Thursday 30 September 2010

Larusmiani

David Collins has done it again!

The latest project from the drawing boards of David Collins Studio is a stunning new concept boutique for the Italian fashion house Larusmiani in Milan, on the prestigious corner of Via Montenapoleone and Via Verri in the fashion district.

Larusmiani was founded in 1922 and has become world renowned for fine tailoring and luxurious textiles, particularly unusual blends like cotton / linen with vicuna, silk or cashmere. The company's textiles have been used by Collins throughout the interior and complimented with more sumptuous finishes such as marble and leather in a palette of ivory, parchment and shades of the signature Larusmiani blue.

Elements of the design, particularly the furniture, has been clearly influenced by the circa 1950's building that houses the boutique. Ever present are the details that Collins is known for - grosgrain ribbon trims and contrasting saddle stitching to name a few. Of the overall design, David Collins comments, “My inspiration for the space is a reflection of the quality and attention to detail that is the hallmark of Larusmiani”.

The 3-story boutique which will house the company's men's and women's wear collections will also feature a carefully curated collection of time pieces, books and cutting edge technology. Adding to the exclusivity of the environment there is a marble fireplace in the salon, each floor has a private terrace, the dressing rooms were designed as small living rooms (some of which have bathrooms!) and the lifts are lined with velvet. Così elegante!

Now I wish I'd booked a side trip to Milan from London! Speaking of which, bare with me while I get my photos and notes together...stay tuned!





Photo care of David Collins Studio.

Saturday 18 September 2010

Meeting Kelly Hoppen

I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of the Kelly Hoppen Home collection in Hong Kong last week where a group of designers were able to get a sneak preview of the furniture and home wares (which will be sold in Hong Kong by Indigo Living) and meet the lady herself. Often dubbed the "Queen of Taupe", Kelly Hoppen has had a prolific career, and she shows no signs of slowing down with this new collection and the release of another book. The entire collection is hand made in China, and despite what your preconceptions may be about the origins, the quality is surprisingly good - as the designer herself can attest having travelled to Hong Kong via the factory.




The collection is broad and varied, some pieces bare the trademark Hoppen style - mixed textures, Asian influences - and others show new sources of inspiration. The collection was designed, Hoppen explained to us, to work in a variety of interiors and work with a large range of styles. Pieces are versatile and can be used almost anywhere. I think my favorite would have to be the dining chairs (seen above) which to me have a whiff of Prouvé about them.

The collection will be in the Indigo Living stores in Hong Kong from mid-October, and available internationally in the near future.


John McLennon CEO of Indigo Living with Kelly Hoppen MBE at the product launch in Hong Kong last week

I'm off to London in a few days, so this might be my last post until I get back at the end of the month. But stay tuned for exiting news and reports from Decorex, 100% Design and other exiting events.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

John Minshaw

Are you tired of the London themed posts yet? Sorry, I have a few more planned before my trip (and lets face it, probably a few after too)...so bear with me folks!

London-based designer John Minshaw's work made appearance on my radar a little while ago - and I'm so glad it did. Minshaw's work is timeless - both modern and classic at the same time. Each room is a study in expertly composed pieces and perfectly balanced colour. Of his work, Minshaw says "My style is to buy good antiques and design bespoke cabinetry, then put them into pared-down interiors". In my opinion, the results are just stunning.





One of the highlights of my upcoming trip to London (other than the wedding I'm attending, of course) will be going to Decorex. John Minshaw is speaking on Tuesday 28th - the day I'm planning to go. I'm looking forward to hearing him talk about "Space and Detailing" - and possibly picking up a copy of his book.

For more beautiful images of the project feature in the last image, check out the latest issue of the German Architectural Digest.