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Hex Collection

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Born in Tunisia and raised in England, Tom Dixon's reputation frequently precedes him. His mystique as a bad boy Dixon dropped out of art school following a motorcycle accident and spent time in his 20s playing bass with a rock band and organizing warehouse parties is nearly as recognized as his unmistakable gift for design and emergence as one of England's most influential designers. We met with Dixon in Milan last April and he shared that he employs a test-lab approach to the objects he designs. "Designers who sit behind computers are divorced from the realities of manufacturing, selling and using furniture and household objects." To create the Hex Collection (2011), the solid copper pieces are hand formed with a hammered hexagonal pattern and a beaten finish. To maintain their luster, they are sealed with a food-safe clear lacquer. Made in India.

Basso Bottle Coaster

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Architects Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune founded their Stockholm-based office in 1995, and in 2004 they became the first Swedish architects ever to exhibit in the international section of the Venice Architecture Biennale. To create the Basso Bottle Coaster (2005), they paired up with Skultuna, a Swedish Brass Foundry that has been producing brass objects for more than 400 years in the very same place in Skultuna, Sweden. The Coaster is self-centering thanks to its slight convex dimple, and its polished brass surface will tarnish and develop a beautiful patina with use and time. Arrives in an elegant gift box. Made in Sweden.

Basso Bottle Coaster arrives in an elegant gift box.

Limited-Edition Greca Vase

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As the art director of the Bitossi ceramics studio for more than 50 years, Aldo Londi was a remarkable artist and ceramist who transformed Bitossi into a company known for its innovative work. His turquoise Greca Vase (1953) was has been reintroduced in limited quantities (only 199 will be produced). Handcrafted and hand painted in Italy, the Greca Vase comes with a certificate stating the uniqueness of the object and its limited-edition number. As with any handcrafted object, small imperfections can sometimes be found and are consistent with the originality and craft process of these products. Made in Italy.

Limited edition: only 199 Greca Vases will be made.

Brass Bottle Opener

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Masanori Oji is both an industrial and graphic designer, and he actively participates in all aspects of product development from the original concept to the packaging. Distilling a traditional tool to a simple outline, this Brass Bottle Opener (2009) will develop a rich patina over time, becoming even more beautiful with age. The brushed outer surface nicely contrasts the rough, natural-cast finish of the interior. Made in Japan.

Ascalon Menorah

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Upon completing his Master's degree in industrial design from Pratt Institute in 2005, Brad Ascalon was recognized by Wallpaper* magazine as one of the "Ten Most Wanted" emerging designers in the world. Ascalon grew up immersed in a world of art and design, and his chosen career is a nod to his father and grandfather, the latter of which founded a metal arts manufacturing company in Israel in the late 1930s. "He designed hundreds of decorative objects," says Ascalon, "including dozens of menorahs. In fact, one piece he designed is in the permanent collection at the Jewish Museum." Ascalon's father also designs menorahs but not for tabletops. Rather, he produces one-of-a-kind, large-scale permanent art installations for synagogues around North America. When Ascalon approached DWR to see if we'd be interested in producing his first menorah design, we enthusiastically agreed. The result is an elegant design crafted out of solid Carrara marble. "Stylistically, the design finds itself in an interesting niche," says Ascalon, "visually modern with an unexplainable classic undertone. The eight facets correspond to the eight days of Chanukah, and the left and right diagonals create an 18 degree angle. In Judaism, 18 is a very important number symbolizing chai, or life." A kosher design, the Ascalon Menorah (2011) has eight candleholders arranged in a straight line on one level, and one shamash (the candle used to light the others) on a different level. Candles not included. Made in China.

Handpicked by Oprah for her "Favorite Things" issue of O Magazine.

Variopinte Enameled Steel Dinner Plate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

"It's like a recipe, like adding spices, a bit of green, a bit of red and yellow, then heat it all up, and it's magic," says Stefania di Petrillo of the process of making her handcrafted Variopinte Dinnerware (2009). In Italian, variopinte means multicolored, but to di Petrillo it refers to the idea of the same object realized in various colors. "People don't realize that with enamel you can achieve more colors than Pantone® and it is completely natural," she says. The vibrant hues are created by crushing natural pigments that are mixed in with glass powder and applying it by hand to metal through a firing process. No two firings are exactly the same, giving each piece a unique, one of a kind appearance, and depending on where the piece was suspended during firing, markings may be visible. The enamel is nontoxic. Pack the Variopinte Collection in your picnic basket, since it's durable enough to use outdoors. Dishwasher safe. Made in France.

Additional savings when you purchase the entire set

Variopinte Enameled Steel Salad Plate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Additional savings when you purchase the entire set

Variopinte Enameled Steel Large Plate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Additional savings when you purchase the entire set

Variopinte Enameled Steel Bowl

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Additional savings when you purchase the entire set

Line Wine Bar

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

"I have always been inspired by the language of turntables and entertainment units from the 1960s," says Singaporean designer Nathan Yong. Which is a remarkable statement when you learn that Yong grew up in a wooden hut by the sea, where he and his brother made their own toys and "waited for low tides so we could pick up treasures from the shore." Growing up with the beach as entertainment, Yong has developed into a resourceful designer, whose work captivated us with its quiet elegance. At the 2010 International Furniture Fair in Singapore, Yong showed his Line Media Console, inspired by "the fluid streamlined forms of 1960s stereo components." We liked the aesthetic so much that we asked Yong to expand the collection. He responded with one of the best-looking bars we've ever seen. The Line Wine Bar (2010) has two drawers with leather pulls, one open cubby, two storage racks for stemware and two storage racks for a total of 24 bottles, twice the storage as the Line Bar. (The bottle storage racks are removable.) Constructed with leveling floor glides for uneven surfaces. Made in Malaysia.

Stacking Tray

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Craig Bassam and his partner Scott Fellows live with all the objects they create, and admit to having “a huge stack of trays” in their Connecticut home, where they use them to carry drinks to the living room, snacks to the den, mail to the office and so on. The Stacking Tray (2000) is an integral piece of the BassamFellows collection, interacting seamlessly with all of the others. Carved from solid American black walnut, its gently curved edges create an elegant profile. Individually, the tray functions as a traditional serving or display piece. In multiples, the trays may be stacked together to form side tables of any height, or combined with the bench to create a modular tabletop of varying lengths. No stains are ever used to mask the natural beauty of the wood, so each Stacking Tray is unique. Made in U.S.A.

Duncan Bulb Decanter

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

“I'll stick with gin,” said Hawkeye on the television series M*A*S*H. “Champagne is just ginger ale that knows somebody.” No matter what your preferred libation, Duncan Glassware (2009) will highlight the flavor, appearance and attitude of everything you serve. Handmade from lead-free glass and mouth-blown into molds, this collection is the work of a self-taught design team. Believing that a thorough knowledge of production processes is the foundation of good design, this team knows how to create a glass that feels great in your hand, is a pleasure to drink from and looks beautiful. Combining innovation with techniques that have been practiced for hundreds of years, this glassware is simple and timeless. You'll be certain to use it again and again. Made in Poland.

Duncan Carafe

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Pressed Willow Tray

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Although the 42-year-old Corin Mellor has been creative director of the Mellor brand since his father's retirement in 2005, it is certainly a labor of love. “You shouldn't have to completely divide your time between work and pleasure,” he says. “Your work should be your pleasure.” A sophisticated version of those found at a British canteen (or cafeteria), the Willow Trays (2009) are beautifully made in plywood molded from willow veneers. These stackable trays are light but durable and practical with a curvy rim and hand finished with a silky smooth melamine surface. The base is stamped David Mellor Design.

Antoine Candelabra - Sir

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Is it a vase or a candleholder? The answer is both. You can outfit a Antoine Sir Candelabra (2005) with tapered candles or flowers or a mixture of both. The Sir Antoine comes with small bud vases that fit inside the cups that hold the candles. Sculptural in shape, these Candelabra are made of transparent blown glass, giving them a light, pure aesthetic that highlights the shape and color of each flower. Designers Fabio Cocchi and Luigi Rotta have been working together since 1993, combining innovative and traditional materials to expand the traditional concept of design. Their ability to bring pure design to functional objects has brought them worldwide recognition. Made in Poland.

Club Caviar Bowl Set

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

“As a DJ,” says designer Matz Borgström, “I've played in and ran clubs in Stockholm since I was a teenager, which has given me insight into the bar as an everyday phenomenon.” His chic, sleek stainless tableware combines simple lines and some Viking fierceness. Serve Nordic delicacies or shrimp cocktail in the Caviar Bowl (2009) , which has a small bowl that sits inside a larger one to be filled with ice. Comes in a gift box. Made in China.

Duncan Barrel Decanter

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Rina Menardi - Peel Tray

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As a ceramist, Rina Menardi has spent 30 years researching and perfecting her techniques and color schemes the result of which can be seen in her pieces. Inspired by nature and her own feelings, this extraordinary designer-craftswoman believes that “an object should not impose itself, but rather suggest visual and tactile sensations able to evoke our deepest emotions.” All handmade, Menardi's bowls and trays (1980) are characterized by simple lines and stunning colors. The red of a sunset, the purple of an autumn leaf, the white of an ocean shell can all be found in her ceramics. She chooses to work in baked clay because it allows her to express herself through gaining possession of some of nature's secrets. “Clay allows me to give a three-dimensional shape to the here-and-now ‘me,'” says the artist. “It is a way of communicating with myself and, therefore, with others.” Made in Italy.

Duncan Bowl

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Club Snack Set

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

“As a DJ,” says designer Matz Borgström, “I've played in and ran clubs in Stockholm since I was a teenager, which has given me insight into the bar as an everyday phenomenon.” His chic, sleek stainless tableware combines simple lines and some Viking fierceness. The Snack Bowl (2009) can go from barbeque to black-tie affair with ease. Comes in a gift box. Made in China.