Clockwise, from Left
Mirror polished
Aluminium Shell Chair
with tinted lacquer
finish; Die-cast and
pressed aluminium De
La Warr Pavilion chair;
Filo with multi-layered
fabric upholstery;
Iris table with each
component anodised
Sometimes an umbrella stand is just that. It looks like one too. But in
the case of Poppins, it comes in gleaming gem-like colours and is
made simply from ABS plastic. Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby’s practical,
everyday objects reignite your enthusiasm for design with their original,
intelligent way of using existing techniques. The designers have their
fingers in various pies – from designing a sleek ergonomic bottle for Coca
Cola’s non-carbonated fruit drink, Ipsei to Stella McCartney’s boutiques.
MAKING AURAL HISTORY
But they made history recently by creating electronics giant Sony’s first stand
alone stall at Salone in Milan. When asked about the concept, the duo
say, “We started off talking about experimental product design but quickly
realised that with our architectural company Universal Design Studio we
could create a really unique, compelling installation for people to experience
the products in a fully sensorial way.” And so what you get is a three
dimensional experience straight out of a sci-fi project.
THE FAR EAST CONNECTION
Apart from working with the usual cool, innovative European brand of
suspects – like Alessi, Cappellini, Flos, Established and Sons and Magis,
how has working with a Japanese company changed their perspective?
The English boys retort, “Working with Sony hasn’t really changed our
approach, but you always learn something new from a fresh client. We got
to see behind the scenes at the Sony research labs and get a glimpse of sound
technologies in development that really blew us away. We used our favourite
The Zen-like dining room is
aided by a teakwood table
and bench made to order by
Vaishali Kamdar, Panton chairs
from Vitra, fruit stand from
Sia and a wispy indoor plant
Right A carved wooden mirror
frame adds a touch of glam
to the minimal clean lines of
the eating area
“In decor, as in life, what you leave out is as important as what you put in...
when you invite someone to your home you gift them a part of yourself ”
