If you are a vegan, animal activist, nationalist or Skippy, perhaps you should look away now. If however you appreciate the innovative application of discarded materials into something new and functional, read on! Commissioned by chef Shannon Bennett to provide a distinctive Australian flavour to his much lauded restaurant, Vue De Monde, furniture designer Ross Didier did just that with his creation of the unique VDM Collection.
Mitchell Photography
Each piece of furniture spread thoughout the 3 rooms of Vue De Monde Restaurant features kangaroo fur and hide – the end product of a government controlled cull, to prevent overgrazing and damage to surrounding eco systems. The design of the furniture range draws on its original form – Chair and table legs reflect an animalistic stance, and vertical buttons are suggestive of spinal detailing (see below). Didier hopes the distinctive “life markings” on each unique piece of furniture will encourage people to think about the complete life cycle of the kangaroo, stating:
“It just seemed a bit of a waste that most of the skins were destined for shoes, footballs and European fashion houses without carrying their story”.
Mitchell Photography
Mitchell Photography
All materials used in the VDM collection are environmentally considered. Chair frames are made from Oak sourced from sustainably managed plantations. Telephone and computer waste has been used in the plastic seating shell, and the foam padding is certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA).
Mitchell Photography
If you want to view Ross Didier’s VDM Collection up close, hop on by to Vue de Monde, in the Rialto building, Melbourne. And in case you were wondering – yes Kangaroo is on the menu too.
