News about design in China
Finding a good quality bespoke laptop or iPad case can, sometimes, be a difficult task. Thankfully, China-based enterprise, Suoran, come to the rescue with their unique range of understated, eco-friendly products that are, apparently, made of 100% natural wool felt. Visit their Taobao store for more.
If you do not reside in China, a selection of Suoran products can be found on Amazon too.
JIA Inc. is a Hong Kong-based product design brand and collective. Established in 2007, the company offers designs from both established creatives, including Yung Ho Chang, as well as emerging talents. This Purple Clay Coffee Set by Gearlab is one of our faves.
Ubi Gallery is a contemporary jewellery design and ceramics store situated in Dashilar, Beijing. Initiated by Machtelt Schelling who, for the past 5 years, has acted as a crucial link in the art and design exchange between China and the Netherlands, the new space aims to promote Chinese and Asian jewellery design that exemplifies “careful consideration of materials” and works that “keep us curious”. We speak to Machtelt to find out more.
Shanghai-based Carl Liu pays tribute to Charles Eames through reconstructing the designer’s original Shell Chair with new materials. See more.
Founded by Lv Yongzhong, BANMOO is a Shanghai-based furniture design studio that “derives the ‘halfness’ (半 or ‘ban’) from the ‘fullness’ (满 or ‘man’). By carving out the innate essence from the ornate whole, BANMOO’s philosophy gives users the aesthetic freedom for spatial and temporal exploration…a discourse between Oriental aesthetic attitudes and individualistic creative approaches”. Via EightSix.
Shanghai-based designer, Denise Huang, produces Chinese slippers, shoes, handbags, hats and clothing that recall her hometown’s stylish roots. Suzhou Cobblers, her tiny flagship boutique, is located steps from Shanghai’s historic Bund.
The specialty item at Suzhou Cobblers is a line of all-silk, 100% hand-sewn slippers. Denise says she is inspired by Shanghai’s grandest era as a fashion capital. Her footwear features vibrant colours and playfully elegant patterns, appropriate for stepping onto the dance floor or shuffling around the house. Design China met with Denise to discuss more.
Photo via Lonely Planet.
New works - I Am A Monument - by Li Naihan.
“Shang Xia, founded in 2008 to showcase contemporary Chinese craftsmanship, opened its second boutique in Beijing, China World Mall on 8 October 2012. The boutique’s inaugural collection will focus on homeware and will include furniture, objects, accessories, garments and an extended tea experience”. Read more.
Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts graduate, Zheng Baohua, recently exhibited at 100% Design London with Zen Chair (left). One of her first collections however - The Natural Hallway (right) - addresses more prevalent issues surrounding daily rituals and living space, resulting in a solution comprising of multi-functional furniture for the corridor. Via EightSix.
