For the second year on the trot, Wallpaper* and Tory Burch have joined forces for Salone del Mobile. Influenced and inspired by Tory Burch’s latest tableware set, the 'Spongeware' collection, the London-based design studio Glithero were commissioned to created a bespoke installation for the via della Spiga boutique.
Tim Simpson and Sarah van Gameren, the design duo behind Glithero, dressed one window with a colourful totem of deep blue sponges to showcase the collection itself, while a mechanised installation sprung into action in the neighbouring street-facing window, compressing squared off and circular sponges against the glass window.
'The idea was these sponges would gently kiss the window,' explains van Gameren. ‘We were interested in the way the plates and their prints are produced, using sponges and different amounts of pressure, and started from there.’
The dappled, hand-applied patterns and variegated colour palette of the collection has its roots in the potteries of the UK, which later flourished in the US. Artisans began using sponge to add swirling, textured designs to ceramics, creating uniquely decorative tableware with an opulent feel.
A collection of vintage spongeware and a love for entertaining led to Tory Burch designing her own blue and white tableware, following on from the hugely successful 'Lettuce Ware' collection which launched last year. To celebrate it's launch Wallpaper* commissioned Bethan Laura Wood to create a similarly unique installation.
The dappled, hand-applied patterns and variegated colour palette of the collection has is roots in the potteries of the UK
View from the inside of the via della Spiga boutique. On the left, the mechanism that drives the skewered sponges to 'kiss' the window is on view
London-based design studio Glithero's Sarah van Gameren and Tim Simpson, standing in front of their sponge totem
Up close and personal with the installation
-
Hella Jongerius’ ‘Angry Animals’ take a humorous and poignant bite out of the climate crisisAt Salon 94 in New York, Hella Jongerius presents animal ceramics, ‘Bead Tables’ and experimental ‘Textile Studies’ – three series that challenge traditional ideas about function, craft, and narrative
-
A photographic study of a family hi-fi store is a vivid portrait of a small businessFashion photographer Nik Hartley looked behind the scenes at Wilkinson’s Hi-Fi, a longstanding part of its Lancashire community.
-
The Contestant: inside the dark and exploitative beginnings of reality TVClair Titley’s The Contestant examines a sensationalist moment in TV history, before Big Brother meant reality became an accepted part of popular culture
-
Faye Toogood brings new life to Matisse’s legacyMilan Design Week 2023: tapped by Maison Matisse, the London-based designer has taken inspiration from the French master’s forms to create a collection of heirloom-worthy objects
-
Prada Frames 2023: Milan programme announcedProgramme announced for Prada Frames 2023 at Milan Design Week, the annual symposium curated by Formafantasma at Luigi Caccia Dominioni's Teatro Filodrammatici from 17 to 19 April
-
Alessi Occasional Objects: Virgil Abloh’s take on cutleryBest Cross Pollination: Alessi's cutlery by the late designer Virgil Abloh, in collaboration with his London studio Alaska Alaska, is awarded at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2023
-
Salone del Mobile 2023: highlights from Milan Design WeekIn pictures: our highlights from Milan Design Week, held during the 61st Salone del Mobile 2023 (18-23 April)
-
USM launches blushing pink limited edition of its modular furnitureFollowing an installation during Milan Design Week 2022, USM launches a new pink limited edition of its Haller range
-
‘You don't want space; you want to fill it’: Milan exhibitionMaking its debut during Milan Design Week 2022 at Marsèll Paradise, a new exhibition by Matylda Krzykowski, explores how we approach the space we live in (until 15 July 2022)
-
Men’s mental health takes centre stage at an art and design exhibition by Tableau‘Confessions’, which travels to Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design following its debut at Milan Design Week 2022, features commissioned work by 14 male artists, designers and architects, reflecting on toxic masculinity, vulnerability and mental health
-
Salone del Mobile 2022: highlights from Milan Design WeekIn pictures: our highlights from Milan Design Week 2022, held during the 60th edition of Salone del Mobile (7 – 12 June 2022)
