New finds | June 2018

Another month has rolled by, so it’s time for my regular round-up of design news and product launches. As usual I have plenty of discoveries from Scandinavia to share, as well as a few finds from home shores – plus scroll down for details of some interesting events coming up over the next few weeks.

Also, just a little reminder that there’s more interiors, travel and lifestyle inspiration in my monthly newsletter. If you’d like to receive a copy, just sign up here.

A new collaboration from Stelton and Norman Foster

First up is Danish brand Stelton, which is releasing a tableware range designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster (the man behind iconic buildings such as London’s Gherkin and Berlin’s Reichstag). The collection brings together simple, sculptural forms and soft geometry, with pieces in stainless steel, porcelain and glass. It includes everything from carafes to espresso cups, all crafted in response to their specific functions while sharing a common aesthetic. The collection will be available via Stelton’s website and selected retailers from July, with prices ranging from £19.95 / €24.95 to £149 / €189.

The ‘Knitting’ chair from Menu

In more news from Denmark, Menu has announced that it’s relaunching the ‘Knitting’ chair – a 1950s classic with a timeless look. First created by architect and designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, it combines a dark-stained oak frame with a grey-brown leather seat and is incredibly versatile. It was originally launched as a limited edition and only a few hundred chairs (now much in demand among collectors) were ever made, so it’s great to see it being put into full production. It will be on sale from September, with the price yet to be announced.

The Ode To: a new concept store from Sweden

Next up is The Ode To, an intriguing concept store launched last month by friends Helena Carlberg and Anna Lukins to celebrate female artistry. The pair aim to counter the gender imbalance within the art and design world by giving women across the globe a platform to showcase their creativity, and the result is a beautiful range of prints and sculptures in limited-edition runs of 100. The current selection includes elegant line drawings by London artist Alexa Coe, monochrome photography collages by interior architect Mathilda Clahr, hand-crafted clay figures by Stockholm sculptor Kristiina Kaartaja and much, much more. All can be shipped across the EU and prices start from 950 KR (around £80 / €90).

The essential-oil collection from Hobo Soy Candles

One of my long-time favourites, Hobo Soy Candles, has just launched a new trio of aromatherapy candles made with pure essential oils. The three scents were created to evoke different moods – ‘Rest’ is a blend of bergamot, lavender and patchouli designed to help you relax and unwind; ‘Bloom’ is a balancing and restorative mix of rose, geranium and lavender; and ‘Roam’ is a zingy combination of bog myrtle, lemon and lemongrass which uplifts and revitalises. Like the rest of Hobo’s range, they’re hand-blended in Lincolnshire and come in stylish recycled-glass jars. They cost £16 each and burn for up to 25 hours.

The ‘Ovo’ chair from Erik Jørgensen

The new ‘Ovo’ easy chair from Danish furniture manufacturer Erik Jørgensen caught my attention not only because of its beautiful shape, but also because of the rather intriguing story behind it. Created by British designer Damian Williamson, it was inspired by the shape of fresh egg pasta draped over a rolling pin, and the resulting combination of a rigid steel frame and curvaceous leather upholstery is refined yet playful. The chair made its debut at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen last week and will be available to buy from October.

New options for Charles and Ray Eames’ ‘Plywood Group’

Last but not least is Vitra, which has released several new variants of Charles and Ray Eames’ ‘Plywood Group’ of chairs, tables and screens. First created in the 1940s after the couple developed a technique to mold plywood into three-dimensional shapes, the collection is an icon of mid-century design and remains incredibly popular today. The latest versions include dark pigmented walnut and natural ash, plus the option of black powder-coated metal bases in place of wooden legs. They’re available to buy alongside the original editions, and prices start at £745.

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A few other things on my radar…

• I was happy to discover that New Zealand-based Souk Collective, which sells a wonderful range of globally sourced furniture and accessories, now ships to the UK and Europe. I’m already coveting one of the beautiful woven lounge chairs…
• The online Sisterhood Summer Camp, which I mentioned in last month’s round-up, launches today and there are still a few places left. Enrol (affiliate link) and you’ll get access to inspirational classes, interviews and advice pieces to help you take your career and creativity to the next level (including some from yours truly!)
• Coming up in London during the last week of June and the first week of July, New Designers is an annual showcase of emerging talent spanning furniture, fashion, ceramics, jewellery, motion arts and more. Find out more and buy tickets here
• Also taking place in London is ‘Summer of Sound’, an experiential pop-up on the rooftop of John Lewis’ flagship Oxford Street store. Created by stylish British audio brand Ruark, it will take the form of a mini music festival complete with live gigs, DJ sets and food. It’s open until the middle of June and you can see the full line-up here
• Back here in my home city of Bristol is a new pop-up shop from handmade footwear brand Ottowin. Located on St Nicholas Street in the city centre, it sells ethical clothing and home accessories from young British designers and is a wonderful place to browse
• Finally, I was excited to hear about forthcoming bi-annual magazine Table, which promises to bring together food, travel and lifestyle inspiration. Find out more on Instagram, or sign up to hear about the launch of the first issue here

All images via the brands named above; top image by The Ode To