GLOBAL TRENDSETTERS

A SPOTLIGHT ON 10 NAMES IN THE DESIGN WORLD PIONEERING A PARADIGM SHIFT IN FURNITURE, LIGHTING, CERAMICS AND MORE

-  Aditi Sharma Maheshwari

GREEN LEADER 

The New York-based studio Slash Objects, helmed by Arielle Assouline-Lichten, is committed to creating a circular economy by diverting waste from landfills to new products. Merging materials such as marble, metal, concrete and ceramic with recycled rubber (a material that is largely discarded) creates an exciting mixture of textures showcased in pieces that can stand the test of time. From furniture to tableware, lighting to mats, the portfolio is diverse and inspiring.

GET THE LOOK Coexist coffee table in marble and brass by Slash Objects

BEAUTY IN THE ORDINARY

Michaele Simmering and Johannes Pauwen founded Kalon in Los Angeles to create products that inspire-but also to use design for positive change. The studio places emphasis on the simple beauty and emotive power of everyday objects, with a focus on natural materials and versatility. They work mostly in wood, with daybeds, desks, tables and other objects built by master craftspeople using a mix of traditional and high-tech methods. All materials are domestically sourced, with timber acquired from sustainably managed forests.

GET THE LOOK Caravan divan in white oak by Kalon

DELICATE MATTER 

Designers Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary were intrigued by the abstract yet soulful concept of 'softness' - seen in materials (velvet), colours (light pink, dusky blue), and sounds (whispers, rustle of leaves). The idea denotes malleability, a willingness to learn and a nuance of fluidity. This prompted the creation of their India-US-based practice, Soft-Geometry, with its coffee tables, lamps, chairs, candles and more featuring pleasingly sinuous curves and delicate visuals.

GET THE LOOK SW coffee table; SW velvet chair; SW fluffy chair, all by Soft-Geometry

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE