Throughout history, women have left an indelible mark on this creative field, shaping both aesthetics and functionality with their innovative designs.
Studiopepe
Studiopepe is a design, architecture and creative direction agency based in Milan, founded by Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto. The duo is known for their distinct way of working with composition and graphic form, as their unexpected concepts and stories vividly take physical form.
These sides of their practice are distilled in Relevo, meaning relief in Latin. Hand-tufted in India, the rug is a refined piece with a great sense of identity and not least, texture. Its characteristic furrows are made by trimming the wool in different levels, creating a striking graphic pattern and a visual sense of depth.
"There is a wonderful tension between Scandinavian and Italian design—both emphasize simplicity with a meaning. Often, it is marked by a particular interest in enduring materials, one that we deeply relate to as we aspire to design objects made to last and only become more beautiful with time" – Studiopepe on Scandinavian design.
Bethan Gray
Bethan Gray is an award-winning Welsh designer whose work is an inspired and distinctive take on how to combine tradition with modernity. Simply put, Gray’s work is extraordinary, exquisite and elegant.
Bethan Gray combines a passion for luxurious natural materials, leather, marble and solid wood, with extensive knowledge of craftsmanship and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Inky Dhow is an evolution of the Dhow pattern, inspired by the billowing sails of traditional Omani sailing boats, translated into a large-scale artwork by hand using sweeping strokes of a calligraphy brush and ink. This lends a painterly depth to Inky Dhow’s more organic, flowing lines and its intense ultramarine hue.
Nathalie Du Pasquier
Nathalie Du Pasquier is a Milan-based artist and designer mostly known for her work as a founding member of the Memphis Group. She abandoned design in 1987 to dedicate herself to painting. Her themes are mainly objects or landscapes of objects and more recently her paintings represent constructions which she builds from abstract elements.
The Manifesto collection is a series of prints produced in the UK using the process of offset lithography and printed in 4 colour process.
Over the past couple of decades, Du Pasquier became fascinated with the imaging of two and three-dimensional objects. Du Pasquier's artwork consists of bold shapes and colours. Her paintings and figures represent a twist on abstract art. Du Pasquier says she strives to put “elements together that are interesting to paint."
Annabelle Klute
Annabelle Klute, originally from Germany, possesses a unique combination of skills as both an industrial designer and a goldsmith.
Annabelle gained valuable experience during her design tenure at Michael Anastassiades Studio in London. Currently based in Frankfurt, Annabelle plays a pivotal role in leading the product development team at e15.
Exploring different combinations and gradients of translucency, Kaisa presents a distinct character from each angle, drawing the eye to perceptive details and reflections.
Patricia Urquoila
Born in 1961 in Oviedo (Spain), Urquiola studied Architecture at Madrid Polytechnic before finishing her degree at Milan Polytechnic with renowned designer Achille Castiglioni as her lecturer.
Urquiola has worked with the world's leading Italian and international companies and has been awarded numerous accolades including the Gold Medal of Fine Arts by the Spanish Government and ‘Designer of the Year’ by leading magazines Wallpaper*, AD Spain, Elle Decor and Architektur & Wohnen.
Almendra – the “branch of light”– is a customisable modular lighting system. It embodies the idea of functional and efficient yet soft and gentle light that creates a comfortable ambience.
“The Almond (almendra in Spanish) is like a seed, an oval container that opens up to let the fruit out. For Flos, I thought of a suspension module inspired by this small shell when it’s open. Something natural but at the same time mechanical, simple, and poetic.” – Patricia Urquiola.
