State of Design 2010: Lightsource & design:made:trade
As many of you know, this week saw the start of Victoria’s very own State of Design Festival 2010. Established in 2004, the festival is the public face for the Victorian Government Design Victoria Strategy. Now an annual event, the festival continues to grow each year, succeeding in promoting and creating awareness about the importance and value of design, and the impact the industry will have on the future. As we are becoming more environmentally conscious and aware of our surroundings, this year’s State of Design theme is going green.
The festival intends to promote environmental sustainability and demonstrate how the industry will continue to contribute to the growth of business and add value to society. With 75 events across the festivals four main programs; the Design Capital / Business Seminar Series, Design for Everyone / Public & Cultural Program, Design:Made:Trade / Industry Program and the Premier’s Design Awards / Awards Program, the festival will be buzzing with innovative forward thinking ideas, on how to improve living conditions in the future. From Fashion, architecture, lifestyle, and electricity – Victoria’s State of Design Festival 2010 is well worth a visit.
As I was lucky enough to attend the opening night, I experienced a world of innovative thinking, in which the focus was not based on unproductive consumerism, yet on a world where humans utilise not destroy the environment. I experienced a world where humans look to a sustainable, economical and environmentally viable future, a world that I want to be a part of. On my journey around the exhibition I became astounded at the work and thought put into the many designs. From architecture to jewellery, every design encapsulated all that is enivonmentally friendly. Today, we take a look at some of my favourite exhibits from this year’s festival.
As State of Design introduced the new Lightsource exhibit this year, a range of lighting designers from different studios around Melbourne showcased their very best designs. One particular exhibit caught my eye, Studio Italia. Featuring a number of creative designs, the focal point of Studio Italia’s exhibit was the gorgeous lighting by David Trubridge. Having won many awards Trubridge’s designs are truly exquisite. Adhering to four strict core values, Trubrdge invests his time into bringing cultural nourishment into people’s lives without using precious resources and minimizing the carbon foot print. Lacking interest in fashion trends, he believes in individuality of expression and seeks to explore originality in his works. Rather than fulfilling a purpose his designs seek to tell a story, a journey of development found amongst the Earths Mountains and wilderness. His designs portray his belief that art is essential, that without art, life is dull and lifeless. He believes that art pushes the boundaries of thought and perception, constantly challenging life’s preconceptions and misconceptions. With the combination of such core values, philosophical thought and a belief in an environmental management system, Trubridge’s designs go beyond exquisite aesthetics, creating an awareness of a larger purpose and meaning in life.
Another feature of Studio Italia’s exhibit was Mondo Luce Contemporary Design and their latest showroom to open in Toorak Rd, South Yarra. Mondo Luce aims to supply their customers with the finest innovative contemporary designs sourced from Italy, Germany and some parts of Asia. Supplying well-known designs from the likes of Vistosi, Ivela, Artificia, Rotaliana and Mazzuccato Murano, each design combines style, ground-breaking LED technology and eco friendly products to produce beautiful individual lighting. Be sure to go see Studio Italia’s exhibit at Lightsource.
Keeping with the trend of innovation, RMIT University, School of Fashion & Textiles showcased its latest works from third year student’s folios. Each student has produced gorgeous promising work, to which I am certain we will see in the industry in the near future. Maximising the use of the latest technologies and techniques to facilitate the growing need for cost effective and environmentally viable designs, the 2009/10 RMIT students are extremely talented.
A couple of student works in particular stood out at the exhibit; Julianna McKinley a textile designer, takes her inspiration from her love of nature, art and craft and illustration. Her designs are clearly made with love and passion for her trade. Using detailed embroidery, embellishment and delicate crafts, her designs are bound to be just and loved and appreciated. Allysha Coghlans knitted designs Made by Hand are also worth a mention. Taking her inspirations from nature’s unexpected beauty, she strives to create something from nothing. Combining the use of enveloping embellishments, detailed beading, intricate crochet, patchwork and stitching, her knits are aesthetically artistic, magical and quirky. Recently launching her own knitware label Reckless Exhuberance featuring one off handcrafted accessories, Allysha is certainly a promising young, talented designer who I am sure we will be a name worth remembering for the future:
Every single design at the RMIT exhibit is well worth the visit, each are original, individual, inventive and striking. Every student should be proud of their work, as I am sure the industry is very lucky to gain such fine talented young designers.
Finally, my favourite jewellery exhibit was from the creative minds of Drink Me Alice. The launch of their latest design concept Drown, is inspired by Alicia Hannah Naomi’s interest in space, crystals, chemical structure and natural formations. Most noticeable is the use of strong geometric shapes matched with dark chunky metal chains, cleverly fused with detailed graphic prints of space. All handcrafted her designs are fashion forward, flawless, creative and original. Each piece is striking and is sure to become a perfect accessory to any outfit!
The State of Design festival 2010 opening was an amazing experience. Seeing so many designers work towards to a better, brighter and promising future has restored my confidence in the human ability to care about something other than consumerism and vanity. So make sure you attend this year’s fantastic range of events. Class Dismissed. //MissT
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