Tuesday, March 27

Delicate Protection

BY FRANKLINTILL

Blending modern concepts with traditional high-quality craftsmanship, materials and finishes are carefully chosen to deliver a greater emotional experience. Grids, cages, frames and construction are the source of inspiration for fashion designers, jewelers and furniture makers. Delicate structures create a protective skeletal cage around an object playing on notions of protection and fragility.

Wire is stretched and manipulated creating a tension between materials as seen in Rick Tegelaar's Meshmatics collection. Using a set of specially created tools and machinery, chicken wire is forced to take the shape of a given form. Bamboo paper is then applied to create a fine shell forming a delicate yet robust structure.

Otherwise unadorned the cage-like structures express a sensuality of utilitarian materials. Philippe Malouin's Gridlock furniture collection is constructed of metal and concrete playing homage to 20th century utopian architects. His geometric cage-like grids are reminiscent of brutalist structures.

Experimental luxury jewelry designer Jacqueline Rabun captures free-floating diamonds within a precious metal cage, the stone is free to move around but is contained within the microstructure.

Refinement of material and finish are key, demarcating the quality and value of a product. A palette of sophisticated metallics combined with simple neutral tones creates an understated timeless look and feel. Charcoal grey and deep navy replace classic black for a modern update for a luxury palette.

Colour Palette:

PANTONE 877 U

PANTONE Cool Gray 3 U

PANTONE 426 U

PANTONE 871 U

PANTONE 296 U

GFSMITH: Tapestry Black Pearl Silkweave

GFSMITH: Peregrina Classics Metallic Silver

GFSMITH: Peregrina Classics Metallic Gold