Since Laurence Carr, Inc. is an international design firm, we derive a great deal of inspiration from global architecture, design, and fashion events globally. Keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry trends, especially those with regard to sustainability and circular design, is an intrinsic cornerstone of our approach.
Although we’ve been unable to travel to industry events this year due to the pandemic (and we miss the adventure terribly), we have very much enjoyed the opportunity to experience them virtually, by attending these events from the comfort of our own homes.
This fall featured many terrific trade shows that provided us a great deal of fodder to dream of and allow to infuse our imaginations as we look forward to the future of design. Come along with us, as we share some of our favorite designs and collections from recent international design events!
From the Salon Art + Design Interactive Magazine event
Crystal Cluster: This hand-blown illuminated glass sculpture by Jeff Zimmerman recalls the shape and luminousness of crystals, which is an imaginative and fantastical way to create an analog for natural elements in a space.
Macin Rusak’s Floral Credenza is another stunning piece that incorporates natural beauty into functional furnishings. Exotic florals and leaves are set in place by white resin, crafting an unforgettably romantic and biophilic effect.
Connected explores how designers and craftspeople came to adapt their workspaces during the time of COVID-19. For this project, the sustainability-minded American Hardwood Export Council, Benchmark Furniture, and the Design Museum challenged nine international designers to create a personally-developed table and seating for home life and work. The designers also recorded their creative journeys, giving a glimpse into how they developed their designs during these challenging times.
The resulting pieces are displayed at The Design Museum as an installation, celebrating the act of physically reconnecting after lockdown. But you can enjoy a virtual tour by clicking here!
In the words of Justin McGuirk, Chief Curator at the Design Museum:
“Commissioning nine designers to make furniture from wood doesn’t sound like a particularly original brief. But these are not ordinary times. We are all being over-exposed to our homes, and having to adapt to new patterns of working. The pandemic has forced each designer to approach their home-working set-up with a completely fresh perspective – what do they really need? The Connected project is a rare opportunity for them to design for themselves, but the key challenge is that they will have to rely entirely on digital communication.”
STUDIO WEAVE’S HOTHOUSE
For the festival, Studio Weave constructed Hothouse, an arched greenhouse pavilion created to draw attention to rising temperatures caused by climate change. Hothouse is filled with many tropical species of plants, which will be able to be grown outdoors in London in the next 30 years due to the rapidly changing climate. I could hardly believe it when I learned about this!
My favorite collection this year is the Spring/Summer 2021 array from the legendary Miss Gee, rich with reimagined nautical inspiration, irresistibly whimsical botanical elements, and other unexpected details perfect for a spring getaway or a night on the town.
I am so thoroughly impressed by the quality of these online exhibitions. If you’re feeling a bit of wanderlust or are itching for some inventive design inspiration, hop into a virtual event and see what catches your fancy!
Even if we couldn’t be there in person, the team at Laurence Carr is quite inspired by these virtual events, and look even more forward to the chance to attend in person, next year!
