Kohler has announced a new creative partnership with British artist and designer Samuel Ross and his industrial design studio, SR_A. Developed over the next few years, the collaboration will begin as Kohler celebrates its 150th anniversary, and will first be debuted during Design Miami 2023, with more presentations and experiences set to be unveiled throughout 2024.
The Wisconsin-based bathroom specialist is no stranger to creative collaboration, having always created special editions with artists and designers alongside its cutting-edge products. Most recently, the brand collaborated with Daniel Arsham on a 3D printed ceramic sink.
'Everyday objects can be works of art and provide delightful interactions,' says David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co. 'This concept has always been essential in the way we innovate and design products and experiences, and it will be further elevated in our creative partnership with SR_A.'
The collaboration, Kohler continues, 'will embrace the hallmarks of Samuel Ross’ artistic approach, often avant-garde and thought-provoking.'
A pupil of the late Virgil Abloh, Ross started streetwear brand A-Cold-Wall* in 2015, and was the recipient of the Hublot Design Prize in 2019. He launched his studio, SR_A (Samuel Ross & Associates) the same year, and presented a full collection of furniture in 2021, with gallery Friedman Benda during Design Miami.
'Our collaboration celebrates Kohler’s 150-year legacy of bold moments, expert craftsmanship and pioneering innovation. What lies ahead is an elevated form of self-expression for the home,' continues Kohler.
The collaboration, Ross explains, will be based on 'developing a new language for water solutions. We believe expression, and optimism can be communicated through radical engineering, and rechallenging expectations society may have towards familiarised objects. Our intention is to democratise access to design in its purest format, using water as a vessel to transport this idea, whilst openly exploring and questioning, in a search for what’s next.'
-
Jaguar reveals its new graphic identity ahead of a long-awaited total brand rebootJaguar’s new ethos is Exuberant Modernism, encapsulated by a new visual language that draws on fine art, fashion and architecture
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shameOlfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Scene-setting bathroom ideas: step into our dramatic, refined bathroom spacesWallpaper* compiles the hottest bathroom design ideas for 2025, from retro-futuristic scene-setting and sunset moods to sculptural curves and shadowy corners
-
Kaldewei and e15 come together with a collection of statement bathroom piecesKaldewei and e15 unite with a collection designed by Stefan Diez, featuring furniture and accessories
-
Samuel Ross announced as artistic director of London Design Biennale 2025London Design Biennale 2025 will mark the event’s fifth edition, under the artistic direction of Samuel Ross and with a theme of ‘Surface Reflections’
-
Introducing Wallpaper* April 2024: Global InteriorsTake a global tour of contemporary design with Wallpaper* April 2024, from a Manhattan ‘cathedral of fried chicken’ to a Mornington Peninsula beach house. On sale now
-
Smart toilet by Samuel Ross for Kohler flushes out the inefficiencies of conventional designsThe Formation 02 smart toilet by Samuel Ross for Kohler is the second step in the multi-year collaboration between the British designer and the bathroom brand
-
2024 horoscope: design for every star signFor the Wallpaper* 2024 horoscope, we asked Italian astrologist Lumpa what the year has in store, and what design objects each star sign will love
-
Kohler and Samuel Ross made a bold splash at Design Miami 2023Kohler and Samuel Ross’ studio SR_A debuted the ‘Formation 01’ faucet at a hotly hued and interactive Design Miami installation
-
Samuel Ross’ Miami Design District benches swoop in for sculptural sit-downsSamuel Ross’ Miami Design District ‘Expression.Service.Essence’ project comprises 12 bench designs permanently installed in the ever-evolving neighbourhood
