The Oporto Show

From 17-20 June, the Furniture for Life exhibition will be on display at The Oporto Show on Stand A04. Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton, and Studioilse present twenty-one new products including those launched in Milan in April and the London Design Festival in September. Stand A04, Alfandega do Porto, 4050-430 Oporto.
More information here

New York Design Week Review

During New York Design Week, from 15-18 May, we exhibited Furniture for Life in our New York Greene Street store. The latest products from Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton, and Studioilse were complemented by video interviews with the designers. The reception on the evening of the 17th encouraged guests to relax and enjoy interaction with the designs. View more images

Matthew Hilton talk at V&A

This Friday at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Matthew Hilton will discuss his career and recent work in conversation with design writer and consultant, Caroline Roux. Friday, 4th June, 7pm. Matthew Hilton: Modern Furniture at Victoria & Albert Museum Lecture Theatre. Booking information

Nef 163

Autoban is currently working on an architectural project titled Nef 163. Located in Gultepe, Istanbul, Nef 163 a residential highrise for young professionals. It aims to invent a new language for urban life which organises the chaotic elements and maintains a connection with nature. The contemporary design is modular and compact, while green spaces throughout provide comfortable living conditions. The project, expected to be completed in May 2012, was launched in New York this May at the De La Espada Greene Street store. Autoban designers, Seyhan Ozdemir and Sefer Caglar presented the project to members of international press. View images of the launch here

Farina Focaccia & Cucina Italiana

Farina, located in San Francisco's Mission District, offers natural, simple, homemade Ligurian cuisine made from quality organic ingredients in respect of seasons. The restaurant, designed by Brett Terpeluk and Monica Viarengo, reflects the ethos of the food through the use of robust, solid materials coupled with a keen attention to detail. The exposed joists, floor to ceiling subway tile, and lacquered wood paneling, all tinted with varying hues and gloss of creamy white, are offset by the grays of the concrete floor, blackened steel, and zinc counters. Free-standing linear counters are composed of reclaimed hand-hewn Genovese marble sinks, cut and re-assembled to form a sculptural presence.  Double Octopus by Autoban illuminates the space, suspended above custom built communal tables made from solid Guanacaste wood. Windows of curved laminated glass wrap around the facade, allowing daylight to spill over the dining room during the day. www.farinafoods.com

New Designer Collaborations

In the last issue of Spotlight, we announced that we will launch new designer collaborations at London Design Festival later this year. As further introduction to the two designers, following are iconic projects from their respective portfolios

Dick van Hoff

In 2003, industrial tailor, Dick van Hoff designed a series of kitchen machines titled Tyranny of the Plug. In creating the series, van Hoff questioned our reliance on electricity, and whether it is always the most logical or entertaining solution. Tyranny of the Plug consists of a human-powered blender, mixer and lemon squeezer. Made from cast iron, chrome, glass, and wood, the products run smoothly and efficiently, while encouraging the user to reflect on the use of the product and the amount of energy it requires. Visit Dick van Hoff website

Charlene Mullen

Charlene Mullen is an innovative designer of textiles and accessories. This year she completed a commission for the Lord Mayor of London, designing a cushion for him to present as a gift to dignitaries and embassies around the world. Visit Charlene Mullen website

Recent Press

In the July issue of Elle Decoration UK, the cover feature is a holiday home in St Tropez which includes Deer Armchairs by Autoban. Other recent press includes features in Grand Designs, Cubes, Casa da Abitare, Ming Pao Today and Hong Kong Economic Times. For further press, click here