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Ini Archibong’s Bright Idea at Milan Design Week
Fresh off his triumphant Pavilion of the African Diaspora, a sculptural triptych installed at Somerset House for the London Design Biennale, Ini Archibong has partnered with design brand Sé for a collection of limited-edition pendants. Gaea, the first of ten glass fixtures in the group, will debut Sé’s Milan Design Week installation, “SÉ CHIC,” on view through June 12 at Rossana Orlandi Gallery.
Gaea tests the limits of the traditional glass-making techniques employed by Sé’s Murano artisans: A bespoke cord of ceramic beads anchors an elegant swell of molten, garnet-colored glass, etched and carved by Archibong in intricate gestural networks. “To be able to have the opportunity to bring someone of Ini’s rare talent to work alongside the master craftsmen of Murano and elevate the Gaea Pendant into a new realm is a unique privilege,” Sé founder Pavlo Schtakleff said in a statement. The designer intends the pendant to hang at eye level as if the light were a bright idea radiating above one’s head—perhaps for one of the next nine iterations, each forthcoming in a unique colorway and finish. —Jesse Dorris
“Divided Layers” by Daniel Arsham at Palazzo Senato in Milan. Photographer courtesy of Kohler…
Daniel Arsham creates a walkable experience of a sink for Kohler in a Milan Palazzo.
“Daniel Arsham has collaborated with bathroom and kitchen brand Kohler to create a walkable interpretation of a sink at a Baroque palace during Milan design week. Called Divided Layers, the installation was made from seven stacked white panels that are arranged to form a tunnel, accessed by a platform flanked by a water feature. The large pool of water surrounding the panels reflects striking shadows onto their white exterior. After dark, the panels are illuminated by backlighting. It’s on display at the city’s historic Palazzo del Senato, where its contemporary appearance contrasts with its traditional setting.” [H/T Dezeen]
A woman’s selfie mishap damages an artwork at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum.
“Very occasionally and to much horror, selfies at museums and galleries go terribly wrong. In such a scenario, a trip, a fall or a misplaced elbow can lead to “accidents” amongst the artifacts and treasures on show. The latest blunder happened at the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid when a visitor accidentally damaged Alberto Sánchez’s ballet set for La romería de los cornudos (The Pilgrimage of Cuckolds) (1933) in the process of snapping herself. A spokesperson but the damage was minor and the work was immediately restored by experts from the museum’s restoration department.” [H/T The Art Newspaper]
Philippe Starck’s reinterpretations of the Dior Medallion Chair at Palazzo Citterio in Milan. Photography by Adrien Dirand…
Philippe Starck reinvents Dior’s Louis XVI Medallion Chair at Milan Design Week.
“Philippe Starck is the latest designer to put his stamp on Dior’s Louis XVI Medallion chair, creating 24 interpretations for the French brand’s presentation at Milan Design Week 2022. The Louis XVI Medallion chair dates back to the late 18th century, and has been associated with Dior since 1947, when decorator Victor Grandpierre selected it for Monsieur Dior’s shows at 30 Avenue Montaigne. While Dior commissioned 17 designers and artists to reinterpret the Medallion chair for its Milan exhibition last year, this year’s presentation focuses on Starck alone—a reflection of the designer’s singular stature and renown.” [H/T Wallpaper]
Christopher John Rogers returns to the runway with exuberant clothes and a crowd.
“Joy, pleasure, exuberance. As the world has turned back on post-pandemic, designers have strived to channel those sensations in their clothes. For Christopher John Rogers, all that seems to come quite naturally. He sprang down the runway last night, leaping and pirouetting and soaking up his standing ovation. This was Rogers’s first IRL show in over two years. A move to the pre-season schedule and the Omicron plot twist delayed his return until now, but he had quite the cheering squad for his comeback.” [H/T Vogue]
The Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen. Photography courtesy of MOFAD…
The famed Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen goes on display at two New York museums.
“In 1971, the Johnson Publishing Company installed a test kitchen for Ebony magazine at the firm’s Chicago headquarters. Used by editors to test recipes for the publication’s “A Date with a Dish” column, the kitchen elevated African American food to the national culinary conversation. On display at Aliko Dangote Hall until July 17, the Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen is part of the new exhibit African/American: Making the Nation’s Table. As rebuilt, the kitchen is a psychedelic wonder that exudes Black style, with Afrocentric prints, leather, and ostrich feathers.” [H/T The Architect’s Newspaper]
Marian Goodman will expand to Los Angeles after years of resisting the pressure.
“Marian Goodman is Hollywood-bound. The venerable dealer’s gallery announced today that it would open its first West Coast outpost in Los Angeles next year, adding to spaces in New York, London, and Paris. The gallery is the latest in a wave of East Coast dealers to set up shop in L.A., including Albertz Benda, Sean Kelly, Lisson, Pace, The Hole, and Sargent’s Daughters.” [H/T Artnet News]
Rimowa is reviving its Pilot style hard shell case four years after discontinuing it.
“On Jul. 7, LVMH-owned luggage and lifestyle brand Rimowa is reviving its “cult” Pilot style, an €890 (about $955) hard shell case, four years after discontinuing it. Rimowa produced an aviation-themed campaign to mark the product re-release as well. While customers just coming around to Rimowa’s marketing may better know its bestsellers—like its classic hardshell aluminum luggage—the new launch represents a renewed focus on engineering and functionality after two years of trying to sell consumers on aspiration, according to CMO Emelie de Vitis.” [H/T Business of Fashion]
“Akira, cut no. 182, final production background” by Toshiharu Mizutani. Photography by Mash Room/Akira Committee…
Today’s attractive distractions:
Rare artworks by Akira’s art directors reveal a stunning vision of Neo Tokyo.
Cher and Versace team up for “Chersace,” a Pride collection for true divas.
