A Classic Turns 50

Iittala celebrates the 50th anniversary of the appearance of this lovely tinted glassware by Kaj Franck. Described as “the conscience of Finnish design,” Franck epitomizes Finnish modernism. His clear and softly tinted glasses, pitchers and bowls are sturdy and durable, intended for daily use and designed to last a lifetime. Real beauty, Franck maintained, could only be found in the practicality of use. Available individually and in sets at Zinc Details.

Pass the Port, Please…with the Barbara Carafe

Designed by Nina Jobs for Design House Stockholm, the Barbara Carafe features a colored ball that serves as the lid- which is then placed underneath the carafe when in use. The ball has a ground surface to keep it from rolling. Mouthblown crystal. Available with black, clear or amethyst ball at Zinc Details.

Artifort – Dutch and Distinctive

Dutch furniture design and manufacturer Artifort takes no back seat to anyone when it comes to unique ideas. A great example is the Tongue Chair by Pierre Paulin, which challenges the parameters of domestic ergonomics. Comfortable, too. Browse the Artifort collection at Zinc Details.

Listen! The trees are talking!

Actually, they are, thanks to the wooden Magno radio by Indonesian designer Singgih Kartono. The Magno combines the most current MP3 player compatible elecronics with sustainably grown woods. AM/FM radio with shortwave reception. Ebony wood casing and knobs. Uses AA batteries. Available at Zinc Details now.

They’re Back – Tam Tam Stools

2008 commemorates the 40th anniversary of Henry Massonet’s Tam Tam stools of the late Sixties. The stools are a classic, simple and economical solution to casual, contemporary seating. Tam Tams also serve well as seats or small tables for children’s rooms and play areas. The removable top allows a child (or a resident grown-up) to have a secret hiding place for small treasures.

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know about Le Corbusier

Le Courbusier Le Grand, the spectacular visual biography of one of the greatest architects of the 20th Century, is available at Zinc Details. 768 pages and over 2,000 images and documents, many of them previously unpublished. Le Corbusier was the creator of some of the most important and impressive buildings of the last century, but also an accomplished painter, sculptor, furniture designer, and urbanist. Letters in “Le Grand” reveal his intimate relationships with the likes of Picasso, Leger, and Josephine Baker. By the editors of Phaidon Books, intro by Jean-Louis Cohen.

Milano Salone 2008

“The Salone del Mobile Internazionale” is the International Furniture Fair of Milan, the largest and most anticipated trade fair in the world. It is renowned as the leading exposition for new products by furniture manufacturers and designers and is covered by most leading design periodicals.

At the show we saw many exciting new products, emerging young talents and had a chance to meet design superstars such as Philip Starck, Jasper Morrison, Ron Arad, Arik Levy, Boroullec brothers and Tokujin Yoshioka.

During the week of Salone there were as many as 413 events, exhibition and parties happening all over the city. It was simply design overload! Here's snap shots from Salone 2008.

Salone 2008