Vitra and Virgil Abloh drop limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection on Basic.Space

Swiss design company Vitra and Virgil Abloh have collaborated to drop three limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra" products, available to U.S. consumers for the first time via online marketplace Basic.Space. Products will be available for sale globally through the site's digital storefront, which will livestream the collection and a special DJ music performance by Pedro Cavaliere from a 6-day pop-up installation in Miami's Design District. The installation was created by Abloh's London-based studio Alaska Alaska and is powered by Cash App as part of the company's ongoing efforts to support the creative community. Additional, Abloh and Vitra CEO Nora Fehlbaum will have a conversation about the collection that will air on Abloh's IGTV channel.

"Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" explores the urgent need for inclusivity in design, and invites people of all generations, races and backgrounds to have conversations about both social issues and design topics. Virgil Abloh is known for pushing boundaries and using creativity to communicate socio-political messages while Vitra has a long history of undertaking experimental projects with designers, architects and artists that test the limitations of design's predicted norms.  Driven by the new mindset of Generation 'Next' – a forward-thinking psychographic that transcends age, gender, race, ethnicity and income – Basic.Space provides forward-thinking brands such as these with an innovative approach for reaching new audiences, turning the traditional retail model on its head. The Basic.Space community of creatives makes it possible for brands to speak and connect with this new generation that is changing the way we see the world.

"My mission has not changed. My hopes for this collaboration are to further strengthen this bond with the new generation, providing them with further inspiration, as well as room for thought and a sense of inclusion. This collaboration invites the new generation into the conversation – my work is meant to open doors for them," says Virgil Abloh.

"What I find particularly inspiring about Virgil Abloh is that he comes to the table as an outsider, with a fresh look at our collection and a different pace, free of constraints," says Nora Fehlbaum, CEO. "I'm interested in the way that he structures knowledge and passes it on to a new generation in such a condensed manner. He manages to shift the topic of design classics away from the discourse of an intellectual elite to make them accessible to a wider public."

"We're excited to partner with Virgil Abloh and Vitra on this thought-provoking collection, one that embodies inclusivity and design, while inviting a new audience to experience something unique.  This collaborative release captures the essence of Basic.Space where brands and creatives can manifest their vision effortlessly both online and offline," said Jesse Lee, founder of Basic.Space.

"Basic.Space offers a unique shopping experience that seamlessly integrates our digital and physical worlds. The platform is authentic, socially conscious and design-centric -- traits that are inherent to our company and important to our customer. This partnership allows Vitra to interact with a new audience and the opportunity to meet the next generation of young design collectors," says Melissa Shelton, Vitra North American President.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection is a spin-off to an earlier collaboration that dropped in 2019 on Vitra's Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany during Art Basel alongside a futuristic exhibition TWENTYTHIRTYFIVE. The three pieces – a Ceramic Block, along with the Petite Potence lamp and Antony armchair originally designed by Jean Prouvé, are reimagined in baby blue that Abloh intends to stand alone as an object with a function. The "hacked" Prouvé pieces represent the power of design to evolve in order to speak to a new generation.  

"Jean Prouve worked as a craftsman, designer, manufacturer, architect, teacher, and engineer - he truly was a multifaceted designer and not limited to one "discipline". His many talents translate through his work – intertwining art with social consciousness. I feel interconnected with Prouve in light of, I too, work within many worlds; art, fashion, music and philanthropy– meshing my ideas from these many realms together for a greater message to the world," says Virgil Abloh.

"Practicing and welcoming inclusion – I created the "Post Modern" Scholarship Fund in effort to do just that. The mission of the Fund is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of academic promise of Black, African-American, or African descent; recipients will not only be provided with funds, but will also be given access to vital career support services and mentoring. Art and good nature can change the world, I refuse to believe otherwise," says Virgil Abloh.

"The teenager of today has become a creative doer who transforms his memories and experiences, all of the cultural and social influences, into his or her own products, thereby finding a personal field of activity,' says Fehlbaum.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" installation takes place at 140 NE 39th Street in the Miami Design District, and is open to the public December 3-7, from 11am EST to 7 pm EST, limited to five visitors allowed into the exhibition space at a time, in accordance with city guidelines and enhanced safety measures in place. Visitors can purchase limited edition and numbered pieces and enjoy live and digital experiences at the space.

Ceramic Block 
In the installation, the visitor's gaze is directed to the future with a wall of consecutively numbered bricks: the Ceramic Blocks. These glazed ceramic objects are not just a structural element but also take on a life of their own as storage objects in Virgil Abloh's concept. The limited exhibition edition comprises 999 Ceramic Blocks, in baby blue, each with a noticeable numeral that makes it unique, and can be purchased directly at the Basic.Space "gallery," modifying the structure of the installation, or on the curated online marketplace Basic.Space from December 3 to 7.

Petite Potence
Jean Prouvé created the Potence wall lamp for his home in Nancy in 1942, and the design was soon produced in a range of sizes. Virgil Abloh is fascinated by the industrial clarity of this concept and integrates the smaller Petite Potence in his installation. He has accentuated the 'industrial DNA' of the design with a baby blue lacquer finish that gives it a new visibility, while a striking LED bulb in an oblong cage further enhances the appearance. Virgil Abloh's version of Petite Potence is available in a limited and numbered edition of 150 pieces. 

Antony 
The armchair Antony was developed by Jean Prouvé in the early 1950s for the university halls of residence in Antony near Paris. With its dynamically curved wooden shell and characteristic metal base, this small armchair was one of the French designer's last furniture creations. Virgil Abloh pays tribute to the iconic design with an updated version in his installation, he has transformed the armchair by giving it a frosted plexiglass shell, which is further accentuated by a baby blue lacquer finish. This version is available in a numbered edition limited to 150 pieces.   

FASHIONADO

Hot For Your Home: 2018's Most Inspirational Interior Trends

The thrilling sequence of fashion weeks has got us planning outfits for months to come, but have you thought about what you’re going to style your home in 2018? If you have a love for fashion or an interest in interiors, here are some of 2018’s most inspirational trends to try at home.

Understated Industrial

After hitting the headlines a few years ago, the industrial trend is back with a bang in 2018.

This time around, adopt an understated, muted approach. Think stripped back brickwork and rustic beams paired with oversized bulbs with exposed filaments and sleek metal chairs. Keep the palette neutral with shades of white, beige and gray, and add splashes of vibrancy with houseplants.

This trend works for almost any room in the house and you can modify it to suit your individual taste. It’s a great look to work with if you’re planning to create a cool home office, a minimalist boudoir or an effortlessly trendy kitchen.

Color blocking

Color blocking is a trend we often see on the catwalks. This year, take inspiration from spring/summer lookbooks and channel this vibe in your home. Color blocking is a fantastic way to embrace and use color without going overboard, and it can produce incredibly chic looks. Opt for brighter, bolder shades in living rooms and kitchens and muted tones in bedrooms and bathrooms. Gray and yellow work brilliantly in reception rooms while pastels are an ideal choice for the bedroom. Look out for colored accessories to add splashes of intrigue to plain walls and choose shades that complement each other. You don’t have to spend a fortune overhauling an entire room to emanate Instagram images or glossy magazine shots. Browse gift cards online to save you money at home stores and look for affordable versions of popular designer accessories like candle holders, plant pots, and rugs. It’s also worth checking out vintage markets and auction sites. It is possible to create a very stylish look on a budget.

Colored kitchens

If you’re a fan of crisp, clean white cabinets, worktops and walls, look away now! 2018 is the year of the colored kitchen, and we’re not just talking beige or dove gray. This is a time to be audacious. Opt for violet, blue or green or go for a touch of opulence with colored marble tops. If you’re afraid of color or you’re not keen on redesigning the entire kitchen, it is possible to update the look of the room without splashing the cash or taking on a huge amount of work. Adding a bold shade to one wall can create a statement or you could lift muted walls with distinctive accessories. Learning to accessorize is a simple and affordable way of keeping up with the trends and ensuring your home always looks the part.

Pink

Pink was a big deal on the spring/summer catwalks in 2017, and this year, it’s making waves in the world of interior design. Bolder, brighter pinks were all the rage last year, and this season, it’s the turn of subtle, blush shades. Blush pink works perfectly with gray and white, and it’s an ideal choice for living spaces, bedrooms and modern home offices. Team pretty pink walls with rose gold or bronze accessories and add greenery to complete the look. Keep the flooring light and embrace natural materials, such as cotton and wood. This trend is perfect as we move into slightly warmer climes and the days start to get longer and lighter.

Modern florals

Florals make the cut every year, but this is such a diverse trend.

One year, we could be talking moody winter florals while the next we’re taking inspiration for our wallpaper from our grandma’s favorite knits.

For 2018, there’s a nod to old school, traditional florals, so don’t rush to cover up paper you assumed was dated just yet. Opt for a statement wall for a trendy living room or embrace a chintz-inspired vibe with printed linen, curtains and cushions in the bedroom.

This year’s palette is a little more adventurous than in years gone by, so look for patterns that feature pops of turquoise, yellow, pink or green.

Bringing the outside in

Many of us are taking more interest in the planet and the natural environment that surrounds our homes, and this is an interest that is reflected in interior trends. Maximize natural light, opt for natural materials and look to combine indoor and outdoor living. Make the most of views out onto gardens or parks, angle furniture towards windows and sliding doors and keep the decor light and fresh. You can channel this vibe in most rooms in your home, but perhaps the best place to bring the outside in is the kitchen, especially if your room backs onto an outdoor area. If you’ve got space, you could create a stunning seating area overlooking the yard using rattan sofas, bamboo rugs, towering plants and cotton-covered cushions. If it’s not quite warm enough for drinks with the doors open yet, you can add a cozy feel with oversized standing lanterns and throws draped over the backs of chairs. This trend is ideally suited to large, spacious homes, but it’s also a brilliant option for smaller spaces. With light walls and flooring, you can really open up the room and make it look a lot larger than it is. Hanging mirrors is another easy way to lighten up a bijou pad.

There’s a constant buzz surrounding new season fashion trends, but have you thought about the kinds of styles and themes you’re going to embrace in your home in the coming months? Like fashion, interior looks come and go in the blink of an eye, but there’s always a diverse range of trends to choose from, so you’re bound to find something you like. If you’re on the lookout for ways to update and refresh your interiors without breaking the bank or devoting every spare minute to painting and decorating, hopefully, this guide has given you some inspiration.

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