DESIGNEAST.EU

nordic genuine – Latvia

Elize Tikmane — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:20:45 +0000

Since a few years I’ve been looking for a genuine leather belt that would last longer than a few years and that would satisfy my desire for pure lines and clean, but intense colour. A product that would give a feeling of durability and trust, that I can maintain and use it for several decades. It seems that I’ve finally found one! It is a leather belt made by nordic genuine in smooth, natural looking dark brown colour, supplemented with metal rivets that are traditionally used for saddle making, but the edges of the belt are burnished with bees wax.

The nordic genuine product line also includes genuine leather items for Apple products – a hand sewed iPhone envelope-wallet in four different colours, and several designs of iPad bags – with or without shoulder straps and extra pockets for your essentials. Both of the products have a well hidden magnet for closing, that makes the design even neater.

nordic genuine is a Latvian brand founded at the end of 2010. It is built with an ambition to create a company that grows through the centuries with clear vision to create simple, everyday items with influence of Nordic mentality. The designers of nordic genuine are experimenting and merging new and traditional leather work techniques. All the experience and techniques will be implemented in their forthcoming backpack model and other products on which they are working now.

KOREN chair – Serbia

nina cavz — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:13:42 +0000

If somebody were to ask you about popular lifestyle trends nowadays, simplicity and functionality would probably be two of them. It is a complex world in which we live in and it is likely to become even more so in the future. Designing products that help us get through our day-to-day lives are becoming increasingly important. One product that fulfills our need for both simplicity and functionality at the same time is the KOREN chair from Serbian designer Djordje Zivanovic.

So what does KOREN mean? It comes from the Serbian word meaning “root”. The KOREN Chair is special because of a very thoughtful and unique detail – the chair consists of six pieces of beech wood that are compressed, joined and positioned on the rear of the seat-back in order to serve as an all-in-one coat, hat and bag hanger. Finally, we do not need to worry about where to put our personal belongings while sitting. The KOREN chair also won 1st place at the SIEPA Competition which enabled Zivanovic to participate at Salone del Mobile in Milan, 2012.

The KOREN chair might remind us of Muji design with strong emphasis being placed on simplicity and functionality as two of their core brand values or Scandinavian philosophy where the main focus is on innovation, functionalism, quality craftsmanship and attention to details. We hope to see more chairs in the near future that will not only be stylish in terms of their materials and colors used, but that are going to fulfill our unsatisfied demands with their improved functionality. Let it be a trend and not an exception.

Urban Legend – Hungary

Dora Monus — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:27:46 +0000

Urban. Unique. Upbeat. If you’re looking for words to describe young Budapest based Hungarian designer, Zsófi Geréby‘s sophisticated sportswear line – Urban Legend – the ones above would work. But her creations are a lot more than just words. The concept of her design is evident yet she seems to be the first to fulfill the dream of many young urban women, to create fashionable, functional sportswear for all the pretty, conscious ladies cycling around town.

She works with high quality active sportswear fabrics combined with delightful, feminine details that add a nice, elegant edge to her line. Zsófi herself describes her collection as a must have for those women ‘who are not afraid of pouring rain or snow on the road, who know the labyrinth of their city as the back of their hands’. The designer had a chance to learn the know-hows of the industry at the London College of Fashion and Moholy Nagy Universty of Design in Budapest before founding Urban Legend in 2011 after winning the 2011 Dreher Breweries Ltd. start-up entrepreneur award. These experiences have definitely turned her to a new, developed, futuristic view that enabled her to create something this practical yet sophisticated. You can find her on Facebook and in several stores in Budapest.

Křehký Mikulov – art design festival – Czech Republic

Tomáš Kubata — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:18:40 +0000

Křehký gallery is organizing extraordinary exhibiton of art design. Connecting various galleries from European countries (Czech republic, Austria, Belgium, Germany and France), Křehký will exhibit a wide range of objects in castle Mikulov. As the result of cooperating about eight galleries, you can see the very last works of Qubus, studio Piršč, Vessel Gallery, or new gallery Art Design Project. The Křehký Mikulov festival is open from 1^st June to 3^rd June 2012 in Czech town Mikulov, well known for vineyards and fine quality wine.

Stool 01 – Matěj Chabera

Tomáš Kubata — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:50:01 +0000

Matěj Chabera, young Czech designer, has released a new product, Stool 01. As he is aimed mainly at furniture design, Stool 01 is not the exceptional case. Commissioned by LUGI furniture maker, Matěj Chabera was asked for some entertainment for kids during an opening ceremony. In approximately 15 minutes, he created very simple small stool, which is possible to be put together in less then 20 seconds. Using 4 pieces of wood and one connecting rod with a washer and a wing nut, Stool 01 can be produced in various colours and with different prints.

Platter of Friendship – Hungary

Viola Mezo — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:52:22 +0000

Dombon a tanya (means ‘Farm on the hill’) is relatively new design workshop based in Budapest, Hungary. They create fresh forms of classic ideas and well-know objects, while staying close to folk art, and our national heritage. Lovable objects, smart design and quality craftsmanship are the trademarks of this fresh and unique spot on the Hungarian design scene.

Their latest collection is called ‘Komatál‘ (Platter or Friendship), which comes from the tradition of sealing friendships and other important relationships with exchanging fine food and great wine. Platters were also sent as expression of best wishes between family, friends or neighbors, or when a young man sent a platter to his loved one it was considered as a seal of love.

The collection consists of 8 different platters for 8 occasions: from kids party through wedding and lazy, summer afternoon meals. The minimalistic design and quality workmanship elevates this object from a simple traditional item to a 21st century tool for everyday use.

Designers: Anikó Juhász & Anna Nóra Nagy

Wood works: Zoltán Lang

Design theory: Petra Hoffmann 

Glass works: Árpád Orosz

Budapest Design Week 2012 – Hungary

Viola Mezo — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:34:38 +0000

You can say anything about the Hungarian design scene, but one thing is for sure – and I’m very proud of it -: Budapest Design Week is one of top quality design events in the region, with 10 days of instant fun and inspiring ideas. This year Budapest Design Week takes place for the 9th time between September 28th and October 7th.

This year, we are slowing down and take some time to rethink the world we live in. Slow Design is the motto of Budapest Design Week, thus the design fest focuses on the so- called “Slow Movements” that motivate more considerate consumption in the hope of a better life quality, a more content and composed living, in the hope of economic, social and cultural sustainability. The Slow Movements are driving attention to the anomalies of consumer societies and globalization. The conception has since broadened and conquered all fields of life: Slow Life, Slow Cities, Slow Gardening, Slow Sex, Slow Fashion, Slow Travel, Slow Living, and so on. This is the yoga of living.

Following on the initiative launched last year Budapest Design Week welcomes Finland as the guest of honor in 2012. In accordance with its focal topic, the cultural, applied arts and design values, and even the gastronomy of Fiskars Village is brought to Hungary by Finnagora. Design Week’s traditional programs like the Open Studios, along with a variety of discounts in selected design stores, thematic Design Tours and the Design Week Gastro event are also dedicated to the Slow Movements, direct the attention to Budapest’s cultural, architectural and gastronomic values and help to explore the hidden or never realized local treasures with the guidance of experts. The workshops organized for adults and children invite for creation and recycling in the name of the DIY objectives. Similarly to the previous four years a star designer guest is also being invited and a design-related conference is being organized.

DESIGNEAST.EU is going for sure! C u there!

Kata Szegedi S/S 2012- Hungary

juliahadnagy — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:18:12 +0000

It seems that in this Spring/Summer, every collection is about the latest trends. Sheer T-shirts, high and low hemlines, baggy but elegant trousers characterize Kata Szegedi‘s new, Spring/Summer line too. She’s using neutral colors, mixing with metallic fabrics, but always trying to make a contrast to the innocent outfits with some black. In my opinion, these pieces are not so much for daytime wear, because they aren’t as simple as they seem at first glance. Kata Szegedi’s trademark is in the shapes, experimenting with materials and cuttings, while searching for the perfect harmony.

It is more than great that now you can have the chance to win a brand new Kata Szegedi dress. If you are interested, there are 3 things you have to do: share her collection on Facebook, ask 3 of your friends to like her fanpage and drop an e-mail to info@kataszegedi.com of which dress you want to win. That’s all, good luck!

RIGA shirts – a community trend

Elize Tikmane — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:49:55 +0000

I believe that most of us are proud of the place we are coming from. But is there a way to show it? Those, who love Riga have a chance to state it very clearly – by wearing a RIGA shirt!

In 2009 Asketic design studio launched a product line MIESAI in which they released a product series RIGA. The goal was to make a t-shirt from perfectly selected fabrics, custom made cuts and design. In the interview Aija, a member of the Asketic team, explained: “RIGA shirts and watches are made for people, who celebrate our city and to whom details, clean design and quality matters. Today, we are proud to have a product that not only represents Riga, but is both designed and solely made in Riga, Latvia.” She also pointed out that instead of coming up with a new typeface, the well-known RIGA letters were taken and improved for the foundation of the design.

RIGA product line – shirts, watches (made with in cooperation with May28th) and a tonet, clearly has a story which is expressed in a simple and clear way. One of the key elements for the success was the network of early product users or RIGA pioneers who were not only willing to get the shirt for themselves, but who also spread the word about RIGA products by starting to sell them in their shops, cafes, bars, etc.

Either you’re a local loving the city you live in or a visitor having good memories of it, a RIGA shirt is a must have! If you’re having a brunch in a nice café, you’re going to a concert or an exhibition opening, there is a great chance that you will spot more than one RIGA shirt. Choose your favorite combination of the absolute simplicity and let the world know you’re having a part of Riga. Get inspired by the people already wearing a Riga shirt or share your RIGA at rigashirts.com.

All MIESAI products are available at miesai.com
Twitter: @miesaistore
Facebook: fb.com/miesaistore

Photo report of Minsk Design Week – Belarus

Viola Mezo — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:02:48 +0000

Between 1 – 6 May Belorussian design was on show in Minsk. Here’s a photo report of this newcomer of the Eastern European design scene: MINSK DESIGN WEEK.