The Making Of Chanel's New Venetian Bib Necklace

I'm very fond of the 2009/2010 CHANEL Cruise collection (as opposed to their Spring 2010 haute couture collection) and the accompanying accessories.

The large decorative bejeweled neck pieces referred to as plastrons, are a stunning accessory to the line.



Here's how they created the beautiful plastron, a Venetian bib necklace with resin and cast stones that is part of their Cruise 2009/2010 collection of jewels, shown above and below:


above photo by Karl Lagerfeld

A resin shaft, made in advance, serves as a model for the parts of the necklace:


The glass rods are heated with a torch:


The glass is then poured into each piece of the necklace according to the studio sketch:


The imprint of the chamber is made in a silicone mold. All of the pieces are then gilded in "galva", an acid that enables the gilding of pewter and iron:


The backs of the pieces of the necklace are polished in order to obtain an 'aged' effect, with a sparkling resin. Then, all the pieces of the necklace are joined with solder:


The heart at the center of the chamber is drawn using a syringe filled with red enamel:


and voila!

all images courtesy of Chanel

Glass Wall Design Televisions From Plush Department

New at Plush Department of Amsterdam (the same company about whose fabulous ceramic glazed computers I wrote about here) are these high end modular and wall mount flush glass television screens.

One of the biggest challenges for Plush Department was the perfect integration of the visual interface. Often, tv screens are a disruption of the interior, so they looked at a variety of possible solutions and decided on glass as the perfect material.

The screens are seamlessly integrated into the design while maintaining the highest possible image quality.


above: the 200cm x 140cm white basic module

above: 175cm x 140cm white wall mount module

above: the 200cm x 140cm black basic module

The Modular Glass Television by Plush Department is a High Definition television of the highest grade with superior image quality and the best possible color representation and sharpness.

The television is mounted behind glass on the wall. Once switched off, the black image area turns into a mirror. The set integrates beautifully into the interior design.

You can use one or more modules. If you use several modules the center module contains the television. Of course you can also use several modules each containing a television.


above: 200cm x 140cm black basic module

You can choose between white and black or request special colors. In the near future they intend to extend the line with furniture modules by well known designers.



Plush Department is a division of MR Silent Computing
Dukdalfweg 30
1041BE Amsterdam - Nederland
Tel. +31-(0)20 33 01 345
Email: info@plushdepartment.com



Another way to 'conceal' a modern television are these wonderful Two Eye TV's, the R4.

Tord Boontje Designs For The HP Mini

Play a game of hide and seek with over 30 endangered creatures on the limited edition HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje. Inspired by harmony in nature and designed by world-renowned industrial designer Tord Boontje, it is intricately crafted using HP Imprint 3D, a world’s first in 3D surface technology.



The Partnership



World-renowned industrial designer, Tord Boontje, is a recipient of multiple prestigious design awards and many of his pieces are displayed in museums around the world. HP and Tord both share a common philosophy – to be socially and environmentally responsible, and to influence others in doing the same.

The Design- A World's First


This exclusive HP Imprint 3D finish is beautifully adorned with flora that weaves delicately around endangered animals, creating a mystical, layered effect.



A closer look reveals shy animals hiding delicately within the flora – like taking a walk in the woods and discovering animals along the way. But these are no ordinary animals – many are endangered animals such as the polar bear, the blue whale, the red squirrel – just a few of the many creatures relying on us to help sustain the world that we share.

Make smarter choices for the environment


This HP Mini features a 10.1-inch mercury-free LED backlit display for increased energy efficiency. With packaging and user guides that are made 100% from recycled materials and printed with soy-based ink, you can now play your part for the environment.

Personalise


Awaken your senses and enjoy wallpapers and special icons* designed by Tord Boontje, plus a customised Stardock MyColors™* desktop theme for a truly personal experience. Matching accessories are also available separately:





Easy access, easy sync


Gain fast access to the Internet with HP QuickWeb#, even without booting up. Instantly sync all your favourite music, video and files via HP QuickSync.
Buy The HP Mini 110-1135NR by Studio Tord Boontje

East Meets West in CeramiX by CTRLZAK

CeramiX = (East + West) ceramics

China has a long tradition in the production of ceramics and especially porcelain. Europe has, for many centuries, tried to copy the Chinese in that field. Nowadays our world is invaded by Chinese products that in most cases attempt to imitate those Europeans… CeramiX is a reflection upon the irony of history through the world of ceramics.


above two images courtesy of Domus magazine

After an initial research in the traditional techniques, methods and evolution of both Chinese and European ceramics, the CTRLZAK team identified certain key elements that identify both cultures.

Subsequently the project was divided in two phases: The first involved the acquisition of original pieces of both origins that represented these clue elements identified during the research, then the objects where sliced in half and recomposed bringing together east and west in new unique pieces; the results of this phase constitute the art collection of the project.

The found European and Chinese plates, prior to the project:

The sacrifice:

The method:

The unorthodox reunion:

The art collection:


The second phase is inspired by the experience and the forms of the first creating a brand new collection of plates, bowls and cups in glazed ceramic which constitute the design collection of the project.

The first plate:

Katia examining a bowl:

with ceramics model specialist sig. Mario:

Giada at work:

the results:




CeramiX will be presented during Milan Design Week 2010. The collection will be launched during a dinner-event upon invitation at the wine bar "Le Rosse".


above: Thanos Zakopoulos, Katia Meneghini of CTRLZAK

CTRLZAK Art & Design Studio is a multidisciplinary team founded by Thanos Zakopoulos & Katia Meneghini operating internationally in the field of contemporary art and design.