molo premieres the aluminum textile soft collection at icff 2019. micro- coated with the actual metal, aluminum textile softwall + softblock, benchwall and softseating introduces new mercurial materiality to the award-winning molo soft collection in its 16th year at the show.
designed by stephanie forsythe + todd macallen, molo’s soft collection is a modular system of space partitions, lighting, table and seating elements that uses honeycomb geometry to flex, expand and compress. made from recyclable paper or non-woven textile materials, in a multi-patented system with magnetic end panels for flexible, modular arrangement, the collection empowers individuals to redesign and shape their surroundings with spontaneous ease.
the optical properties of the new aluminum textile finish create a lively range of reflected light and shadow across the pleated surfaces of the flexible structures. at an intimate, tactile scale, the thin coating of aluminum highlights the intricate pattern of textile fibers.
these pieces should be seen and touched in person to be fully appreciated. visitors to molo’s installation in new york will explore winding corridors that reveal acoustic spaces in which to meet, repose and study the effects of light. the morphing, flower-like forms of urchin table + floor light suddenly bloom around a corner, and cloud lights float overhead. curls shape shadows, grey like pencil shavings and sharpened by silvered patterns of sun cast over the shifting heights and positions of the walls. aluminum textile lounger awards explorers with a restful recline.
on the perimeter, high-backed benchwalls arrange flexible gathering space, curving in for intimate discussion, or reaching out into expansive lounge seating. the seating takes on a comfortable springiness over time as the top surface of textile crushes and softens with use, developing a beautiful patina of soft shining facets.
each entrance, course, and time of day presents a unique experience of the installation. we welcome you to explore and interact with all products in the soft collection: expand softwall in a variety of colours, spring open folding stools, benches and tables and share your project ideas on molo sketching circles. flexible in length, fluid in form, made of 99% air when expanded and able to pack flat for storage or transport, the structures may be reimagined endlessly for use in creative workplace, retail, residential, exhibition and event design.
molo co-founder and designer stephanie forsythe will be at icff to share her unique insight into the molo studio.
with its elastic movement and shifting form, urchin softlight invites playful interaction. using flexible honeycomb geometry, the textile shade expands and morphs into myriad shapes as you manipulate it with your hands. its curious motion is akin to that of a sea creature, giving the luminary its unique name.
made from the same white textile material as cloud softlight and textile softwall + softblock, these pieces can be matched to create fluid, sculptural environments.
magnetic connector
rare earth magnets set into the final layer of textile form a hidden seam for the shade to fasten to itself.
design by stephanie forsythe + todd macallen
material >
the shades are made from a textile that possesses the delicate look of japanese washi and transmits light as gentle glow.
a nonwoven polyethylene, the material is tear- and water-resistant, uv-stable and anti-static to repel dust.
technical >
color temp > 2,500k warm light led / 270 lumens
small $ 300.00 usd / medium $ 600.00 usd / large $ 900.00 usd
float martini glasses harmonize with the aesthetics of the float collection, while preserving the classic shape of a traditional martini glass. The bowl and base are deftly attached as a single piece. Use for martinis, or as a serving dish for berries and desserts. $ 80.00 usd set of two
a good cocktail transplants the drinker through time and space, bringing them back to a paris bar, a twilight rendezvous or the celebration where they first experienced that delicate sensory mix. molo’s collection of float barware elevates these moments, intensifying the taste, color and experience of a beverage.
performs the practical function of insulating one’s hand from the drink and casts a colorful pattern of refracted light onto the bar or table. when used for a chilled drink, small beads of condensation accumulate on the underbelly of the bowl, adding delicacy to the optical effect rather than making rings on the tabletop.
designed to accompany cantilever table · round top, sketching circles are a twist on the office whiteboard. they encourage a dynamic, collaborative work environment. a glass pencil holder inserted into the centre of the tabletop acts as a spindle for the circles. ideas develop as coworkers sketch and share them around the table.
each stack of sketching circles is comprised of 400 pieces of paper. once a sheet is covered with notes, plans and diagrams, simply lift it from the stack and continue brainstorming on the sheet below.
design by stephanie forsythe + todd macallen
$125.00 usd
Really doing one of these shows decently is a matter of putting some hours of thought into it alas.
Many of the firms showing at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair also have showrooms in SoHo or other areas downtown from its site, the Javits Convention Center. But while Vitra, Artek and many others chose to take space at the fair as well, American stalwarts Herman Miller and Knoll were not to be found. Such absences suggest that despite some 600 attendees, the fair celebrating its twentieth fifth anniversary is somehow still not yet mandatory attendance.
The ICFF and attendant events all over town were packaged this year as NYC X Design, which meant official city support for the idea of a design week promoted in previous years. The idea of a Milano Manhattan style remains elusive however.
parabola chair | carlo aiello | 2013
Even before the show opened, Carlo Aiello’s Parabola chair has emerged as the ICFF’s star: it suggests a cerebral cousion of Harry Bertoia’s diamond chair, mapping out the space time continuum for Star Trek. Or is it Mr. Spock’s shopping cart?
At ICFF, Molo’s stand, all of brown paper, caught attention. Inside were some of the company’s cloudlike, pleated paper lighting elements.
In an era dedicated to innovation, the classics face a challenge in mixing novelty with durability… Artek offered up new editions of its Aalto stool, much as Converse keeps producing new graphics for the Chuck Taylor All-Star. Carl Hanson celebrated the anniversary of the Wegner Shell chair with new fabrics. (Wegner is 93, the chair is 50.)
stool 60 | mike meiré | 2012
In addition to ICFF, several smaller gatherings and many open houses, parties and panels were part of the event.
Wanted 2013 is the name of a rival gathering of designers in the huge, solidly build brick warehouse downtown near the river called rather ominously Terminal Stores. It showed a more experimental and informal air than ICFF.
Intramuros magazine showcased a homage to Cappellini, who would otherwise be expected on the floor of ICFF at the Javits Center. Bright red examples of Cappellini products sat isolated silver lined booths with a vaguely pornographic mood to them. The Istanbul and South American delegations were impressive.
hai lounge chair | luco nichetto | one nordic furniture company | 2013
Some eyes were caught by One Nordic Furniture Company, from Helsinki, with its lovable Bento chair. Also at Nordic was Luca Nichetto’s Hai chair, which channeled the spirit of Gio Ponti. (Ponti, was also evoked at Vitra, with the Repos wing back chair by Antonio Citterio. Ponti also seemed an inspiration for Toshiyuki Kita’s “@” chair for Ligne Roset. Gio Ponti is the subject of a show to come this spring [ Living “Alla Ponti” ] at Molteni in SoHo.
In this, its second year, it hosted talks and such events as the School of Visual Arts Products of Design program’s meta design interpretation of the show. (url.)
pixel chair | valerie chin | 2013
There was student work, as at ICFF. The Rhode Island School of Design dispatched the alumni show originally curated by its chief, John Maeda, for the Milan fair. One witty example was Valerie Chin’s “Pixel” chair.
The curatorial group Sight Unseen produced a showcase at The Standard Hotel. This year, the American Design Club returns to Noho with its ninth group showcase, entitled Trophy: Awards We Live With. The group’s organizers explain: “A trophy is a memento, token, or symbol, used to commemorate an achievement or victory. Whether they are awarded, stolen, or created, trophy objects can come in many forms.”
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