WeFew

An interview with Dominic Crinson

A"I have a dream, a fantasy. To help me through reality. And my destination makes it worth the while."

Swedish pop group ABBA had a dream and subsequently topped the charts worldwide for a decade from the mid 70s to the early 80s.

In the late 90s, Dominic Crinson had a dream too. He developed his proprietary process for digitally printing ceramic tiles and kick started a revolution in wall and floor coverings. Today Digitile is transforming bars, restaurants, boutiques, offices and homes all around the world with bespoke and contemporary designs. Ten years into the business, Digitile clients include Cirque Du Soleil, Dunhill London and Ted Baker among others.

Dominic's interview is a great testament to his unending creativity and passion and his journey is certainly enviable.

WeFew: How did you get into this business?
DC: From the drab minimalism of the whitey nineties I had a dream. I woke up and decided I would decorate the surface of the world from the desires of my mind.

WeFew: What is the most challenging/interesting project you have done so far?
DC: The above project! Although there are many more surfaces still to be covered.

WeFew: Who have you most enjoyed collaborating with and who would you most like to collaborate with?
DC: I had free reign on a project to decorate a client's residence with the simple brief to find inspiration in their eclectic collection of 20th century artefacts. I dream of designing the interiors of a boutique hotel - each room with a different theme.

WeFew: Is there any major change in the industry that affected your business greatly over the years and how did you deal with it?
DC: The greatest change over the years can be seen in the consumers, they are becoming more expressive and personal with their interior choices and this has inspired me to become even more extravagant so that they will never get bored.

Dominic's latest designs.

WeFew: Is there any project that is of special meaning to you?
DC: I worked on a commission for a Conran designed hotel in New Delhi. The brief was to design tiles inspired by the ancient Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory which the Hotel over looks.

WeFew: Do you have your own works in your home?  
DC: I just moved into a new home so there hasn't been enough time to install any of my own wallcoverings so for the moment my old artworks and ceramic objects have been scattered around. I have an organic approach to decoration in my own home so my tiles and wallpapers will slowly make their presence known.

WeFew: In terms of design, what is your favourite public space? Restaurant, shop, park, etc.
DC: Inside and outside the new Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art, Australia, an invigorating piece of architecture.

WeFew: What inspires you when you're in the studio? A particular type of music? Advice you once received? A certain goal?
DC: Inspiration can come at any moment so you have to keep your eyes open in whatever place you find yourself in. Being in the studio is not normally a place of inspiration for me. I need the influence of the external world and then a quiet place to ponder.

WeFew: When you were first starting off on your own, who did you seek advice/feedback from?
DC: I sough advice and feedback from anyone I spoke to who showed an interest. It's important to consult a wide spectrum of peers in a variety of markets, don't just stick to your own small market because you can limit yourself.

WeFew: Is there any advice you would like to give our designers who are just starting out in their careers?
DC: Go your own way, don't be heavily influenced by others or you will become just a shadow of them. Always think big and don't limit your potential, map out where you want to be in 5/10 years then work out the steps to achieve those aims.

Thank you for such an inspiring interview Dominic!  And kudos to the guy who dares to dream and dream big!

 

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An interview with Vice and Vanity

  Meet Vivi Masturah Lim and Aaron Kao, the duo behind home-grown brand, Vice and Vanity. Since their incorporation in January 2006, Vice and Vanity has been dishing up stunning pieces of necklaces, bracelets and brooches to satisfy the fashionista in all of us.

Besides gracing the runway with renowned fashion label Baylene, Vice and Vanity has also been scoring raves from Harper's BAZAAR, Juice, Seventeen, Her World, Revolution and I-S Magazine with their original designs.

When prompted, Vice and Vanity warned against crocodile attacks, nuclear fusion or genetic experiments when taking care of their pieces. Not that we are going to risk wearing the designs anywhere near these areas! WeFew braced ourselves for an exclusive interview with Vice & Vanity. Enjoy!

WeFew: Tell us a little about your background and what made you decide to set up your own label?
V&V: It happened by accident, during a period in our lives when we were bumming around after a long holiday together. Vivi had left her fashion retail job and I was practically a bummer playing drums in a band and having graduated from art academy, was trying to etch a living being a starving artist. Being our nosey selves, we were curious about my mom’s hobby of beading and we started to string together some stuff ourselves. It got serious after a friend approached us to place some items in his shop and it snowballed from there.

WeFew: What does Vice & Vanity stands for?
V&V: Vice and Vanity!

WeFew: How would you describe the Vice & Vanity design style?
V&V: We are constantly evolving. But recently we feel a certain degree of maturity in our designs.

WeFew: Tell us about your latest collection.
V&V: We want to create collar pieces and they came from sketches of abstract shapes. It was a time when we wanted to move away from identifiable aesthetics. I realised we already had that tendency in the last collection titled ‘One Two’. We also wanted to challenge ourselves to break away from the typical acrylic silhouette style adopted by many designers and to stretch a 2D raw material into an end product with more volume, dimension and layering.

WeFew: Are your designs influenced by global, or local, trends in the broader design world – like fashion? Or is it more personal?
V&V: A little of everything actually.

WeFew: What are the challenges you have faced working for yourself?
V&V: We have to keep rolling or we’ll become mouldy.

WeFew: What motivates you when you’re in the studio?  A particular type of music? Advice you once received? A certain goal?
V&V: Music – Certainly, Advice – yes, Goals – Definitely!  Most of all, good reviews and compliments and great feedback spur us to work harder!

WeFew: What do you like best about your job?
V&V: We don’t have to be in the rush hour squeeze and we are answerable to ourselves.

WeFew: Do you have a favourite online source of inspiration / blog / ezine? What is it?
V&V: No favourite in particular, it’s mish mash of everything we absorb.

WeFew: In terms of design, which piece is your favourite out of all your collections?
V&V: Every piece will give an outfit a different feel, it’s hard to put a full stop to a favourite one actually.

Visit www.wefew.net/shop/vicevanity to pick up a delectable design today.

Lasalle College of the Arts Degree Show 2008

Fios de la mode! Yesterday marked the exclusive preview of ten fashion collections by the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Design programme graduates, presented by LASALLE’s Fashion Institute of Singapore (FIOS). WeFew was there to offer these rising stars of fashion our support.

It was exhilarating to see designers experimenting with colours, texture and fabrics in the collections. There were colours that combine young and modern with a subtle tinge of vintage and fabric embellishments that were well executed and not too overdramatic. Some designs exuded a luxurious feel coupled with sophistication and eccentricity, and such creativity at work signified the huge potential in these emerging talents.

A cause for celebration, these collections encapsulated the very essence of modern women – independent, dynamic and liberated. The collections boasted designs that not only enhanced but also embraced a woman’s curves. Abandoning all stereotyping, gracing the runways now are contemporary wearable designs that no longer belong only on the stage. Here are some of our favourites.

smd/black shimmery batwing mini dress by yu susuki and onan/ladies hooded maxi dress with felted pocket trim  by susan thoms.

stanford/mens cashmere and camel coat with felted collar - cashmere trousers and classic cut shirt and victoria/ladies cashmere coat with felted front panel and cuffs. Hand felted wool and silk dress with shibori and knotted yoke. Both by susan thoms.

riola/black organza top with a three layered collar - black striped cotton high-waisted pencil skirt with corseted waistband and parish/grey sandwashed silk mini jumpsuit with pleated side panels. Both by jerlyn.

field/fitted at the top and flared at the bottom with asymmetrical length and low neckline - hand sewn sequins and beads on seam and fidget/bare-back dress with low V-neckline - highlights of sequins and beads are sewn on top of silkscreen prints. Both by siti aishah esa.

light crystal/full length fish tail dress with woven chiffon and fine chain detailing - silk satin - silk chiffon and silk lining by olivia wu and cross knot/jade green silk chiffon sleeveless top with interwoven pulling technique - sea green thai silk trousers with cross knot belt details by jessica chuan.

A timely infusion of new inspirations into the local fashion scene, WeFew wishes these aspiring fashion designers all the best in becoming future leaders of the runways.

View the entire collection here.

Featured Designer - Joanna Davies

Is there always a story behind every design? Not quite for Joanna who graduated from the Royal College of Arts with a Master degree in Ceramics and Glass. To Joanna, each creation is the result of her constant emotive and intuitive enquiry process. Under her brand name Jo Davies, Joanna made her first debut at the London New Designers Exhibition 2002, and subsequently held solo exhibitions at IL Bordello, Bristol and Portsmouth Arts Centre.

Joanna’s bold attempts at reinventing and injecting Rococo style in modern day home wares make each piece of work a visual feast. A common style in the 18th Century French Art and Interior Design, Rococo is a combination of the French Rocaille and Italian Baroque style. Contrast is prevalent in each of her creation where we see a perfect blend of either textured surfaces or sharp and blunt edges. Joanna dedicates each piece of her work to famous female figures remembered for their exuberant styles, like Joan Rivers, Imelda Marcos and Barbara Taylor Bradford.

Imelda light is Joanna’s new creation. A unique addition to any contemporary home, this elegant wall light consists of loose folds that allow light to pass through forming abstract shadows. Imelda is named after Imelda Marcos, the controversial and influential political figure of the Philippines.

Each piece of Zsa Zsa vase is hand crafted in porcelain such that the loose folds allows individual expression in floral arrangement. Suppose it is no mystery which personality Zsa Zsa vase is named after?

The Imelda light, Zsa Zsa vase and the rest of Joanna’s collection will be on sale on WeFew come June when our online store opens. 

An interview with Air Design Group

Last Friday, WeFew ended business earlier than usual. It was the launch of Air Design Group's latest collection and we were eager to be there. We reached Night & Day Bar + gallery + friends a little past seven and were greeted by Nathan and Jerry at the door. I have been looking forward to this ever since I received the invitation, so it was pretty exciting that I was finally able to see the design pieces.

Apart from attending the show, we also had a chance to interview Air Design Group on their latest collection. I have always wondered what's up in the minds of these designers, so the ulterior motive of satisfying my own curiosity is present each time I do an interview. Then again, this is rather thrilling, so maybe we should do this more often!! Here is WeFew interview with Nathan and Jerry!

WeFew : Tell us about your latest collection.

ADG: There is a total of 9 items in this collection and we worked closely with a metal smith to produce these designs. The collection is based on memories of our past experiences with spaces and environment, like a lazy Sunday afternoon at old balconies, day dreaming or chatting with our grandmas about daily happenings...and these images or experiences are translated into the furniture, giving the collection a sense of story with a historical background, which is very personal to us but yet quite universal.

Nathan and Jerry's latest collection.

Does "grandson" reminds you of the days you spent with your grandparents?

WeFew: What do you feel is a key differentiator to your design style?

ADG: We would like to think that, our ability to balance things (kind of naturally) makes our design the  way it is. There is a bit of something be it its influences, humour, realities, emotional, experience etc, and we balance it based on the appropriateness of contacts.

WeFew: Since the early 20th century, iconic furniture design has taken a minimalist approach, as does your current collection. Do you see this approach continuing for some time or do you envision a change in direction?

AGD: We think that because we were not brought up with a silver spoon and we are not vulgarly materialistic, our works (the technical side) tend to aspire to achieve more by having less (less material, less construction, less cost, less loud etc.) What we hope to do again is to balance both, bringing a sense of history & memories into the design (the emotional side), hence making the design clinically efficient yet emotionally engaging. Modernism does have the same idea of achieving the essence of things by minimising through intelligence but it can be de-humanising at times.

WeFew: Which of your works (in this collection or previous collection) do you want to be remembered as iconic and why?

AGD: We don’t know the meaning of ‘iconic’ in your context. But if we are talking about which is the one that we find have the most balance, it will be FOXHOLE.

Foxhole by Air Design Group.

WeFew: In terms of design, what is your favourite public space? Restaurants, shops, etc.

AGD: The old playground (circa 70s). Just pure, clean and simple intentions and it delivers that.

WeFew: Do you have your own works in your home?

AGD: Yes, but not all. There are lots of other designers’ works that we like too. We are not that narcissistic to have all our furniture designed by us. :)

WeFew: As design is a constant evolution, what triggers you to say ‘done’ and to move to production?

AGD: Just like everything else that is guided by universal truth: space, time and cost.

WeFew: What motivates you when you’re in the studio? A particular type of music? Advice you once received? A certain goal?

Nathan: I am motivated when I am not in the studio. So when I am outside, I can be motivated by everything, an image I saw, an experience I encounter, a memory I recall, a joke I heard.

Jerry: The studio is more about putting thoughts and discussion onto paper. I like to be opened to the surroundings that could maybe trigger any motivation...like a sunset.

WeFew: When you were first starting off on your own, who did you seek feedback from?

Nathan: My father

Jerry: My mother

WeFew: Is there any advice you would like to give our designers who are just starting out in their careers?

Nathan: Think strategically, patience and be nice.

Jerry: Be humble and respect criticism.

Pop by  Night & Day Bar + gallery + friends from now till 3 June, 2008 to view Air Design Group latest Collection, "Designers-Cut".

Dream with Casey Chen at the Arts House tonight and throughout May

WeFew's April featured designer, Casey Chen is holding his solo exhibition at the Singapore Arts House. Do not miss this chance to view his works that are never lacking in originality and wit!

Catch DREAMER, the inspiring exhibition on Casey Chen's works at the Singapore Arts House from 8 May - 31 May 2008. For more information, log on to www.theartshouse.com.sg

 

Check out our previous entry on Casey Chen to learn more about him. 

 

NEW UPDATE!

Here are a few photos we took at the opening reception.

Thats Autumn and Casey.

A new project initiated by Casey. Seen here is a throw, a work of collaboration between Casey and Ee Shaun.

You can access the rest of the photographs via our photo albums.

 

Help protect designer copyright!

If you have a passion for design, help change the UK law by signing this e-petition, http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CapperCopyright/

Do you know it is currently legal to manufacture and/or supply copies of furniture in UK, when the original design is over 30 years old? Many factories in Eastern Europe and Asia are replicating the original design using sub standard materials, often in adverse factory conditions and with little consideration for human rights and recognized ISO standards. These cheap replicas are then sent to the UK for distribution as there are no sufficient laws against this.

In Germany and Switzerland, orignial furniture designs are protected for 70 years after the death of the designer. This helps to discourage the need for unethical manufacturing facilities, plagiarism and cheap ''knock offs". Ultimately, this will protect the royalties earned by designers and enables new ideas to flourish.

Join us in the effort to protect original designers’ work and their livelihood! It just takes a minute to make a difference. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CapperCopyright/

Please note that you must be a British citizen or resident to sign. Once you sign, you will receive a confirmation by email. When you receive this, click the link and you have officially signed the petition.

WeFew at Wessex Village Square

Last weekend WeFew participated in an Arts Market In conjunction with the grand opening of Wessex Village Square in Singapore.

Set to be the next arts metropolis of Singapore where creative individuals congregate, exchange ideas and share their passions, Wessex Village will give artists and designers support and opportunities to exhibit their work and showcase their talent in a truly creative community.

Casey Chen's Taxi Lamp, Cream Cushion, DynaGlo and KarmaSutra Doll

WeFew showcased the works of our talented Singapore designers at the Arts Market. The crowd was excited to spot Casey Chen’s taxi lamp among the designer pieces and it drew a lot of attention as it was featured in The Art Shop and Barang Barang. Quite a number of people could not take their eyes off Casey’s Cream Cushion Chair. This chair never fails to bring back old memories and make us feel nostalgic whenever we look at it. Now that it is in our office, we are seriously contemplating keeping it for ourselves!

The Purple Ink's Hepburn Collection

Jessica Tan, of The Purple Ink, travels around the world to source materials and fabrics that inject new life into old chairs. Each piece of design from The Purple Ink’s “Hepburn” collection is timeless and unique. The chair was very well received and you can be sure we will update you with her latest collection soon! According to Jessica, her next collection will be fashion inspired! We can’t wait!

Teddy Or's Street Couture Collection

A winner of the Singapore Fashion Designers’ Contest 2006, Teddy Or made  his first fashion debut at the Asia Wow fashion show this year. His label, Street Couture is a fusion of the east and west and emphasises on the versatility of the designs. His runway designs were such a great hit that even after the event, we received many emails requesting for more information. Later this year, Teddy will be heading for the fashion capital of New York where he hopes to pursue his dreams and establish his label there. WeFew wishes him all the best in his future endeavours! 

Teddy Or's Street Couture Collection

“I saw that in the apple store!” quipped one of our visitors when she saw the design@Loft lap top tray. Sometimes it is just more convenient to work from a sofa, or in bed, than at a desk, but the heat and weight of the lap top can be unbearable and downright uncomfortable. Sharing our woes, Jun Yea ‘s LINE tray helps ventilate the laptop and it’s ergonomic design makes hours of surfing comfortable and enjoyable. What’s more, it can also be used as a breakfast tray on its reverse side. Now, this is what clever design is all about.

We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did at the Arts Market. It was great chatting with art enthusiasts, design lovers and sharing one another's passion. We will continue to participate in more events in the near future so if you missed this one, we hope to see you at the next.

If you missed this event and would like to purchase any of the design, you can contact us at info@wefew.net. Meanwhile, we are now tying up loose ends and gearing up for the official opening of our online “shop”. In a few weeks, you will be able to browse through our online store, pick up a piece of design you fancy, and have it delivered right to your door step.

Oh yes, the next time you swing by Wessex Village, be sure to try the fantastic pizza from Pietrasanta and experience great art viewing at the Laurents Cafe and Chocolate Bar!

Featured Designer: Casey Chen

We first met Casey at the My Universal Home exhibition during the 2007 Singapore Design Festival and within moments, he made a lasting impression. His energy and enthusiasm was intoxicating and when we finally viewed his work we were blown away by his creative use of what some would call rubbish but he viewed as icons of his youth. His work embodies a strong sense of personal expression combined with universal appeal.  Though I do not remember Jacob's Cream Crackers or Dynamo from my childhood, I feel a bit nostalgic each time i see his Jacob's Cream Cushion Chair or the DynaGlo lamps.

Casey graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Design and has been in the design field for over a decade. His works have been recognised regionally and internationally and have won international design awards. Recently, he took part in 100% Tokyo 2007 with DesignBoom.com and launched his KarmatSutra Dolls.  

Casey's works will be exhibited in the Singapore Arts House from 8-31 May 2008. Join Casey in support of his first solo exhibition and view some of his most inspiring work in person. Or come by the Wessex Village Square opening this Saturday to check out his work.