Last year, I wrote about how Lladro hipped up their previously grandma-like porcelain figures with the introduction of Bodo Sperlein's
Re:Cyclos Magical collection. A stunning nature inspired porcelain bisque collection from chandeliers to jewelry and wall hooks to votives.
As described by Lladro:
Re-Cyclos was a creative proposal of new and evocative works made from Lladró’s classic figurines. Lladró Re-Cyclos Magical by Bodo Sperlein came into being when the porcelain brand invited prestigious designers from all over the world to reinterpret its creations. Well acquainted with the workings of porcelain, Sperlein decided to focus on Nature using delicate elements of Lladró to create new and surprising jewelry accessories, and lighting and décor objects.
This year. they've done it again with British design team
Committee.
Above: The British design team Committee is made up of Harry Richardson and Clare Page, born in Northampton and London respectively and trained at the Liverpool Art School. Both claim that they explore the everyday with “pragmatism and imagination”.
The following pieces were unveiled at this year's Maison Objet show.
Above: One of the themes chosen by this creative team is the love of a couple, whose evolution is depicted by a truly characteristic element in the creations of this porcelain brand: handmade flowers, made petal by petal. Therefore, the designers’ proposal consists of three couples made of white porcelain covered progressively by flowers, signifying the growth of their feelings. This trilogy comes to a close with a spectacular creation, covered with the greatest number of flowers ever created in the history of Lladró: over a thousand flowers covering the characters’ bodies.
Above: They also presented boxes designed from the original molds used to make Lladró porcelain figurines. This time, the designers pay tribute to the beauty concealed by these moulds and play with the reliefs of the concave shapes. The results are innovative objects capturing the creative spirit of Lladró works.
Also introduced this year at Paris' Maison et Objet were some new additions to the Re:cyclos line by Bodo Sperlein. The Ascot collection of tableware and accessories and the new Magic Forest chandelier.
The Ascot collection as described by Bodo Sperlein:
The Ascot collection is a versatile group of table top accessories, which bring a touch of originality and style to any table. Horses’ legs, heads and hoofs are used in a clever and inventive way to invite us to touch and admire each piece. Subtle and elegant natural grey horse fur tones and effects are hand painted on handles, lids and elements of each product. The collection is a celebration of the highly skilled Lladro porcelain craftsmen.
Lladró Re-Cyclos Magical also launches a new version of the
Niagara chandelier,
a spectacular hanging lamp with hundreds of white porcelain butterflies hanging from optical fiber cables. This creation received an excellent response in both of its formats (1.10m and 2m), now available in a smaller size (60cm). The collection will grow with the incorporation of the
chandelier Magic Forest with dozens of delicate porcelain leaves.
Above left is the new Magic Forest Chandelier and on the right, the original Niagara Chandelier.
These aren't the only efforts Lladro has made at reinvigorating their image and appealing to a much broader and trendier audience. As art director for the Re:deco collection, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon brought Lladro to the attention of design bloggers and magazines everywhere.
Above: Hayon at work
Some of Hayon's pieces for Lladro took their original molds and kept the reminder of the form as matte or glossy porcelain while adding platinum glazed touches (and in some cases gold or monochromatic) to them, transforming them from traditional even old-fashioned figurines to modern objects.
And others reinterpreted traditional pieces by turning them into lamps and mirrors.
Spanish designer
Jaime Hayon is hot hot hot, with his blogged about latest designs for Camper, the beautiful AQHayon bathroom collection, his swarovski studded lamps and more can be seen on
his site.
