30
Jul

Formentera House

Das wunderschöne Steinhaus Can Manuel d’en Corda mit einem 19.060 m2 großen Grundstück auf Formentera. Architektur: Marià Castelló. Einen guten Wochenstart!

The beautiful stone walled Can Manuel d’en Corda house is located on a plot of 19.060 m2 of rustic nature in the west of the island of Formentera. Architecture: Marià Castelló. Happy Monday!

photos: Estudi EPDSE via contemporist

26
Jul

Interview with Christophe Pillet

Designer, Interviews

“Design for me is not only a job. It’s not something that I go to the office at nine in the morning. It’s my life.”

Christophe Pillet for GQ

Christophe Pillet is the Lacoste‘s design director. I’ve been drawn to his work from the first moment I saw it some years ago. Lucidity of expression and the search for simplicity are his key principles. Architecture, objects, furniture, art direction – the scope and the variety of his projects share a common attitude, independent of scale. Lancel, Lacoste, Cappellini, Catherine Malandrino, John Richmond, Hotel Sezz… are among his devotees. Some days ago I had the pleasure of talking with Christophe Pillet. Enjoy the interview. I sure did!

Sezz hotel in St. Tropez

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a designer?

It appeared in my life by sheer chance and I am very happy about it. I have no precise memory having a day wished or dreamed to be a designer.

Looking back at your first project what knowledge do you wish you had back then?

The quality of the first projects is certainly the freshness and the energy guided by a kind of innocence on things. This way, no need of too much knowledge.

Meridiana chair for Driade, Blow for Ycami

Is there something that connects all your projects?

The same brain driving, the same hand holding, the same pencil, whatever.

Can you describe your position as Lacoste design director ?

Lacoste is a big network made of a lot of partnerships (licensees). I’m in charge of researching the consistancy of creations and the harmony of them: the Lacoste style!

boutiques for Catherine Malandrino in New York and Paris

How long does it take for Lacoste to lead the product from idea to market?

Usually between one or two years.

What do you enjoy most in your work?

The “thrilling of the white page”. Being afraid of having to answer demands I am not necessarily an expert for. The curiosity which urges me to take sideways and which often pulls me on unknown grounds.

Lacoste summer collection 2012

In the 1970’s, Lacoste became the first brand to sponsor the French Open at Roland-Garros. Do you play tennis?

I used to play when I was younger. Unfortunately I don’t have much time now to keep in shape…

What do you love to do to when you are not designing?

I love daydreaming…

Orbital easy chair and SouthBeachpub chair

Your favourite books?

Books of sciences, journey diaries of the big “discoverers” – Magellan, Christopher Columbus …. and also the contemporary literature.

You have designed almost everything and have been honored with numerous awards. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I’m never satisfied. I always expect the perfect project to be the next one.

Sezz hotel in St. Tropez

What does success mean to you?

A pleasant return of the public, making me feel that I do not spend my life for nothing!

What’s your advice to upcoming designers?

Do not grow too fast, still leave me some room!!!

My signature question – what are the most important design elements?

Simple, chic and happy!

photos: 1 Romain Cabon, 2,7 Manuelle Zublena, 3, 4, 6 designline, 5 vogue

24
Jul

Casa Surf in Portugal

House Tour, Surfing

Gefunden! Das Surfhaus meiner Träume… Design: Pequenina Rodrigues

This surfer shack caught my heart today. Design: Pequenina Rodrigues

photos: Manuel Gomes Da Costa for Elle

20
Jul

Constance Halaveli Resort, Maldives

Hospitality, Hotels, Travels

Constance Halaveli Resort mit traumhaftem Blick auf den Indischen Ozean… Schönes Wochenende!

Dream view – one of Maldives’ North Ari atoll getaways… Happy weekend!

freshome

14
Jul

A Dose of Inspiration

Bedroom, Inspiration

1.design: Bonetti/Kozerski, photo: William Waldron for AD, 2. where is the cool

13
Jul

An Apartment in Sao Paulo

House Tour

Ein Blick nach Sao Paulo in das Haus von Paula Martins. Design: Luiz Fernando Rocco

A look inside the home of Paula Martins designed by Luiz Fernando Rocco.

casa vogue via my fave La Boheme

10
Jul

Interview with Marc Newson

Designer, Interviews

“I’m fascinated with materials, with processes, with technologies.”

Marc Newson

London-based Australian designer Marc Newson has designed everything imaginable – furniture, yachts, mobile phones, footwear, bicycles, kitchen accessories, cars, surfboards, interiors and even a spaceplane. From the moment I first saw his Embryo chair some years ago I knew design was a part of me. I am inspired by Marc Newson’s ability to touch so many different areas. His designs have achieved the status of modern design icons and infiltrated the pop culture appearing in Madonna’s videos and in Austin Powers films. Having set numerous records at auction, Marc Newson’s work now accounts for almost 25% of the total contemporary design market. In 2009, his aluminium Lockheed Lounge Chair went for $1.6 million – the highest price ever for a piece of contemporary design art. Marc Newson was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and has received numerous awards. In addition to his core business, he has also founded a number of successful companies, even a fine watch brand and an aerospace design consultancy, and has also held senior management positions at client companies; including currently being the Creative Director of Qantas Airways. Marc Newson likes to read scientific journals. The Japanese culture inspires him. He has 2 children, loves to surf and snowboard.

Embryo Chair and Wood Chair

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a designer?

I did’t plan to be a designer – I just started making things at art school. I studied jewellery and silversmithing but convinced my tutors that the chair I was making for my final show was like jewellery as it was ‘worn‘ close to the body… I got away with it and then continued to make pieces of furniture. I have always made things – when I was about twelve I made a watch out of a piece of plexiglass and some old watch hands – and I was always taking apart old bicycles and remaking them into other forms of transport, like go-karts…

Looking back at your first project what knowledge do you wish you had back then?

I think experience is the most useful knowledge – so I couldn’t acquire knowledge without practical experience. Knowing how to use different kinds of tools would have been useful at the beginning.

Samsonite Scope and Ford 021c

Is there something that connects all your projects?

I think there is something that’s recognisable – that there is something – like a thread, that connects all my work. Well – it is all my DNA I guess.

What do you enjoy most in your work?

Learning about different technologies and processes through the diverse industries I encounter in the course of my work.

Nike Zvezdochka sneaker and Aquariva speedboat – Marc Newson’s reinterpretation of an Italian icon

What do you love to do when you are not designing?

Play with my kids and sleep.

What are your favorite books?

It depends – but usually not novels. Often it is background reading on the science behind a latest project.

TREK Art Bike designed for Lance Armstrong and Kelvin 40 jet

You have received numerous awards and was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. You are represented in the exhibitions of many museums including the MoMA in New York, London’s Design Museum, the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Vitra Design Museum. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I think my greatest achievement is to have had the opportunity to design so many different projects from a soap dish through to a spaceplane.

What does success mean to you?

I don’t really think about it – I am too busy working and thinking about the project in hand. Maybe one day I will sit back and feel a sense of validation. I do feel that luck has had a lot to do with my success.