Melbourne is abuzz this time of year with late July marking the start of various design events showcasing the latest in furniture, fashion, textiles, graphics and industrial design. One event I particularly look forward to is Design:Made:Trade, which alternates each year between Melbourne and Sydney. I missed it last year when in Sydney, but this year it’s Melbourne’s turn. Hooray! It’s a great opportunity to see what is new in Australian design, have a casual chat to the designers, and view their work up close and personal. Here’s a sneak peek at just some of the fab products this year …
TOP: Pillow Poet BOTTOM: Sustainable Stubbies by Ruth Allen
Adding a quirky and 100% organic cotton touch to the bedroom is Pillow Poet, who prints quirky and heartfelt messages onto pillowcases. Her “owl” range will also be worth look (if not just for the laugh!). I LOVE Sustainable Stubbies by glass sculptor Ruth Allen. She re-forms old glass bottles into stylish vases, tumblers and jugs. It is little wonder her Sambucca Set (above) has just been shortlisted in the Melbourne Design Awards!
Klag by Dale Hardiman
Design:Made:Trade is the place where you find designers who are really pushing the boundaries and exploring what can be achieved in design. Dale Hardiman’s Klag is case in point. Not only does the 3 leg Klag chair feature amazing design ergonomics, it is made from a new resin based product that uses a coal combustion waste by-product called Fly Ash ~ putting good use to the incredible 1,100,000 tonne of this waste product produced in southwest Queensland.
Based in Victoria, Sands Made passion is all about food, which is reflected in their sleek timber kitchen and table products. I particularly love their large cheeseboard/cutting board paddles!
Design:Made:Trade is open to trade on 19/20 July 2012, then throws it doors open to the design savvy public on Saturday and Sunday 21/22 July 2012. Mark it down in your diary – See you there?
Design Made Trade: Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 19 – 22 July, 2012.
Wow! All these designs are really very amazing. But I like chair design most. It is very unique and cool.