In Love & in Design: 5 famous designer couples and their most significant projects
Mohd celebrates the day of love with a tribute to creative couples in life and design who transformed their affinity into an artistic manifesto, weaving together different stories and cultures. From Charles & Ray Eames to GamFratesi, five designer couples and the projects that made us fall in love with design even more.
The most iconic couple in the design world, Charles and Ray Eames married in 1941 and began experimenting with three-dimensional modeling techniques for plywood. Their groundbreaking designs debuted at MoMa in 1946, followed by their participation in the museum's "Low Cost Furniture" competition in 1948.
Inspired by the idea of "getting the most of the best to the greatest number of people for the least", they developed the Eames Plastic Chairs. The story behind this iconic collection of chairs epitomizes their continuous exploration of form and material, a hallmark of their creative journey.
In 1949, they built the Eames House, which transcended its role as a private residence to become a living manifesto of their art—a wellspring of inspiration for the Vitra collection to this day. Temporary testing of the Eames Office prototypes took place here, with some models ultimately integrated permanently, such as their Eames lounge chair and ottoman in rosewood and black leather.
Doshi Levien, the creative vision of Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien, brings together different cultural backgrounds—Nipa's Indian heritage and Jonathan's Scottish roots—to craft unique and eclectic designs, combining Doshi's exotic sensibility with Levien's experimental style. From their encounter at the Royal College of Art to their studio in London, they breathe life into multifaceted projects, leaving an indelible mark on renowned brands like Moroso, B&B Italia, and Kettal.
Following the success of the Cala armchair, Doshi Levien expanded their collaboration with Kettal to create a full range of majestic outdoor products. Characterized by shell-like forms, these pieces evoke a sense of visual privacy, while their woven structures facilitate a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings.
The seats within the Armada collection for Moroso boast generous proportions and a sculptural aesthetic, ideal for adorning both open workspaces and lounge areas. Combining sleek profiles with soft, voluminous cushions, each piece offers enhanced comfort while bringing a unique sense of lightness and fluidity.
Renowned designer couple, Yabu Pushelberg boasts over 40 years of shared experiences, blending their personal and professional lives across Manatthan and Toronto. Inspired by their passion for art and a deep-seated belief in design's ability to evoke emotions, their creations epitomize a profoundly expressive style characterized by meticulous attention to detail and purity of form, paying homage to Yabu's Japanese heritage.
Among their most iconic creations are the pieces crafted for the Canadian brand Man of Parts, showcasing a glamorous aesthetic characterized by unexpected volumes and distinctive geometries.
They crafted the Pukka collection for Ligne Roset, featuring soft, organic seating that fills the space with an extraordinary sense of visual and plastic comfort.
Under the name GamFratesi, we recognize the designer duo Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi. Hailing from Denmark and Italy respectively, they draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds, blending the Scandinavian functional approach with the emotional qualities associated with Italian flair and craftsmanship.
One of their most fruitful collaborations is with the Danish brand Gubi, with whom they have create exceptionally successful projects, including the Beetle and Bat collections, the Sejour armchair, and the Epic table.
They have also designed several Italian projects, including the Homey table and Nice armchair for Poltrona Frau, as well as the Coupé bed and the Soffi lamp collection. Additionally, they created the Romby collection of dining chairs and armchairs for Porro.
From Shanghai to London, the Chinese design duo Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, known as Neri&Hu, have garnered acclaim for their understated and refined style, which expresses a profound connection with tradition while propelling it towards new horizons.
With a delicate touch and sculptural volumes, their creations unfold like poetry. One of their most renowned designs is Yanzi, crafted for Artemide, which artistically mimics the branches of a tree with lights perched like swallows.
Cassina's 375 Stay collection marks the beginning of their collaboration with the brand, offering a range of elegant accessories for the bedroom alongside versatile and stand-alone designs.
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