Here&(T)here by Fabrica

Here & (T)here by Fabrica

During Milan's Salone del Mobile this year, Secondome presented a new series of sculptural objects called Here&(T)here by Italian design studio Fabrica.

Here & (T)here by Fabrica

A series of eight pieces by various artists, each is made from a combination of oak and glass, and will be available in a limited edition of 30 pieces. The sculptures are an unusual hybrid of function and art, and follow the scientific direction of our spring/summer 2012 macrotrend Laboratory.

HBL Exhibitions: Paris-Delhi-Bombay at Centre Pompidou

Draps-peaux hybridés (2011) by ORLAN « Hybridation des drapeaux indien et français avec sequins » © Adagp, Paris 2011

Indian society is explored from the viewpoint of both Indian and French artists in the Centre Pompidou's current exhibition, Paris-Delhi-Bombay, which runs until 19 September. Works from fifty artists are on display, with two-thirds created specially by the artists after visits to India for that purpose.

3D Knitting Machine by Borre Akkersdijk

Collection from robertanderson on Vimeo.

Appropriating a technique typically used in mattress production, Borre Akkersdijk has created a collection of 3D knit garments that are essentially "ready made". The garments are created on a knitting machine that produces a round tube of fabric with seam allowances that are ready to be sewn. The fabric is also filled with a "filler thread" that gives it an extra presence and tactility.

Watch the video above to see how the fabrics move and sit on the body; subscribers can see more fashion and industrial design crossovers here.

HBL Book of the Week: Creative Walls

Selfridges' home buyer Geraldine James decided to write Creative Walls: How to display and enjoy your treasured collections (Cico Books, 2011) because "a lot of people are quite daunted by that blank canvas before them" when they begin to decorate their home.

Through seven chapters, 224 pages and hundreds of colour photographs (mostly taken specifically for this book), James explains how to adorn, personalise, and make the best of the walls in your home. Ideas include chalkboard displays, wall-mounted lizards and ethereal painted silhouettes - an eclectic but inspiring mix.

HBL Retail: Kochhaus, Berlin

With increasing competition from online retailers, bricks-and-mortar brands are having to make the experience simpler and more efficient for the consumer. The mantra here is: be useful.

HBL Retail: DVF at Selfridges

Due to the success of Diane von Furstenberg’s home collection, Selfridges is launching the autumn winter 2011/12 range. The collection includes new duvet covers featuring prints linked to Diane von Furstenberg’s ready to wear and accessories collections. 

9/11 Memorial Time Lapse Video

New York City is preparing for the opening of the 9/11 Memorial this September, marking the tenth anniversary of the tragic attacks. A time lapse video made over the last eight years shows the progress of the memorial site.

HBL Blog of the Week: The Dieline

If you have even a passing interest in packaging design, you should bookmark The Dieline. Widely recognised as the best packaging blog out there, it covers student projects, new launches, and any beautiful examples of packaging that catch the team's eye. Founded by Andrew Gibbs in 2007, the blog has now branched out into books, an awards program, and a design conference.

HBL loves: the clear categorisation of the site. You can search by the industry you're interested in (from beauty to technology) or by substrate (from paper to tin).

HBL Analysis: Japanese brooms

WGSN-homebuildlife visited a traditional Houki broom store in the port of Kyobashi in Tokyo to find inspiration and learn about the ancient craft of broom making.

Furniture by David Ericsson

Swedish designer David Ericsson created a series of seven pieces of furniture and lighting using just two materials: beech, and vegetable tanned leather. A skilled carpenter, Ericsson created the pieces by hand and left joints and construction details exposed so that users can appreciate the craftsmanship involved in the making process.

HBL News: BBC and V&A announce major partnership

Two icons of British culture have announced a major, year-long partnership to promote and celebrate the British craft industry. The BBC reports that it will join forces with the Victoria & Albert Museum in a programme entitled Handmade in Britain.

HBL Retail: Mary Portas and House of Fraser

Mary Portas and House of Fraser

Retail expert and television personality Mary Portas is partnering with House of Fraser to launch a fashion, gift, home and food collection. The concept store within House of Fraser’s Oxford Street branch was launched on 18th August and sees Portas curate a selection of products from independent British designers such as Lisa McDonald, Becky Baur, Naomi Ryder and handmade cards from Art House Meath - a social enterprise celebrating the creative talents of adults living with epilepsy and learning difficulties.