Sight Lines

Singaporean industrial designer Gabriel Tan charts a new milestone with his first collaboration with Italian furniture giant B&B Italia

- Hong Xinying

When Singaporean industrial designer Gabriel Tan made the bold decision in 2020 to relocate to Portugal in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it helped kick-start a series of momentous collaborations. The first of which is with Italian manufacturer B&B Italia, one of the most recognisable furniture makers in the world.

Titled Quiet Lines, the B&B Italia collection is designed for the bedroom, and crafted in a way to inspire a sense of tranquillity and help elevate daily routines in this personal space. Tan will also soon unveil new collections with a leading American manufacturer as well as a sofa range with a German brand later this year and in 2024, respectively. He has been relishing all the opportunities that his relocation has offered by deepening his professional connections in Europe, while being in close proximity to the workshops where his designs are made.

“Being based in Porto, a city with a growing design culture, has also allowed me to connect with other designers and creatives, which has been a source of inspiration and support,” shares the 2019 Gen.T honouree, who is known for his pared-back designs that pair a timeless appeal and attention to craft traditions. His spatial design practice Antimatter has also realised beautiful abodes in Singapore, including an award-winning penthouse that was named one of the winners at the Tatler Homes Design Awards – Singapore in 2022.

Besides helming his eponymous studio, Tan also founded Origin Made, a design collectibles brand with objects crafted by Portuguese artisans. He is also creative director for the Japanese furniture brand Ariake.