Latest news with #Formafantasma
The Hindu
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Down Under by Milan's Formafantasma explores Nature and science through art
Building on the conversations around the environment and educating children about Nature, Milan's research-based design studio Formafantasma is out with a picture book for young readers and adults alike. Titled Down Under: The Curious Fall of a Child Who Knew Nothing and Became Everything, the book (illustrated by Clément Vuillier) is structured in two parts. It begins with the story about a child 'who, upon falling into a hole in an open field, embarks on a journey through the hidden layers of the Earth, encountering unexpected lifeforms that shift his worldview'. The book's second part features contributions from scientists and educators who inspired the story such as geologist Roland Dreesen, and ecologist Natalie Beenaerts, among others. Formafantasma 'investigates the ecological, historical, political and social forces shaping the discipline of design today' through product design, spatial design, etc. Founded in 2009 by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, the studio aims at facilitating 'a deeper understanding of both our natural and built environments and propose transformative interventions through design and its material, technical, social, and discursive possibilities'. As for Down Under, the project originated from a commission and residency programme by C-mine (a creative hub and cultural centre in Belgium) that explored the nature and purpose of Belgium's post-industrial territories. 'To challenge the perception of these sites as ruins awaiting reclamation, we focussed our attention on terrils — artificial heaps formed by the accumulation of waste soil from coal mine excavations — presenting them as dynamic landscapes in a continuous state of transformation, even in the absence of human intervention,' says Andrea, adding that following their site visits and conversations with curator Louise Osieka, and geologists, entomologists, and microbiologists, the team saw an opportunity to broaden the scope of the project. 'Eschewing conventional research outputs, we set out to create a children's book that explores the intricate relationship,' he adds. Together with Roland Dreesen and the University of Hasselt, the team collected microscopic imagery — using petrography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) — which played a crucial role in shaping the book's visual language. 'At the same time, we initiated a dialogue with art historian Teresa Castro, exploring representations of Nature and the critical significance of these unique landscapes. All of this material laid the foundation for the fable that opens the book, a story we chose to write ourselves,' explains Andrea. Inspired by designers like Bruno Munari and Enzo Mari — who saw childhood as a critical space for shaping civic imagination and social responsibility — this project 'engages with children's education as a meaningful site for design intervention', says Simone, 'We believe that addressing today's ecological challenges requires a cultural shift, one that moves beyond a human-centred perspective and embraces the complex interdependence between species. Down Under is an attempt to contribute to that shift.' Explaining how the fable moves on to a more analytical section, featuring critical texts and interviews with experts from the scientific community, Simone says through this dual structure, Down Under, 'encourages reflection at different stages of life, functioning as both a children's book and a transgenerational educational tool. Regarding the physical object, we sought to preserve the materiality and sense of seriousness associated with a book in general, restoring the dignity and presence often missing in children's publications, which are typically brief and overly simplified. Our goal was to offer children a meaningful object that acknowledges their agency and intellectual capacity.' Designing for children also meant the team had to reconsider their way of presenting the book. 'Not by simplifying content, but by reframing it through storytelling. We were committed to avoiding any form of patronising attitude or oversimplification. Instead, we sought to convey the complexity of the post-industrial landscape and ecological themes in a way that felt tangible, yet remained clear and truthful. This demanded a careful calibration of tone and structure to ensure the book could engage younger readers without diluting the subject matter,' concludes Simone. Priced at ₹3,494, the book is available on
Time Out
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts
Classical elegance and Mediterranean heritage meet daring innovation in the artisanal jewellery of Bulgari, the Rome-based luxury house that's become synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship over its 140-year history. This show, the brand's largest in Japan and its first in a decade, offers an opulent journey through nearly 350 pieces of jewellery and contemporary art. Its name a portmanteau of the Greek words kalos (beautiful) and eidos (form), the show presents a kaleidoscopic narrative where colour is both the medium and the message. It showcases Bulgari's use of hues as a hallmark of its innovation, from the postwar 'chromatic revolution' in gemstones to the vibrant combinations that define the brand's legacy today. Divided into three thematic chapters, the exhibition explores colour through scientific, cultural and sensory lenses. Contemporary artists Mariko Mori, Lara Favaretto and Akiko Nakayama offer personal meditations on the theme, while scenography by architect Kazuyo Sejima and design studio Formafantasma unites Roman grandeur with Japanese minimalism.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jil Sander Steps Into Venetian Glass With Formafantasma and Venini to Fete New Venice Store
MILAN — When in Venice. Fashion brand Jil Sander indulged in the history-laden world of Venetian glass for the opening of its brand new store in Venice's Piazza San Marco. On Tuesday, it announced that it unveiled a special collection of Murano glass vases for the new location, situated steps away from the ancient seat of the Venetian Republic, Palazzo Ducale, which is also known as the Doge's Palace. For the collection named Stone, it teamed up with design powerhouse Formafantasma, the Milan and Rotterdam, Netherlands-based design studio founded by Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi. Formafantasma designed Stone, while the glass creations were blown and handcrafted by Murano-based Venini's artisans. Formafantasma, who most recently designed the bottles for Jil Sander's Olfactory Series 1 Collection of fragrances, was also appointed for the interior design of the store. The boutique officially opened May. 9 and took place concurrently with the opening of the Venice Architecture Biennale, which runs until Nov. 23. More from WWD Inside Kecia Steelman's Far-reaching Vision for Ulta Beauty Assessing Modern Luxury With Bluemercury's Maly Bernstein How Leaders Tackle Tariffs, Supply Chain Costs and Geopolitical Uncertainty The collection consists of four poetic yet contemporary shapes Stone 01, Stone 02, Stone 03 and Stone 04 — each made in a limited edition of nine pieces and distinct for their deliberate imperfections, explained Venini's president Silvia Damiani. 'Glass is a living, unpredictable material that only responds to those who know how to listen to it. It is thanks to the sensitivity and experience of our master glassmakers that we are able to transform uncertainty into art,' Damiani said. Venini was founded in 1921 by Paolo Venini, a Milanese lawyer, and Giacomo Cappellin, a Venetian antiques dealer. It was taken over by the Damiani Group known for its eponymous jewelry brand in 2016. Jil Sander said Formafantasma worked closely with Venini's artisans to shape the nuances of each piece. 'These subtle differences reflect presence and attention, allowing the vases to result into their final shape. This approach stands in contrast to industrial production, which prioritizes uniformity. Craft invites unpredictability and rewards curiosity,' the brand said. Each product features the sandblasted Jil Sander logo and the engraved Venini and Formafantasma signatures. The collection is exclusively available at the Jil Sander store in Venice. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art Basel 2025: Formafantasma, Grace Wales Bonner Medalists of Brand New Award
MILAN — The art world has a brand new accolade for individuals who resonate across the creative universe. On Thursday, Art Basel organizers named 36 visionary contenders, among them London-based fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, design studio Formafantasma, as well as Moroccan artist Meriem Bennani, Swiss art patron Maja Hoffmann and Chinese artist Cao Fei, who has worked with fashion brands Prada and Gucci. These 36 names were selected across nine award categories and recognized through categories that include emerging, established and iconic creators of art, and broader art industry categories include curators, museums and institutions, patrons and media. More from WWD Christoph von Weyhe, Lifelong Partner of Azzedine Alaïa, Dies at 88 This Parachute-like Linen Blend Dress Won Loro Piana's 2025 Knit Design Award Bobbi Brown, Lauren Bush Lauren and More Honored at Einstein College of Medicine Spirit of Achievement Luncheon In tandem, the fair's organizers announced the Art Basel Awards Summit will take place June 20, in-line with the duration of the fair that runs June 19 to June 22 in Basel, Switzerland. The inaugural Art Basel Awards will be presented by Boss. The German fashion brand is lending its support to the new awards program, which aims to elevate honorees through mentorship, partnership and exhibition opportunities. 'They represent the gold standard for excellence for art practitioners and professionals who defy categorization and challenge conventions,' Art Basel said in a statement, adding that these individuals are cross-disciplinary and are relevant beyond the art world and through allied fields of fashion, design, music, film, publishing, and the performing arts. Only 12 names will go on to gold medalist status, which they deem Art Basel's highest honor. The final recipients will be revealed in December 2025 during the Art Basel Awards in Miami Beach. Winners in the Emerging and Established artist categories will receive $50,000 as an unrestricted honorarium. Those in the Icon Artist category will receive the same sum as a gift to be donated to the organization of their choice. 'The Art Basel Awards are not a competition but a beacon. They shine a light on those working with vision, skill and commitment to building communities of practice and exchange,' said Art Basel Awards chairman Vincenzo de Bellis. De Bellis is also the director of fairs and exhibition platforms for Art Basel. Gold medalists in the Established Artist category will also receive a major public commission. The first will debut at Art Basel in Basel in 2026. The jury includes a long roster of design pillars that includes de Bellis, Emirati curator Hoor Al-Qasimi and Serpentine Galleries director Hans Ulrich Obrist. Cultural leader Koyo Kouoh was a juror until her untimely death in May. The inaugural Art Basel Awards will be presented by German fashion brand Boss, organizers said in February. Art Basel was founded in 1970 by Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner and Balz Hilt. Today, the fair has expanded and has events in Paris, Miami Beach and Hong Kong. Best of WWD Dapper Dan, Legendary Harlem Tailor, Style Icon and Modern Dandy Pioneer [PHOTOS] White House Correspondents' Dinner's Best Dressed Guests of All Time: Sofia Vergara, Demi Moore and More Met Gala 2025 Committee Member Tyla's Red Carpet Moments [PHOTOS]
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The best of Milan Design Week 2025 including exhibitions at Fuorisalone
Lexus Designer Team's 'Discover Together' encouraged us to create and release our own unique virtual butterfly to illustrate the transformative power of small actions Milan Design Week is an exuberant celebration that transforms every nook and cranny of this vibrant Italian city, renowned for its design, style and fashion. Originating in 1961 as the Salone del Mobile—a fair aimed at promoting Italian furniture exports—it has since blossomed into a global beacon of creativity. Complementing the main fair, the Fuorisalone emerged spontaneously in the 1980s, extending the festivities beyond the exhibition halls into boutiques, showrooms and pop-up spaces throughout Milan. This dynamic duo not only showcases innovations from furniture to fashion but also effectively kick-starts the global creative season, drawing design aficionados from around the world. The vast scale of Milan Design Week makes it simply impossible to experience everything. Yet, being on the ground in person offers a unique flavor of the global design discourse. This year, the festival chimed with the theme 'Thought for Humans,' exploring our identity in this ever-accelerating machine age (although as a side note, I couldn't help but reflect on how we're faring on a human-to-human scale.) Through various installations, exhibitions and talks, the event examined how design can navigate the man-machine relationship through human-centered approaches that prioritize well-being and sensory engagement. This naturally led to numerous thoughtful, sustainable and innovative designs in almost every gallery and showroom I had the chance to visit. 'Prada Frames: In Transit' is curated by Formafantasma and held quirkily abroad Gio Ponti's ultra cool Arlecchino train 'Prada Frames: In Transit' encapsulated the theme well. Launched in 2022 by the design duo behind Formafantasma, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, the symposium is an antidote to the sheer speed and (at times) lightness of Fuorisalone, instead fostering interdisciplinary conversations that challenge and expand our understanding of the infrastructures shaping contemporary life. This year, academics, artists and designers gathered at the Padiglione Reale, the former waiting room of the Italian royal family at Milano Centrale station, and aboard Arlecchino, the ultra-cool 1950s Gio Ponti train. The choice of venues added urgency (and a touch of stylish theatre—this is Milan after all) to discussions on how generative AI is shaping the environment, the infrastructure of borders, and the complex choreography of global systems and exchange. In one session, artist Hito Steyerl and curator Natalia Grabowska explored the nuanced ways surveillance technologies are embedded in modern infrastructure, and what this means for personal freedoms. Elsewhere, MoMA senior curator Paola Antonelli and journalist Nicola Twilley reviewed the sensory aspects of infrastructure, and how design and food systems intersect to influence our human experience. A favourite at Milan has to be Nilufar Gallery and founder Nina Yashar's commitment to championing emerging designers as well as pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. This year, 'Repertorio' explored the relationship between art and craft, nature and artifice, and history and the present across the gallery's two venues: Nilufar Depot on the city's edge and Nilufar Gallery in Milan. At the former, celebrating metal's aesthetic qualities, 'Atto I: Silver Lining,' conceived by Fosbury Architecture, transformed the space into an environment inspired by 1970s aesthetics. Benjamin Hubert's design studio, LAYER, presented '101010' at 10 Corso Como Meanwhile, addressing pressing global challenges such as urban density, resource scarcity, and environmental resilience, Benjamin Hubert's design studio, LAYER, presented '101010' at 10 Corso Como. The exhibition unveiled a collection of six prototypes developed in collaboration with brands like Andreu World, Bitossi Ceramiche, Kvadrat, MDF Italia, Muuto, RÆBURN and Orrefors, each reflecting the studio's commitment to human-centered, sustainable design. Highlights included 'Host,' a modular bee home created with Andreu World to promote urban biodiversity, and the algae-powered oil lamps 'Lights' with Muuto, offering renewable, off-grid illumination. Another highlight was at Lexus, where the Japanese carmaker took over Superstudio to showcase two exhibitions, both aiming to explore how design can ease the tension between man and machine. The main installation, 'A-Un,' by Tokyo-based creative agency Six and design studio Studeo, delves into the Japanese concept of A-Un no Kokyū or harmonized breath—a traditional notion where two entities instinctively synchronize their movements and emotions. Using the Black Butterfly motif from the latest Lexus LF-ZC concept car, it featured a vast butterfly-shaped screen crafted by hand over three months using woven threads made from about 35 kilometers of bamboo fiber. As we approach the installation, the structure comes to life, responding to our heartbeats; as the heartbeat synchronizes with fluctuations sampled from nature, we witness the seamless connection between people, society and the world. When I spoke with the creators, Takeshi Nozoe of Six and Tatsuki Ikezawa of Studeo, they offered this explanation: 'Big Data is not living. It's inorganic. We are expressing it as if it's a living thing: sensing the visitors' heartbeat, the color changes from blue to yellow, and then red for fast. We wanted to express A-Un no Kokyū, one of the very important Japanese aesthetic philosophies about human-to-human connection. In Japan, we find beauty in that connection—something that is invisible.' Lexus "A-Un" installation created in collaboration with creative agency Six and design studio Studeo introduced emotion to technology Elsewhere on the stand, three installations invited visitors to participate in creating their own butterfly. In 'Earthspective' by Bascule Inc, participants' spoken words became imprints on a digital Earth, emphasizing our collective impact on the planet. Northeastern University's 'Our Energy Nexus' visualized real-time air pollution data, with visitors' interactions symbolically contributing to environmental change. My favorite though was from the Lexus Designer Team and their 'Discover Together' which encouraged us to create and release our own unique virtual butterfly as a way of illustrating the transformative power of small actions. 'A-Un,' by Tokyo-based creative agency Six and design studio Studeo, delves into the Japanese concept of A-Un no Kokyū or harmonized breath And finally, this being Milan, it would be remiss not to mention fashion's contributions to Fuorisalone. All the big Italian names were naturally present. Gucci's 'Bamboo Encounters' in the Cloisters of San Simpliciano explored the material's legacy and contemporary relevance through designs by several outside creatives. Jil Sander collaborated with heritage furniture maker Thonet to introduce at Galleria Il Castello, a minimalist reinterpretation of Marcel Breuer's timeless S64 chair. Loewe's 'Teapots' was all about championing the art of craft, featuring 25 artists and their interpretations of the classic teapot to blur the line between function and art. Louis Vuitton unveiled its latest products and furnishings from the 'Objets Nomades' series at Palazzo Serbelloni—a more straightforward presentation compared to its peers. Charlotte Perriand, La Banquette de la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Japon à Paris, 1967 by Saint Laurent More interestingly perhaps was Saint Laurent's exhibition on via Tortona which spotlighted the legendary designer Charlotte Perriand. It featured four of her creations from 1943 to 1967 which had previously existed only as prototypes or sketches. Under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has meticulously reproduced and reissued these pieces in limited editions, offering a rare glimpse into Perriand's visionary work. Saint Laurent and Charlotte Perriand's 'La Bibliothèque Rio de Janeiro' made in 1962 for her husband Jacques Martin The collection includes 'La Banquette de la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Japon à Paris,' a striking monolithic five-seat sofa of rosewood, cane and Thai silk that gives the impression of floating on air which Perriand designed originally in 1967 for the Japanese ambassador in Paris. Also reproduced is 'La Bibliothèque Rio de Janeiro', conceived to display works of art alongside books and originally made in the 60s for her husband Jacques Martin from solid Brazilian rosewood. And finally, a favorite concept from the fashion crowd comes via Prada, a designer with an impeccable eye for art, architecture and design (a visit to Milan is incomplete without at least half a day lost and found in Fondazione Prada). At Miu Miu, the designer hosted a salon-style event as part of the fashion house's Literary Club. Titled 'A Woman's Education,' it explored girlhood and love through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Fumiko Enchi and featuring performances and discussions with authors Lauren Elkin and Naoise Dolan. The Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone 2025 take place throughout Milan from April 7 to April 13, 2025. See what's happening at the 24th Triennale Milano starting in May here, and read my 2024 year in art. For more articles on art and design, visit my page here.
