Magazine
Design incorporates objects, people,
ideas based on the small pleasures of everyday life.
Meet your Beautiful design world with the DDP Design Fair.
Germany's leading luggage brand, RIMOWA, has teamed up with artists to create a collectible piece: RIMOWA’s beloved Pilot Case with a sculpture of a turntable inside. An audacious and imaginative pieceIn 2019, RIMOWA collaborated with contemporary artist Daniel Arsham to present “Eroded Suitcase”, which looks like as an artifact excavated from an archaeological site. During his first partnership with RIMOWA, Arsham spotted RIMOWA’s Pilot Case, launched in 1994, and was intrigued by its form, function and use which has evolved over time. Crafted in aluminum with its signature grooves, the case was designed to fit into the space behind a pilot’s seat, so it was popular among airline staff as well as musicians and DJs in the 1990s. Based on this history, RIMOWA relaunched the Pilot Case. With the partnership of Daniel Arsham, the Rimowa x Daniel Arsham Eroded Turntable in Pilot Case was created based on an imaginary world centered around the Pilot Case. Presented as an archival piece, this collaboration features a hand-cast turntable made from plaster and crushed glass. The piece echoes Arsham’s signature Future Relics series, which imagine various everyday objects as discoveries from a future dystopia. The turntable and Pilot Case appear to have been found in an archaeological site. To ensure the safety and preservation of the structure, the turntable is cushioned in a removable protection foam and comes with a pair of art handling gloves. A series of vintage-style logos are emblazoned across the case in an exclusive shade of Arsham Green Pantone that adds to the sense that it’s a heritage piece uncovered from the past. It also features RIMOWA’s cutting-edge functionalities, from the pioneering multi-wheel system to a telescopic handle. “Rimowa and I share an interest in process, in an object’s evolution over time,” said Arsham. “A suitcase is covered by stickers or blemishes; a sculpture erodes and crystallizes. We also both share commitment to honing one’s craft, as well as archiving.” Only 500 pieces of the RIMOWA x Daniel Arsham Eroded Turntable in Pilot Case in Silver will be available in RIMOWA stores across Europe, North America, and South America, while 500 pieces in Black will be sold exclusively in Asia as an ode to Daniel Arsham’s fanbase in the region following the recent launch of Archive Editions in China.
Established in 1830, the French royal silverware brand Christofle recently unveiled a new identity. Christofle is a luxury tableware brand, once supplied silverware to the French royal family and has since been used by famous hotels and restaurants. The project was carried out by Ramdane Touhami, a famous French art director and co-founder of the cosmetics brand “Buly 1803”, and his creative agency Art Recherche Industrie. Since the birth of the maison, Charles Christofle and his successors have made silver — a precious metal symbolizing purity — the icon of a lifestyle, an important object and a mirror of its time and of the history of design. Perhaps, Christofle is still one of the best tableware brands because it has been at the forefront of innovation and avant-garde in the decorative arts and collaborated with renowned artists and designers such as Gio Ponti, Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and Andrée Putman. And now in 2022, here come the new guidelines that show the history of the past 200 years. Ramdane Touhami created a new logo, color and campaign visual with the aim of building a liberal and modern brand image while preserving the long tradition of the maison. New typeface and brand logoRamdane Touhami came across and reinterpreted the Cochin font, which was designed in 1912 by Charles Peignot, a master of French typeface design and publisher of a graphic art and craft magazine, to honor Charles Nicolas Cochin, a royal sculptor of King Louis XV. It was based on Peignot's lead letters found in a Christofle’s catalog published in 1936. Using the typical detailed design of an old typeface, which looks like handwritten letters, helped to create an organic result. The newly-added 21st-century collectionA new collection has been developed in tune with the times during the process of refreshing the brand's image. It includes a silver-plated sneaker box and a tumbler that have never existed before. In addition to reinventing the brand's iconic Art Nouveau and Art Déco masterpieces, it is very interesting to see today's everyday objects, which did not exist in the past, in Christofle’s collection. With silversmithing technique, objects that were considered disposable are reborn as valuable home accessories. A few years ago, Sotheby’s established a department dedicated to sneakers, and recently, a pair of Michael Jordan's Nike shoes from 1984 was sold for $1,472,000 at the auction. For those who collect sneakers, which are valued as art pieces, a silver-plated case lined in olive green velvet is made into a shoe box, with a lid featuring two notches for ease of portability. This box, which will excite many sneaker collectors who want perfect storage, is not only practical but also extremely sophisticated. The new collection’s campaign images are also very different from the original ad. Unlike the neat and undisturbed, perfect beauty demonstrated by high-end luxury products, this campaign represents our daily lives. Leftover food on a plate, food crumbs on a table, a bitten apple and water spilling from a knocked-over cup. But, Christofle products still shine amidst all this chaos. I've heard that these days, it is fashionable to take a picture of your empty plate after you’ve finished eating and post it on social media. The images of the collection, which share a similar vibe to trending social media feeds, have the power that makes you want to keep looking at them. There are many stories hidden in these cluttered scenes, allowing the viewer to imagine the stories. Christofle products are becoming more approachable, not distant from your daily life.
Park Seobo, a leading figure in contemporary Korean art, meets Louis Vuitton for collaboration. Find out every aspect of the Artycapucines Collection held at Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul during November 8-24. Discovering art in our daily livesNamed after the founder Louis Vuitton’s original maison established in 1854 at rue Neuve-des-Capucines, the fashion house has been presenting the Artycapucines Collection every year since 2019 through collaborations with six leading international contemporary artists. This year’s Capucines present brilliant bags, each distinctively designed by world-renowned artists, including Park Seobo, the first Korean artist to join this collaboration, Daniel Buren, Ugo Rondinone, Peter Marino, Kennedy Yanko and Amélie Bertrand. The Capucines is a third collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Park Seobo. Park’s ArtyCapucines is inspired by a 2016 work from his celebrated “Écriture” series. The calfskin of the body of this exceptional piece is first treated with a brushstroke effect, or coup de pinceau, before a highly detailed 3D rubber injection is carefully applied. A patina is then added, to obtain the perfect shade of bright red and burgundy echoing the artist’s work. The interior lining of the bag reproduces the back of the original painting and features a print of Park’s signature in the central pocket. The handle is made in polished walnut mounted on metal frame. The leather-lined enchapes and LV logo are inlaid with leather that matches the deep burgundy color of the bag, while the four studs on the bottom are inspired by screws that Park has used for his artworks for a long time, each one adorned with a Louis Vuitton Monogram flower. Three other pieces from Park’s Écriture series will be on display at the exhibition in addition to the ArtyCapucines Collection. Park described the collaboration as “an ideal example of how art can coexist with the general public in everyday life.” The exhibition of Articapucines Collection will be a great opportunity to fully appreciate art permeated into our daily lives. Louis Vuitton’s Artycapucines exhibition is free to enter and requires no reservation.
Physical Education Department (Phyps) and Cuchen have teamed up to launch a special collaboration collection. “Quality of rice” determines “quality of life”. Is there any other nation on earth that really care about rice, just as we do, who ask how things are going by asking whether they have eaten or not? In this sense, the collaboration between Phyps, a brand that expresses all physical and mental activities through artworks, and Cuchen, a kitchen appliance company, feels likes a perfect match. Considering that Phyps' main target customers are “honjoks”, who willingly undertake activities alone, the “Cuchen 121 ME” rice cooker for 3 people was selected as the main product of this collaboration to promote the importance of healthy meals to millennials and Gen Zers. The design with the Phyps logo on the top of the rice cooker and the trendy design with vegetable graphics are sure to catch your eye, but it also incorporates Korea's first 2.1 ultra-high pressure technology, which allows single-person households or students who live off-campus to quickly cook rice without soaking the rice in water. The rice cooker, which can be also remotely controlled by smartphones with various functions, including remote reservation, cooking and warming, even if you are away from home, is expected to be well received by millennials and Gen Zers, who spend a lot of time on smartphones. In addition to essential kitchen items, including aprons and a pair of rubber gloves, the collaboration released new products such as crew necks, hoodies and caps featuring an artwork of rice grains. If you are unable to visit “Phyps Mart” in person, you can check out the collaboration collection on the official Phyps website. “We prepared a collaboration with a healthy brand, Cuchen, to support the well-being of Koreans who eat rice three times a day,” said an official from Phyps. He said that Phyps plans to continue the collaboration and hold further events until everyone leads a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy the collection based on a variety of content of Koreans who believe in the power of rice!
A cultural multiplex newly opened near Sinyongsan Station in Seoul. A glimpse inside through its picture window shows someone’s room or perhaps, a bathroom. Let’s peek into everyone’s dream house “PHYPS HOME” designed with the second worldview of PHYPS — short for “Physical Education Department”. Back to the 70’s – Space designed with retro youth cultureA delicate aroma of coffee welcomes you as you open the door. Then your eyes will be caught by vibrant colors and Larry Clark’s pieces here and there. Larry Clark, a famous artist and movie producer who represents the pains and anti-socialism of the youth, is also known for his collaboration with the street fashion brand Supreme. PHYPS HOME intends to give a quantum leap back to the 1970s with deliberately interspersed artworks of Larry Clark that represent autonomy, liberation and expression.When you’re done ordering coffee and looking around Larry Clark’s works and various PHYPS goods, bring your drink and go downstairs to the basement. You’ll see a cozy place reminiscent of a secret childhood hideout. This place is PHYPS HOME’s restful movie theater where you can enjoy Larry Clark’s first independent movie “KIDS”. Sit back on the couch and enjoy his debut film. PHYPS HOME, a Monday routine at homeThe second floor looks quite exactly like an actual house, designed with a bathroom, bedroom and study. The vintage furniture around the study were arranged in collaboration with Bottega Di Ennji, a mid-century furniture importing brand. You might want to stay longer at PHYPS HOME as you look around the furniture that resonate the beauty of the past century. The bedroom inside is decorated with blanket, towels and various Larry Clark goods to see more. Make yourself at HOME and take your time to enjoy looking at RBOW, seedkeeper and many other attractive lifestyle items in the bright bathroom.
Nordic lifestyle brand ARKET has released a special limited-edition collection. Aficionados of ARKET shouldn't miss this collection! A new collection for enthusiastic fans of ARKETARKET welcomes the pre-fall season with an exclusive line of ready-to-wear, accessories and homeware items featuring a special ARKET CAFÉ logo and illustration. The new limited-edition collection, dubbed CAFÉ MERCHANDISE, is specially designed to celebrate ARKET’s 23 locations and their customers worldwide through some of the brand’s most beloved essentials with the motif of its in-store café. “Our CAFÉ MERCHANDISE marks the next step on the journey of translating the ARKET lifestyle into a line of quality branded items – this time, with a playful twist on our typography,” said Karl-Johan Bogefors, Brand & Communications Director at ARKET. ARKET-branded items, including canvas tote bags and bottles, have been around with us, in everyday lives of many people. The CAFÉ MERCHANDISE collection includes unisex T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, canvas bags and kitchen aprons made from organic and recycled cotton, in black-and-white, as well as ceramic mugs. CAFÉ MERCHANDISE, one of the most sought-after collections, is available from all ARKET cafés and the brand’s website.
Louis Vuitton collaborated with art book publisher Assouline to publish its new book “Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh”. The book honors LV’s former men’s artistic director Virgil Abloh after his passing last year, highlighting the visionary designer’s life that decorated a magnificent page in the fashion history. Inspirations still aliveA visionary who never accepted limits to his creativity, Virgil Abloh pioneered across numerous areas. As a brilliant artist in the fields of arts, design and culture, he also showed active leadership in offering mentorship, philanthropic efforts and protection of rights and interests of the artistic communities. He made a role model for millennials and Gen-Zers, opening a new era of luxury defined by inclusivity, diversity and freedom. Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh presents numerous aspects of his inspirational life throughout eight chapters. Each chapter showcases the designer’s artworks from the Wizard of OZ and James Baldwin to 90’s hip-hop style, along with LV men’s collections and fashion shows orchestrated by Abloh, an iconic visionary who embraced diverse cultural narratives. The book highlights every important moment of his life, such as his first campaign photography shot by Inez & Vinoodh, revolutionary 3D invitation to fashion show, and the colorful image of rainbow runway design actualized by invited students wearing gradient t-shirts. Lines from the book of Abloh’s quotation collection titled “Abloh-isms” and over 320 iconic images of the designer are interspersed throughout the book to commemorate the versatile artist’s journey at Louis Vuitton. The title also includes chronicles of Abloh’s inner circle, including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Kendall Jenner, Kid Cudi and other figures, presenting his boundary-breaking partnerships extending beyond the realm of fashion. Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh comes in two different hardcover editions of Assouline’s Classics Collection: Classic Balloon Cover and Classic Cartoon Cover. The Balloon Cover is taken at the spin-off fashion show for 2022 Louis Vuitton men’s spring-summer collection in Miami, capturing the moment of a child onboard a gigantic red balloon of LV. The other cover features a cartoon artwork of artist Reggieknow who collaborated with Abloh in 2021 spring/summer men’s collection fashion show. Assouline also offers Ultimate Edition with a special-edition removable glossary highlighting Virgil Abloh’s sneakers with Louis Vuitton.
Nike has unveiled South Korea’s national football team kits, which capture the tradition and spirit of Korean football, to be worn at the upcoming “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022”. The new kits have been further improved by being faithful to Korea's unique culture and identity, which was placed as the basis of Nike’s design for the national football team kits, while reflecting the latest technology and the meaning of sustainability. An emblem of South Korea’s passionate energyThe home kit of the national football team centers on the motif of Dokkaebi, a mythical creature from traditional Korean folklore, with a vibrant red base featuring a wavy tiger-stripe graphic on the shoulders to represent the courageous strength and spirit of the players. In addition, when the jersey and shorts are put together, they form a Dokkaebi's tail graphic, which symbolizes passion and tenacious determination. The away kit reinterprets the traditional Korean pattern, tricolored taegeuk, which symbolizes the harmony of heaven, earth and humanity, and represents Korea’s national pride by applying minimal design elements against the black base. Inspired by tricolored taegeuk, the front print pattern in blue, red and yellow embodies the Korean Wave (Hallyu) and is reminiscent of tiger stripes, showing the deep connection between the home kit. In addition to the design based on traditional Korean elements, the new home and away kits put more emphasis on details and innovation to improve the player's performance. In particular, the most notable feature is that they are engineered with Dri-FIT ADV, Nike’s cutting-edge tech material platform, which was created with Nike’s comprehensive approach based on sport science and data analytics. By leveraging the data of numerous players, this material is engineered at the pixel-by-pixel level to enhance moisture-wicking ability and breathability for areas of the body where heat and sweat are most commonly generated. It provides more comfort and excellent functionality, which is expected to help players be in their best condition on the field. Through precise calculations, Nike’s design team incorporated fluid cut lines that match throughout the jersey and shorts, even during intense body movements, to visually emphasize the motion and energy of the players in action. In addition, the new kits are made using 100% recycled polyester fabric from recycled plastic bottles to minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality.