the design world in our Friday Five column.

If you’ve visited The 14th Factory in Los Angeles, you might have seen Lily Kwong’s installation or, if you’re familiar with the fashion world, recognize her from an editorial spread or two. Model, muse, and all around modern woman, Lily wants to beautify urban landscapes by making them greener so that people can more readily connect with nature, especially in places where such a connection is hard to cultivate and grow (puns not intended). Since graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Urban Studies, she has since founded her own studio, STUDIO LILY KWONG, a next generation landscape design firm that wants to forge powerful intersections between landscape, art, fashion, wellness and activism. Lily was also recently named by the New York Times as one of the “9 Young New Yorkers Poised for Creative Greatness” and inaugurated into Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Class of 2018 in the Art & Style category. Check out her green picks below for today’s Friday Five.

#1 NEW INC.
It’s the first museum-led incubator. I’m blessed to be in their 2017-18 class – this creative ecosystem is what I’ve been craving since I moved to New York 10 years ago! They provide co-working space, a year-long training program, experienced mentors and countless other resources. My landscape design studio draws inspiration from so many other art forms, so to be immersed in an interdisciplinary community dedicated to innovation, diversity, collaboration and sustainable practices is an actual dream come true.

Six Senses Douro Valley Vegetable Garden, Douro, Portugal, by Topiaris. Photo by João Morgado.

#2 MY MENTORS
Topiaris have been my collaborators and landscape architecture mentors since they adopted me in my early 20’s. Female founders are sadly still rare in architecture, and two out of the three founders of this award-winning studio are talented women with 30 years of experience. I collaborate closely with them on special projects around the world, and since they’re based in Lisbon I get to work out of Portugal often and have completely fallen in love with the country and culture. Matthew Bannister of DBOX has given me enormous support that’s been truly humbling, and Pier 24’s Director Chris McCall remains my oldest and dearest teacher for 15 years now! These humans and so many others (mom, dad!) have been immensely generous with sharing their wisdom, experience and spirit with me – I couldn’t live without them.

#3 TIME’S UP
This unified call for change from women everywhere and across all industries is deeply empowering. It feels like there’s been a seismic shift and a new age is here – where fairness, justice and freedom to live one’s fullest expression is finally in reach. Too many voices have been silenced and too much potential has been squandered by systemic inequality. It’s time to act – go donate at timesupnow.com.

Photo via nycgovparks.org

#4 MY HOUSEPLANTS + URBAN PARKS
Make cities greener. It’s that simple. I encourage everyone to fill their space with plants – not only do they boost oxygen levels and filter the air, but studies show they decrease stress and boost productivity & creativity. Plus, they’re beautiful. I’m in awe of local heroes like Friends of the High Line that rallied to save the structure and turn it into one of the most iconic, extraordinary linear parks in the world. We need more environmental stewards and community stakeholders willing to battle for vital green space as our cities grow. I’m excited to collaborate with the High Line this summer as a designer on a the High Line Hat Party, a new fundraising event that will celebrate creativity and raise essential funds to support the park. You can also make a gift to support the High Line here.

Photo by Lily Kwong

#5 SPOTIFY
I can’t write an email, sketch a plan, put together a deck, take a flight, walk down the street, or have friends over without music. Harmony is a universal language and I draw so much inspiration from being transported to other time periods, cultures and dimensions with music! Currently on repeat: Emahoy Tsegué, Moodymann, Khruangbin, Nightmares on Wax, Patti Smith.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/friday-five-with-lily-kwong/

Dressing Table Goals – Because You’re Worth It

Let me ask you something. Do you have a dressing table? Or at least somewhere in the bedroom or bathroom where you can sit and get ready for the day? I didn’t have one until recently I have to admit. But now I’m definitely a convert. I used to think it was a rather old-fashioned concept and what’s wrong with doing make-up in the bathroom mirror anyway? Kind of thing. But I was WRONG! And I’m going to tell you why.

This post does contain affiliate links. If you decide to buy anything featured you won’t pay any more, but Dear Designer’s will receive a small commission to help keep this blog up and running.

A Few Minutes of Me Time

Julien Macdonald Dressing Table from Debenhams

Well, actually some of us need more than a few minutes! But even if you do have a rushed morning routine there’s a lot to be said for having a bit of a breather to gather your thoughts while doing something just for you. We all know that us girls put make-up on for ourselves. We style our hair for ourselves too. And woe betide any child, husband or dog, who interrupts this necessary morning routine. It’s our time. That’s why we need a dressing table. Because it’s our space. A space that other members of the family should respect and avoid.

A Space of One’s Own

Porada Maskara Dressing Table from Go Modern Furniture

And that includes respecting what goes in that space. In a shared bedroom, the dressing table is the piece of furniture that is strictly a girly enclave. It can be as feminine or as minimalist as you like. But it’s your choice. I prefer the middle road. That means most things should be put away but easily accessible, and with a few pretty items on the top. Choosing a dressing table with drawers is a good idea. That way you can keep your most used items exactly where you want them, even if you don’t necessarily want them out on show.

Keeping Shit Together

Fitzgerald Dressing Table from Dunelm

And that’s exactly the point of having a dressing table. Everything you need is at hand exactly where you need it. That means hairdryer, brushes, make-up, perfume, jewellery, even nail varnish and a clothes brush. All the things that you use on a daily-ish basis to set you up for the day and keep you looking groomed and together. No more hunting things down in the bathroom, or on the other side of the room. Sit and relax. Mornings are stressful enough.

Looks So Pretty

Sorbet Geometric Dressing Table, Oak Furnitureland

Of course it does. A dressing table is meant to look pretty. Show your personality with things that have special meaning. Trays are great for corralling stuff together and keeping thinks looking neat. Pretty pots can hold make-up brushes. Add a picture of the kids. Display your prettiest perfume bottles. And treat yourself to a small vase of flowers. Even the practical items can be chosen for their decorative value. A mirror is a necessity but make it a stunning one. You need a stool or chair to sit on, but why not make it one with a sheepskin top? Select a lamp with a gorgeous shade. It’s your space. Make it yours.

The Practicalities

Stiletto Toughened Mirror Dressing Table from MY Furniture

So, hopefully now I’ve sold you on the idea of a dressing table. However, there are a few practicalities to consider before you re-arrange the bedroom and rush out and buy one.

• Position is important. There’s a reason why our grans had the dressing table in front of the window. You need as much daylight as you can get. Flawless make-up cannot be achieved in the dark. Mine is under a rooflight window and I can’t tell you how helpful that is. You can add a lamp but it won’t be much use as it will throw shadows on your face. The only light that will be useful will be the type with bulbs all around the mirror, as in the hollywood movies. Now that’s not a bad idea.

Beautify Tri Fold LED Mirror from Domu Brands

• You will need storage. As I said above, choose a dressing table with drawers. Some even have built in makeup dividers. If the dressing table doesn’t have enough storage, throw away some makeup. How much do you need? Seriously.
• You will need power. For the hairdryer and straighteners of course.

Ada Dressing Table from Made.com

• Choose a seat that is comfortable. Stools look pretty – and you can tuck them away when not in use – but personally I prefer a chair with a back.
• Keep it tidy. It won’t be practical, efficient or pretty if you let the clutter build up.

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The post Dressing Table Goals – Because You’re Worth It appeared first on Dear Designer.

from Dear Designer https://deardesigner.co.uk/dressing-table-goals-because-youre-worth-it/

Aquatica Redefines the Art of Bathing

The following post is brought to you by Aquatica. Our partners are hand-picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

You truly haven’t taken a bath until you’ve soaked within an ofuro – the short, steep-sided wooden bathtubs occasionally still found in Japanese homes and ryokans. These short and deep tubs deliver an incomparable sensory experience compared to the shallow styles generally found in American bathrooms. They envelop bathers in a relaxing, neck-deep experience enhanced by subtle aromatics scents released with the addition of hot water. Luxury bathtub manufacturer Aquatica recognizes the traditional design as a perfect template to deliver a technologically and ergonomically advanced update to the body’s call for rejuvenation.

While the Aquatica retains the recognizable aesthetic and dimensional attributes of the traditional soaking tub, the True Ofuro Tranquility Heated Japanese Bathtub is no mere replica. Taking cues from a heating device known as an oidaki, the True Ofuro recirculates water through an integrated heater and ozone disinfection system via an ultra-quiet pump engineered to keep bath water perpetually clean and at a constant temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for refills during extended soaking sessions, saving water and energy.

And how many bathtubs come equipped with their very own integrated Bluetooth stereo audio system, complete with a Class D amplifier rated for 300W peak low distortion output? Bathtub karaoke, anyone?

As if having your own integrated wireless sound system wasn’t enough, the Aquatica also equips the True Ofuro bathtub with a mood lighting system designed to illuminate bathers in a rainbow of underwater chromotherapy light.

Aquatica’s catalog of bathtubs extends far beyond this single design, ranging from sculptural minimalist forms to wildly imaginative options. Curious to learn more about the company behind these innovative bathtub designs, we interviewed Aquatica’s Joseph Burnstein to gain further insight about the design development of these advanced luxury bathtubs.

Where are Aquatica bathtubs designed and manufactured?

Our design office and solid surface casting plant is located in Vinci, near Florence, Italy – near the birthplace of renowned renaissance era Italian scientist, architect, engineer and painter Leonardo da Vinci. We have one dedicated industrial designer and two product engineers. Aquatica is currently studying the feasibility of opening a manufacturing plant in the US.

Beyond the numerous technological features available, your team seems to have dedicated a significant amount of attention to ergonomics.

It might sound shocking but the vast majority of the bathtubs available in the market neglect ergonomics and the body’s relation to water depth. We’ve developed an interactive Body Positioner for this purpose; it’s an online tool that allows customers to virtually see how their body might fit inside any of our bathtubs and evaluate the water depth according to their body position. Anyone can try it out now by visiting one of our product pages. We’re currently working on an update which will render a life-like 3D model based upon gender, waist line, length, body type etc.

The 2016 American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey shows accessibility features in the bathroom ranks high in consumer interest. How is Aquatica meeting this market trend for an aging population?

You’ll note the Aquatica True Ofuro is designed with a wide rim, making it easier to get in and out of the bathtub. The design is also ideal for shorter, older, and physically less fit people to sit comfortably or lean safely on the bath rim while getting in and out.

This year we also introduced our first walk-in bathtub, the Baby Boomer. It features a visually attractive transparent acrylic glass door with a modern overall design which is not seen in any other walk-in bathtubs on the market.

The Aquatica Coletta Sandstone Freestanding Solid Surface Bathtub.

Before that, we created a low-step bathtub called Coletta, which was specifically designed for bathers who have troubles lifting their legs above the bathtub rim. We will keep introducing models prioritizing accessibility balanced with aesthetic designs.

How have materials such as acrylics and composites changed bathtub designs?

New composite materials like solid surface and polymerized concrete have enabled designers to overcome some of the depth and other dimensional restrictions formerly faced when manufacturing with older acrylic thermoforming machines. Our AquateX is an advanced solid surface material primarily composed of aluminum mineral derived from bauxite, a deeply weathered volcanic rock. It’s a durable and high performance cast stone material specifically, suitable for high-end bathroom applications.

What’s on the horizon for Aquatica?

We’re making efforts towards reducing the amount of water necessary to enjoy our bathtubs. The idea is to eventually engineer a range of small, yet luxurious relaxation bathtubs with spa-like integrated water filtration and disinfection systems that would produce crystal clean water to reuse for many weeks instead of draining it after every use, the ultimate realization of Aquatica’s values: Function, Form, and Fashion.

The following post is brought to you by Aquatica. Our partners are hand-picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/aquatica-redefines-art-bathing/