04/04/2024 - District Eight returns to Salone del Mobile for the second time, building on its debut in 2023 to present fresh collections from collaborating designers like the award-winning Jean-Marie Massaud and Milan's own emerging talents at studioutte, alongside such established figures as Michele de Lucchi, Toan Nguyen and Adam Goodrum.
At the heart of the brand's presence at the Salone is an exploration of Vietnamese design roots, focusing on reinterpretation. This thematic approach is evident in the design of the stand itself, conceived by studioutte, which incorporates characteristic Vietnamese dark woods and green undertones, using natural materials like bamboo and wood to evoke the traditional architecture of rural Vietnam. A bamboo curtain shades and reveals the exterior display, while a modular partition made of wood walls lined with rice paper divides the space into distinct rooms. Lighting strategically illuminates the collections within the dark and serene spaces.
Darren Chew, Creative Director, articulates the company's ethos, "District Eight's collaborations with international designers continually replenish new perspectives into Asian designs, opening dialogues to unique interpretations."
Among the collections on display is Jean-Marie Massaud's Lodge collection, which consists of expertly crafted folding chairs, stools and bag holders. Inspired by the spirit of travel and the rich tales of journeys to Vietnam, Lodge plays on the relationship between Western influences and Eastern sensibilities.
From studioutte, the Limen collection introduces low-to-the-floor tables characterised by a portal shape distilled to its essence. Crafted from red padouk wood with blackened steel inlays, each piece incorporates hidden trays and drawers.
Michele de Lucchi presents the Inumbra modular shelving system, which combines sculptural elegance with practical functionality. Meanwhile, Toan Nguyen pays homage to Southeast Asian temple roof architecture with the Joss sofa and pieces from the Stilt collection, reimagining historic Vietnamese crafts through a contemporary lens.
Australian designer Adam Goodrum presents the Collette chair and stool, celebrating meticulous wood artistry.
At the fair, District Eight is also showcasing a selection of pieces from its core collections, which have been an integral part of its identity since its inception. Each piece reflects a nuanced blend of influences from Vietnam, Asia and Europe, fusing elements such as ancient Asian gates and traditional Vietnamese altars into useful everyday objects.
District Eight on Archiproducts.com
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