Cronotime Desk Clock by Pio Manzù

The Cronotime clock was designed by Pio Manzù as a promotional item for Fiat, later produced by Ritz-Italora in 1966. It was re-issued by Alessi from Italy. The shape of Cronotime is toric (part of a circular section ring) totalling a 1/6 of circumference. The shape in turn separated into two equal parts which swivel, allowing you to modulate the direction in which the dial is pointing with respect to the support surface. Part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Cronotime by Pio Manzù

Antic biotec by eliumstudio and Duende Studio

eliumstudio was invited by Duende Studio to reconsider the “vinaigrier” (french for vinegar maker), an accessory that’s common to country kitchens.

Antic biotec blends the wine bottle and the pipette, common to oenologists and scientists, to offer a new “noble tasting ritual, highlighted by the delicacy of the blown glass and porcelain.”

“Vinegar is one of the very first biotechnology applications developed by man using acetic bacteria to change wine into a completely new product.”

“A preciosity of the often ignored vinegar that Nick Toshes was already pointing out in the opening of his mythical Confessions d’un chasseur d’opium (Confessions of an Opium Hunter): ‘Those people who know that the true soul of wine is vinegar, hold the key to the only worthy knowledge concerning wine. The wonderful taste becomes apparent by drinking shots of these mature and rare vinegars labelled da bere: the real thing is a far cry from the industrial crap masked with pretentious epithets.’”

Antic Biotec Vinegar Maker, by Duende Studio, and eliumstudio
via: MoCo Loco

Natura Jars by Héctor Serrano for La Mediterranea

Natura jars are inspired by the world of vases. A collection of jars that not only store but also decorate. Its translucent colors let you see their content, screening them and creating a balanced range of tones. A continuation and extension of the natural collection. This is why we use the cork in the same way, similar formal language and same color code that resembles ancient glass, giving it a vintage flavour. The collection is made of 100% recycled glass and is composed of three jars, in three colours green, amber and red.

Natura Jars, by Héctor Serrano, for La Mediterranea

Normann Copenhagen Cognac & Liqueur Glasses

The Cognac Glass and the smaller Liqueur Glass is a beautiful combination of function and pure pleasure. A simple and practical pivot allows the glass to swirl thus releasing the aromas of the spirits. The concern to quality of cognac resulted in the shape of the glass, which increases the pleasure of deep colour and movement of the liquid.

“I wanted to craft a cognac glass. The perfect gift to the man, who has everything. The inspiration springs from my own perception of when you drink cognac; that is when you have time and in calm surroundings. I wanted the glass to give the user a feeling of a gentleman’s study and at the same time, the sense of calmness you get when you fondle a stone. The stem kept irritating me. I took the consequence and cut it off. That’s how my Cognac Glass was born.”
- Rikke Hagen

Normann Copenhagen Cognac & Liqueur Glasses, Set of Two, by Rikke Hagen

Origo by Alfredo Häberli for Iittala

Winner of the IF Design Award, Origo dinnerware collection features bold, modern color combinations allowing for unlimited combinability of the cups, bowls, and plates. Origo is made to combine with other Iittala collections including Teema, classic Scandinavian dinnerware, designed by Kaj Franck in 1952 and Bottna with its strong lines and a botanical-inspired pattern by Anna Danielsson, a well known Swedish textile designer who works with Marimekko of Finland. Durable as it is attractive, Alfredo Häberli designed Origo to stand the test of everyday use over a long period of time.

Iittala Origo Dinnerware, by Alfredo Häberli

Cristal Carafe by Marcel Wanders for Normann Copenhagen

Not always known for making simple practical objects, Marcel Wanders designed the Cristal Carafe for the Danish company, Normann Copenhagen. A sculpted, transparent glass carafe, the Cristal Carafe comes complete with five multicolor cups sculpted in rich plastic. The unexpected contrast creates a pleasing dynamic between cold and warm materials, rigid lines and soft shapes, making it as visually striking as it is refreshing. The Carafe is the winner of the Formidable Award, at the Swedish Formex Priset.

Normann Copenhagen Cristal Carafe, by Marcel Wanders

Thin Black Lines + Dancing Squares by nendo

A solo show at the Taiwanese government-sponsored National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute featuring two collections. ‘thin black lines’ is a collection of furniture formed from ‘still black’, so we wanted to use ‘active black on white’ for the exhibition space. The drawings on the floor flow like river water around the exhibition stands. ‘dancing squares’ is a collection based on the concept of ‘active white’, so we wanted a space that expressed the idea of ‘still black on white’. Our room-sized sketch, affixed to walls and floor, uses a fish-eye lens-like effect as though viewers are seeing it through a tiny water drop.

Exhibition: Thin Black Lines + Dancing Squares, by nendo, at National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), Taiwan

Kaasa Fireplace by Ilkka Suppanen for Iittala

The name Kaasa refers to a beacon that was crucial to sailors in the Bay of Bothnia in Finland. Reminiscent of bonfires, these stone or wooden structures guided mariners in the right direction, or to good fishing grounds. In perilous times, a fire was lit on the kaasa to warn of the enemy’s approach. This forebear of the lighthouse has inspired Ilkka Suppanen, a sailing enthusiast born in coastal Finland.

“Design is more about values than forms and colours. My aim was an archetypical, iconic gathering point. Rather like a large candle, I wanted this product to bring people together around light and warmth.”
- Ilkka Suppanen

Iittala Kaasa Fireplace 475 mm, Kaasa Fireplace 255 mm, by Ilkka Suppanen

Karmi Tea Canisters by Shoshen

Karmi Tea Canisters Developed by the Shoshen lacquerware from Yamanka, introducing, delicately and intricately crafted products for the home. The origin of Yamanka ware dates as far back to the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1600). During this time, craftsmen developed their wood curving techniques that has now become distinguishing features of Yamanka lacquer ware. Shoshen lacquer ware respects the beautiful grain of natural wood and perfect base work. They intentionally don’t overpaint the wood in order expose the beautiful grain. It takes over a year to produce these beautiful artisan pieces.

Karmi Tea Canisters, by Shoshen

Showtime Vases by Jaime Hayon for BD Ediciones

Inspired by Classic MGM musicals, Jaime Hayon has designed a home furniture series of chairs, tables and vessels called Showtime collection. These playful vases are a more than passive flower holders – they have personality. A special edition of the vases in gold were exhibited during Stage, at the Aram Gallery in London.
Jaime Hayon is the most intriguing figure in new Spanish design. He has energy, talent and a style of his own, he plays with the boundaries between classicism and modernity, all of which are all distilled into the Showtime Vases.

Bd Barcelona Design Showtime Vases, by Jaime Hayon