#DesignYourChristmas - Season 1… A second round of my random and personal selection of design creations for your Christmas list.

Iris Vase

Bloc Studios was founded in Carrara (Italy) in 2014 by Sara Ferron Cima and Massimo Ciuffi. Their intention was to transform raw, natural stones into thoughtful everyday objects while preserving the inherent qualities of the marble. The ‘Iris’ vase (part of the Avalon Collection) was designed by Valentina Cameranesi from noir antique marble (dimensions H 260mm, diameter 240mm).

Price: around USD 1,300*

Sia Chair

Tom Fereday is Australia’s rising design star with his impeccable aesthetic for both limited edition and industrial design creations. For CULT Design, he produced several items including the SIA chair, named after its unique adjustable backrest. Shaped from solid Ash, the chair curves to the bodies form whilst using the minimum amount of timber. It is contrasted by a light stainless-steel frame which supports the timber elements and allows for a stackable design.

Solid bronze self-lubricating sleeve bearings assemble to the chair frame allowing for smooth angle adjustment of the chair and structural support for the backrest.

Price: around USD 965*

Four Seasons Glass Set

The ‘Four Seasons Glass Set’ by Taiwanese designer Pili Wu for JIA Inc.. is the tale of Jia Bao-Yu’s daily life in the Da-Guan Garden, and scenes of life with the sisters throughout the four seasons, as depicted in the Chinese classic novel The Dream of the Red Chamber.

Upon a closer inspection of the poem, readers realise that different tea, wine, soups are consumed during different seasons, using different utensils; and the ‘Four Seasons’ set presents those utensils in the form of lidded bowls, with a twist on their form and function to meet a more contemporary demand: Spring Plate (for snacks), Summer Glass (for beer), Autumn Bowl (for tea), Winter Cup (for soup)

These four items form a picturesque image when stacked together, providing a visual feast while indulging on delicacies. A full meal may also be served using the 4 Season set, from appetiser, drink, main course to dessert, presenting four seasons with four dishes, as if painting a picture on the dining table.

Price: USD 99.95*

Turkish Mocha Pot

Wiener Silber Manufactur is an institution in Vienna since 1882: The Vienna Ringstrasse culture was at its zenith, and the dominant style was Historicism. The needs to represent by the upper middle-classes were satisfied by exquisite silverware. The workshops produced products that were virtuoso feats of craftsmanship of incredible stylistic diversity.

Today the brand has four main production lines: Masterpieces, Cutlery, Contemporary and Classics. As part of the Contemporary collection, Wiener Silber Manufactur has invited and commissioned a prestigious line up of designers and artists including Erwin Wurm, Tomas Alonso, Wolfgang Joop, Zaha Hadid and many more.

Rainer Scharf is celebrating Turkish coffee as a symbol for indulgence, but also cultural exchange and communication. Pure silver (D 73 mm, H 100 mm, 220 g).

Price: around USD 1,600*

Ming Dragon Male Grooming kit

The prestigious house of Meissen, founded in 1710, is a symbol of the highest quality in porcelain with perfection in craftsmanship. The brand teamed up with Mühle, known for its grooming products.

Delicately hand painted onto the handles of both razor and shaving brush is the iconic Meissen’s Ming Dragon pattern. Dating back all the way to 1740, the décor is one of the manufactory’s most well-known, and fits the image of male grooming quite perfectly. In Chinese philosophy, the dragon is symbolic of the yang part of yin and yang. The creature represents wisdom, masculine strength and prosperity. Quite the charming note to accompany one’s morning shave.

Price: around USD 680* per item. Very limited series.

*all prices are exclusive of local taxes and shipping.

The Design Your Christmas Series Continues...