Latest news with #Modernist
Hypebeast
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Blue Green Works Unveils Sculptural Lighting Collection 'Crown'
Summary Blue Green Worksintroduces the 'Crown' collection, a sculptural lighting series that reinterprets the regal emblem through a minimalist lens. Conceived by Creative DirectorPeter B. Staples, the collection draws from his early fascination with tattoo iconography and medieval heraldry, distilling the crown's ceremonial weight into four refined fixtures. Each piece, crafted from hand-formed glass and polished steel or brass, strips away ornamentation while preserving the symbol's quiet authority, offering a modern meditation on tradition and form. Evolving from the studio's acclaimed 'Palm' series, 'Crown' continues Blue Green Works' exploration of materiality and silhouette. Glass 'petals' radiate from a central metal core, echoing Pierre Paulin's biomorphic curves and nodding to the legacy of Modernist design. The fixtures – Crown Pendant 1, Pendant 2, Pendant 3 and Flush Mount – balance expressive geometry with pragmatic function, casting a soft upward glow and a concentrated beam below. This duality reflects Staples's intent to give light a tangible shape, capturing not just illumination but its movement through space. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by master glass artisans in the Pacific Northwest, using a multi-phase process that emphasizes precision and restraint. The result is a collection that resists easy categorization, bridging eras and aesthetics. Available through Blue Green Works'official site, SCP in London and Triode in Paris, the 'Crown' collection stands as a testament to the studio's commitment to American craft and contemporary iconography.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Business Times
Danish delights
STARTING A NEW LIFE AS a couple invariably means setting up home together. And what better inspiration can you get than from Meik Wiking's My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place? The Danish concept of contentment and well-being is a source of comfort in a world filled with constant stimulation. If you're leaning towards Scandi-chic for your own happy home, get a head start with our curated list of design suggestions. Chant portable lamp Chant portable lamp. PHOTO: SPACE FURNITURE British designer Lee Broom's portable lighting fixture was inspired by architectural glass blocks ubiquitous in many buildings of the Modernist era. Produced in the United Kingdom at Broom's London factory, it is available in both frosted and clear glass; bases come in brushed gold, brushed silver or brushed bronze. The versatile, dimmable lamp can also be used outdoors. Available at Space Furniture. S$565 MK54 bookcase system MK54 bookcase system. PHOTO: DANISH DESIGN CO The sense of beauty from Mogens Koch's MK54 bookcase system stems from its extremely slim profile and intricate dovetail joints. Originally designed for Koch's home in 1928, the simple design is based on a module with six compartments. Fredericia Furniture has re-launched the system, continuing its ethos of celebrating Denmark's best designers of past decades. Available at Danish Design Co. From 1,272 euros (S$1,897) After chair After chair. PHOTO: W ATELIER The language of Fritz Hansen's After chair aligns with the minimal, geometric design language of its designer, London-based Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades. It is based on the idea of stacking layers and parts, with the curved backrest resting lightly on four slim legs. The essence of the design lies in its joints, which are slightly offset to express each component. Available at W Atelier. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Price upon request Ridge sofa Ridge sofa. PHOTO: MADE & MAKE The Ridge sofa by Copenhagen-based Norm Architects (the architecture and design studio behind projects such as Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and Audo Copenhagen in Denmark) has a low-slung profile and plush contours. Offering visual and visceral comfort, the sofa produced by Wendelbo rests on a subtle wooden base, and is available as a two or three-seater. Available at Made & Make. S$5,940 Hunting table Hunting table. PHOTO: XTRA Designed by Borge Mogensen, Carl Hansen & Son's Hunting table was first launched at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild furniture exhibition in 1950 and then relaunched in 2018. A larger version was introduced this year for bigger mealtime gatherings. Part of the Huntsman collection inspired by hunting lodges, it features a structure of brass supports and solid wood components. Available at Xtra. S$7,850 Drip sculptures Drip sculptures. PHOTO: ORIGIN MADE Helmed by Singaporean Gabriel Tan, Porto-based design brand Origin Made not only highlights its designers but also each design's makers. For example, the Drip sculptures are designed by Theophile de Bascher and handcrafted by Carlos Barbosa. The trio of maple wood sculptures are enigmatic objects of 'frozen' material, and can also be used as pedestals for fruit, jewellery and other small items. Available at 850 euros Dream View bench Dream View bench. PHOTO: XTRA Lise Vester's Dream View bench for Muuto was conceived as 'an invitation to pause and daydream for a moment', with a skyward-looking posture. The expressive seat's origins started at the seaside, with Vester mapping the natural curve of her own posture in the sand. Made from brushed stainless steel, it comes in two sizes to fit one or two persons side by side. Available at Xtra. Price upon request Ratio collection Ratio collection. PHOTO: FRAMACPH Frama's Ratio collection comprises a low console, a chest of drawers, trolley and side table. Like the name, their structure presents visual clarity and grounded proportions. Each has a 'floating' shelf at the top, giving the pieces a sense of lightness. Made of birch, they are designed by Ana Magalhaes Ilharco and Matilde Cortez de Lobao, who created the designs under the ilo furniture series. Available from From 745 euros Amanta sofa Amanta sofa. PHOTO: GRAFUNKT Illustrious Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini first designed the Amanta modular sofa in 1966 for C&B Italia (now B&B Italia). It blends inviting softness and industrial rationality, with removable cushions on a fibreglass structure. HAY has reissued a more sustainable version: the shell is now made from 99 per cent post-consumer ABS and cushions in 95 per cent bio-balanced foam. Available at Grafunkt. One seater from S$3,050 Cinnamon Gardens lamp Cinnamon Gardens lamp. PHOTO: MAISON AFFLUENCY Design studio Yabu Pushelberg's elegant aesthetic can be found in projects all over the globe, with one of the latest being Raffles Sentosa Singapore. The studio's Cinnamon Gardens floor lamp for Man of Parts recalls the artistic spirit of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as the artistic heritage of the Cinnamon Gardens district in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which inspired the sculptural lamp's name. Available from Maison Affluency. S$8,986
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Bid to save run-down studio in Scottish Borders of renowned designer
Bernat Klein, the Serbian-born designer who died in 2014, collaborated with major European fashion houses such as Dior. Nestled beside the A707 between Galashiels and Selkirk, the Category-A Listed Bernat Klein Studio is a striking piece of late Modernist architecture by Peter Womersley, built in 1972 as a creative hub for Klein. The building's owners have put the studio up for auction at a bargain price of £18,000. READ MORE: More than 100 jobs lost as IT firm enters administration as legal challenge launched Now Scottish Heritage Building Trust (SHT) has joined forces with the National Trust Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation, with support from The National Lottery [[Heritage]] Fund Scotland, in a bid to save the building from ruin and bring it back into public and community use. The venture has also garnered the support of Scottish Borders Council. A spokesperson for SHBT said: 'Our organisations have been working behind the scenes for several years to try to find a way forward for one of Scotland's most important twentieth-century buildings. 'Now, with the Category A-Listed studio set to be sold by public auction at the end of the month, we have launched a coalition project aimed at purchasing and restoring the building alongside a programme of public engagement. 'The first priority is to secure ownership of the property and prevent further deterioration. We are delighted that support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund gives the coalition the confidence to back a competitive bid for the building and have a plan for much-needed emergency repairs. 'To give us the best chance of success in acquiring the building at auction, SHBT is launching an urgent fundraising appeal to raise as much support as possible. 'It is estimated the full cost of restoration undertaken by specialists could exceed £2.5 – £3 million. If successful in purchasing the building, SHBT will oversee the delivery of a repair and restoration project working with the National Trust for Scotland and a range of conservation and architectural specialists. 'Once complete, it is intended the building will provide a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation as a new venue to inspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders.' Conceived as both a working studio and exhibition space, it celebrated the intersection of industrial craftsmanship and artistic vision. It is a two‑storey concrete and brick structure with powerful horizontal cantilevers, wide frameless glazing, and a brick-clad central service core – housing stairs, kitchen, and toilets – to free up the perimeter for workspaces and storage. Influenced by Wright's Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, it has been described as a 'modernist masterpiece of structural elegance integrated into its wooded landscape' but has been in a state of decline for more than 20 years. David Robertson, chief executive, Scottish Borders Council, said: 'Peter Womersley's Bernat Klein Studio is a proud part of our architectural heritage in the Scottish Borders. 'We are fortunate to have so many of his buildings in our area. Given this importance, we have been encouraging a sustainable long-term solution for Womersley's Bernat Klein Studio, located between Selkirk and Galashiels, for some time. (Image: Phil Wilkinson) 'We are delighted to support this coalition of heritage and arts bodies who offer an exciting future for this building which will strengthen not only our local heritage but provide new creative and economic opportunities for our region.' Donations and pledges of support for the campaign to acquire and restore Bernat Klein Studio can also be made directly to Scottish Historic Buildings Trust through Millie Leadbetter-Wilcock, millie@ 0131 220 1232. The property is being auctioned by Savills.
Fashion Value Chain
6 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Hibiki Presents ‘Hibiki Making Harmony'
In an exquisite showcase of Japanese craftsmanship and cultural artistry, Hibiki, the heart of the House of Suntory unveiled its signature experience, Hibiki Making Harmony, at Modernist, Four Seasons, Mumbai. Bringing alive the Japanese philosophy of harmony and nature, Hibiki Making Harmony offered a sensorial journey that reflected the essence of Hibiki – the paragon of Japanese luxury spirit. Hibiki celebrates the Harmony of Japanese People and Nature brought to life through Monozukuri – Japanese Craftsmanship. From the balanced blend of rare malt and grain spirits to the design of its 24-faceted bottle inspired by Japan's seasons, every element paid tribute to the artistry and precision that defines Hibiki. Hibiki Making Harmony: An exquisite showcase of Japanese craftsmanship and cultural artistry by the House of Suntory Anchored in the poetic philosophy of Kacho Fugetsu, a reverence for the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, Hibiki Making Harmony offered more than an event; it embodied Hibiki's nuanced blend of time-honored tradition and modern elegance. Drawing inspiration from Kokimurasaki, the deep royal purple once reserved for Japanese nobility, the evening reflected the brand's enduring commitment to refinement, intentionality, and craft. Guests were immersed in a series of thoughtfully curated installations that captured the transient beauty of Japan's 24 seasons, with the heart of the experience being The Hibiki Serving Ritual-a meditative ceremony that elevated the experience using hand-carved ice and seasonal elements. The ritual paid homage to the cyclical nature of time, inviting guests to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with the essence of Japanese harmony. 'With Hibiki Making Harmony, we're not just showcasing Hibiki – we're deepening its role as a symbol of Japanese luxury and cultural storytelling,' said Rishi Walli, Senior Director, Marketing, Suntory Global Spirits. He further added, 'This experience brings to life the philosophy of harmony that defines Hibiki, in a way that resonates with the evolving tastes of premium consumers. As India's luxury spirits market becomes more experience-driven, initiatives like Hibiki Making Harmony enable us to deepen consumer engagement beyond the bottle – through immersive moments that reflect our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Hibiki embodies its standing as the paragon of luxury spirit. We are proud to offer a sensorial journey that appeals to discerning connoisseurs and modern tastemakers alike.' 'At RedBeryl™, we are proud to collaborate with Hibiki Suntory, uniting our shared dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and cultural reverence. This collaboration embodies our commitment to curating extraordinary experiences that redefine luxury for our Members. With our extensive network in India and across the globe we seamlessly integrate the finest offerings across domains like travel, exclusive access to member-only clubs, fine dining, and bespoke lifestyle services to elevate our Members' experiences. By blending global sophistication with cultural fluency, we craft unparalleled journeys that resonate with discerning connoisseurs, ensuring every interaction reflects the pinnacle of luxury and personalised excellence,' said Manoj Adlakha, Founder and CEO, RedBeryl™. The journey continued in the exclusive tasting lounge, where connoisseurs explored the nuances of Hibiki's craftsmanship. Rohan Jelkie and Ashish Dev Kapur shared the story behind Hibiki's legacy-from the origins of Japanese spirits and the birth of the Yamazaki distillery to the craftsmanship and harmony that define the brand today. Together, they highlighted how Hibiki brings diverse spirits into a seamless, refined blend. From malt spirits sourced from Yamazaki and Hakushu to grain spirits from Chita, and maturation in American white oak, Spanish oak, and Mizunara casks, each expression revealed a layer of complexity and harmony that defines the Hibiki blend. Bridging sensory delight with cultural refinement, the experience seamlessly flowed from palate to presentation. The event was attended by notable industrialists and high net-worth individuals such as Ashish Kapur, Manoj Adlakha – Founder & CEO of RedBeryl along with leading entrepreneurs, collectors, and spirits aficionados, making it an evening of refined conversations and shared appreciation for Japanese artistry. Every detail, from the washi paper-inspired decor to the thoughtfully plated bites paired with Hibiki, reflected its aesthetic of harmony and its commitment to honoring fleeting beauty. Hibiki embodies the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, blending tradition, nature, and artistry in every sip. As the icon of The House of Suntory, it redefines spirits through cultural collaborations and immersive experiences, while upholding the rigorous standards of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). In support of these standards, JSLMA introduced the 'JW' certification logo to help consumers identify genuine Japanese spirits worldwide. As the association works toward Geographical Indication (GI) status, the House of Suntory remains committed to preserving authenticity, advancing craftsmanship, and setting global benchmarks for excellence. Hibiki Making Harmony marks another milestone in The House of Suntory's ongoing journey to engage with India's discerning luxury and spirits audience. By creating intimate, culturally rooted experiences like this, Hibiki transcends its category, offering a bridge between tradition and modernity. As the House of Suntory continues to grow in India, events like Hibiki Making Harmony reaffirm its dedication to preserving the essence of Japanese spirits while fostering meaningful global connections. About House of Suntory Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the founding house of the Japanese Spirit. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japans first malt distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Toriis son and Suntorys second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries, including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntorys master blenders carry on, Suntory remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to confirm that all exported Suntory Japanese Spirit products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old being recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Spirits are subtle, refined, and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Toki™ and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku™ and Haku™. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku™ and Haku™ represent the nature and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory celebrated one hundred years of spirit innovation-a major milestone not only for the brands history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Modernist masterpiece built for renowned textile designer up for auction
It was ranked the fifth most influential building to be constructed in Scotland since the end of the Second World War in 2005 by a panel of leading Scottish architecture experts. Now a former textile studio in the Borders has been advertised for sale at auction for the 'bargain' guide price of £18,000. Nestled beside the A707 near Selkirk, the Bernat Klein Studio is a striking piece of late Modernist architecture by Peter Womersley, who also gave us the Gala Fairydean Rovers Spectators Stand, which is widely recognised as Scotland's finest example of Modernist Brutalist architecture. It was built in 1972 as a creative hub for Bernat Klein, a key figure in Modernist design and one of the 20th century's most celebrated textile designers. Conceived as a workspace for design, weaving, exhibiting samples and business meetings, it celebrated the intersection of industrial craftsmanship and artistic vision. READ MORE: Village church for sale as congregation search for new home Shuna Island owned by same family for 80 years goes on sale Home on 'most picturesque street in Glasgow' hits the market for £495k The building was designed to connect harmoniously with its setting on the sloping wooded site; the severe horizontality of the concrete elements succeed in contrasting with the verticals of the trees around it. The Studio won a RIBA award in 1973 for its design and exemplary use and combination of the materials of concrete, brick, steel and glass. It was also awarded the Edinbugh Architectural Association Centenary Medal. It sits near High Sunderland, Klein's own home, which was also built by Peter Womersley - in 1958 - and is recognised as one of Scotland's finest modernist homes. Sold in the early 1990s, the Bernat Klein Studio served as office space until the early 2000s when it was acquired with the idea of converting it into a residential dwelling. After an initial positive flurry of development activity, the Studio has spent most of the 21st century awaiting this repurposing. The category A-Listed building has also been subjected to vandalism and water ingress in recent years and is currently on the Buildings At Risk register. Bernat Klein Studio (Image: Phil Wilkinson) In 2018, a group of people with passion for the work of Peter Womersley launched the campaign to raise awareness of the Studio and its architectural, cultural and historical importance. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) describe it as a "late Modernist horizontally styled two-storey rectangular-plan concrete and glazed studio space set on brick plinth with cantilevered overhanging upper floor, entrance bridge to side and central brick service core through to roof". Outlining the reasons why it is considered to be of special architectural, HES adds: "The Studio is a very fine sculptural late Modernist building designed by Peter Womersley, the internationally renowned Borders-based architect. The contrasting structural elements of bold horizontal cantilevered striated concrete join with finely framed vertical glazing to illustrate a monumental sensibility executed with sophistication and with great attention to detail. The studio design displays elements of Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, the seminal project which Womersley himself admitted inspired him to take up a career in architecture in his teens." Serbian-born Klein settled in the Scottish Borders after the Second World War, setting up a textile business in Galashiels which would go on to supply his innovative fabrics to some of Europe's top fashion houses. Bernat Klein was one of the 20th century's most celebrated textile designers (Image: Phil Wilkinson) Regarded as one of the 20th century's leading forces in Modernist design, Klein's genius eye for design transformed British textiles over four decades: clients from Chanel and Christian Dior to Marks and Spencer craved his colourful tweeds, and the fabrics and yarns he designed were worn by superstar models such as Jean Shrimpton and Princess Margaret. At the peak of his popularity, his Borders mill employed 600 people, and his fingerprints were on everything from skeins of yarn sold in high street wool shops – to be knitted at home according to patterns designed by his designer wife, Margaret – to sewing patterns, upholstery fabrics and colourful rugs, to ready-to-wear fashion. Fashion bible Vogue praised him for having 'revolutionised traditional English fabrics to win them new recognition abroad'. Following his death at the age of 91 in 2014, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) said his influence went "well beyond Scotland". RIAS secretary Neil Baxter also pointed out that "for a generation of Scottish women, owning a Bernat Klein creation was an aspiration". In late 2022 and early 2023, The National Museum of Scotland held a major exhibition devoted to the life and career of Klein to mark the centenary of his birth. The Bernat Klein Studio is listed for auction with a guide price of £18,000. For more information on the auction, visit the Savills website
