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| Creation World Wide Wood at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
WGSN-homebuildlife reports live from the 33rd edition of the
Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair. Here are our top three trends and outstanding exhibitors seen so far.
Retro brights: Essentially a colour direction, this bold trend
references the past while looking to a bright future.
Retro-inspired graphic print and vibrant geometric pattern together with playful, utility-inspired designs are a nod to the 1940s and 50s. This trend extends to lighting, ceramics and textiles plus painted wood and dyed leather accessories.
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| Cotton Farm at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Rustic woven: Woven natural fibres true to their original state or naturally dyed create textural form and pattern. Ethnic-inspired products in a muted, earthy palette - materials used include raffia, jute, sisal, water hyacinth, hessian, bamboo, wool and pebbles as well as cotton fabric and yarn.
This trend is seen in tufted and rag rugs, woven baskets, boxes, floor coverings and table runners, furniture detailing and fringed and beaded cushions.
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| Yarnnakarn at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Forest fauna: Wall art, sculpture and printed textiles feature line-drawn renderings of birds and beasts, creating a feeling of nostalgia.
Top three brands
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| Qualy at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Qualy was established in 2004 with a background in plastics manufacturing since the late 1970s.
Balancing functionality, aesthetics, creativity and environmental issues is the main philosophy of the brand. The product range of household plastics includes kitchenware, tabletop, home office accessories and pet products.
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| Qualy at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Key direction: Witty and often ingeniously re-thought workaday items that are practical, attractive, colourful and fun.
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Qualy at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012
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| Kiddee Tamdee at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Kiddee Tamdee was set up in 1998 by an advertising agency graphic designer keen to apply her love of design to the home interiors market.
Finishes are left natural or hand painted in metallic gold, rich matt shades or muted neutrals.
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| Kiddee Tamdee at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Key direction: Sculptural ceramics (vases, tea light holders, pendant fittings and
decorative flowers for dispersing room scent). Sleek tray sets and elegant lidded storage pots crafted from acacia wood complete the range.
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| Yothaka at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
The
Yothaka brand, created in 1989, was an early pioneer of fine, handcrafted furniture made using water hyacinth, a weed that had begun to clog Thailand’s waterways.
Chic indoor lounge furniture woven from natural fibres including bamboo and rattan plus semi-outdoor chairs and tables manufactured using polyethylene – a translucent, recyclable material tailored to the company’s colour and texture specification.
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| Yothaka at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
Key direction: The broadly neutral palette showcases innovative weave detailing. A
giant hounds tooth check in bold black and white adds contrast.
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| Yothaka at BIG + BIH Bangkok, April 2012 |
