BYBORRE is a pioneer in responsible textile creation, merging design, technology, and innovation. The Amsterdam-based company is revolutionizing the industry with new high-performance knitted textiles and a platform that offers unparalleled transparency, and customization.
BYBORRE’s revolutionary zero-inventory production model ensures textiles are produced only when needed, a shift addressing both the significant environmental impact of overproducing while amplifying consumer preferences for personalized and responsible practices.
Partners in business and life, Kiki & Joost work in an idyllic farmhouse in Eindhoven.
They met while studying at the Design Academy Eindhoven and founded their studio in 2000. Today they are one of the most accomplished names of Dutch design.
Their workshop - over 9,600 square feet of creative space - is committed to the process of making unique pieces designed to defeat trends and time. Their work is fresh, sincere and warm.
It’s been my privilege to partner with them since 2017, providing brand communication, strategic guidance and media relations for their diverse portfolio.
Championing their work in finding the most compelling opportunities is a personal joy. This has included an invitation for a solo exhibition in Milan during Saloni 2019, a publishing deal, introductions to manufactures and marketplaces, and extended coverage on outlets as NYT, The Times, Domus, Wallpaper, Elle Décor, Dezeen to name a few.
Their wide range of work extends from furniture to installations, architecture to accessories, textiles to lighting and ceramics. Regardless of the scale, the handmade and human touch remains at the heart of their practice and reinforces an intuitive and emotional approach to contemporary design
Portrait photo © Valentina Sommariva
Maarten Baas is interested in the theatrical possibilities of design. The Dutch designer is widely considered to be one of the most exciting and influential designers working today, embracing a practice that is unconventional, rebellious and playful.
He has established an independent position in the Art & Design field with a multidisciplinary body of work including limited edition, production design, architecture, interior design, public art, sculpture, prints, film, theater sets and performance.
Baas’s immediate international recognition arrived with Smoke (2002), his graduation project at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Clay (2006) and Real Time (2009) consolidated his name and position as an artist making functional objects, granting him the title of ‘Designer of the Year’ at Design Basel/ Miami. Bass has exhibited and produced widely since then.
His provocative use of materials and highly skilled craftsmanship challenges the conventional notions of functionality. With a generous dose of deception and humor, his work is often an irreverent, surprising operation with messages aimed at both commissioner and viewer.
His work is found in numerous private and major museum collections, including the MOMA New York, Victoria & Albert Museum London, Les Arts Décoratifs Paris, MOMA SF, Het Stedelijk , Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Baas also collaborates with clients such as KLM, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Ruinart, Berluti, Hermès, Isabelle Marant, Swarovski.
Baas studio and workshop are located in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL), where, with his team, he crafts mischievous and unexpected worlds.
Studio Wieki Somers is a leading design studio working with museums, galleries and manufacturers.
To name a few: Museum of Modern Art (NY), the Centre Pompidou (Paris), Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (Rotterdam), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Galerie kreo (Paris/London).
Founded by Wieki Somers and Dylan van den Berg in 2003, the studio provides an enlightened and out of the ordinary reading of the everyday.
My contribution has been finding strategic opportunities, identifying new markets and stimulatng valuable partnerships.
The collaboration produced quickly impressive results with the invitation to *Wallpaper Handmade in Milan and securing the cover of the prominent magazine. The studio was also selected by The Hour Glass project together with renowned designers and artists: Daniel Arsham, Marc Newson and Nendo for a limited edition commission and exhibition.
Beetle Clock 2019. Photography @ Mathijs Labadie. Courtesy of The Hour Glass
Denim fashion brand G-Star RAW and acclaimed artist and designer Maarten Baas teamed up for a thought-provoking exhibition during Milan Design Week. The 'More or Less' exhibition, explored one of the fundamental predicaments of our time: the tension and duality between the desire for more and the need for less through a series of design and art pieces made from denim waste. 'More or Less' showcased a fifteen-meter-long private jet and a triptych of cabinets in the shape of jeans, all crafted using recycled G-Star jeans.
The creation of a private jet, a symbol of luxury, out of recycled material likely provoked reactions, not only for its massive scale but also for the bold statement it made about the duality of sustainability issues.
The exhibition was housed in the 16th century Church of San PaoloConverso, Milan.
For over twenty years, the Dutch brand Moooi has captivated the design world with its innovative creations. Founded in 2001 and currently led by Marcel Wanders and Robin Bevers, Moooi derives its name from the Dutch word for beautiful, "Mooi," with an extra 'O' added for uniqueness. The lifestyle brand blends the physical with the digital, employing a multi-sensory approach to craft fantastical designs.
We are currently working on the account for Milan Design Week 2024 in collaboration with Art Publicity and Syrta Geldof.
Studio Terpeluk is a renowned architecture and design atelier established in 2007. Based in San Francisco and led by Brett Terpeluk, the studio serves a diverse clientele, including both private and public entities, across North America and internationally.
The studio’s portfolio spans a wide range of project types, from residential and hospitality to commercial and civic spaces. The team at Studio Terpeluk comprises architects, designers, thinkers, and makers who are dedicated to the principles of spatial wellness and material intelligence, crafting environments that are both inspiring and enduring.
Images ©Joe Fletcher
OSMB is inspired by designers, makers, artists, activists and politicians that are dedicating their skills to address social challenges. OSMB’s goal is globally preserving the ancient heritage of Morocco while supporting lives locally.
We paired old Berber tribes of rural Morocco with renowned international artists from the Netherlands - Wieki Somers, Bertjan Pot, Amie Dicke and Mattijs Van Bergen - to share their trade and together produce a design collection.
The ambition is to empower women through craft while reaching new audiences and securing new opportunities.
I have personally seen how design can play a role in protecting our precious heritage and inform a better future.
It was a gift to support the project in finding the right words, developing concepts and implementing actions plans.
All in Awe is a social enterprise, made up of a large network of creative professionals whose services span architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, strategy, photography, branding and copywriting. What joins us is our overarching desire to seek out opportunities to make a positive impact.
We partner with charities, non profits and public sector projects to make our skills accessible to individuals and communities that can benefit from creative services. Our goal is to connect with people who need our services most, and to create meaningful change by working collaboratively with them.
www.all-in-awe.org
All eyes were on Naples while we launched EDIT Napoli - a new design fair and design residency that chose the sunny and seductive city in the Mediterranean to champion heritage, craftsmanship and community.
The event took over a 13th century church complex in the heart of the old city and focused on independent designers and makers.
As the head of Strategy and Communication, it was a genuinely exciting project to build from scratch with galvanizing ethos and ambitions.
Specifically, I was in charge of the following:
Recruiting and managing PR and Art Direction
Developing original content with a consistent tone of voice across all communications: digital ( website and social media) and physical ( exhibition and event)
Overseeing the brand image and the art direction
Coordinating a PR strategy including a substantial press trip to Naples
With hundreds of design fairs and trade shows taking place around the world, EDIT Napoli’s first edition created something unique that put Naples on the international design map.
Photos © Amedeo Benestante ©Bianca Hirata © Freddy Ventriglia.
Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance is a designer working across a wide range of disciplines and materials to create a consistent body of work with a narrative deeply rooted in nature.
Using experiencing and life itself as a source of inspiration and a necessary part of the working process, his design celebrates the merge of heritage and fine craftsmanship.
During the years we collaborated, I paid close attention to his design philosophy - truly understanding his holistic approach was necessary to successfully support his practice. I contributed to his international media relations, supported high profile events and exhibitions, enhanced his messaging and established connections with new manufactures.
noeduchaufourlawrance.com/
The entrance of Madre - museo d’arte contemporanea Donnaregina - is a yellow door hidden behind a small street in the heart of Naples. The 19th-century Palazzo Donnaregina hosts 7,200 m2 of space, a journey through site-specific installations, temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection. Madre is a living and dynamic space that emphasizes the importance of participation in a spirited city.
I had the pleasure of supporting the museum through international media relations with a distinctly editorial approach.
The icing on the cake is the museum terrace, I wish every museum in the world had that view.
Patti Smith,1978 © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Used by permission
Philip, 1979 © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Used by permission
Foto © Amedeo Benestante
During my years in California I built my first consulting company - designing and delivering bespoke interiors to high end clients. I shared my knowledge in contemporary art and design with brilliant people that let me into their lives. Together we searched for hidden treasures, crafting spaces with a sense of identity and acknowledging the cultural layers of architecture and every space we live in..
My role was as the neutral ground between couple's different narratives and desires; so while we talked about design we talked mainly about belonging, authenticity and transparency.
As a Strategic Director for over three years, I collaborated with Alpha Kilo, an integrated communications agency and strategic consultancy working internationally across art, design, luxury, travel and technology.
Allow me to share some of the creatives I supported while keeping fond memories of our many amazing projects, engaging discussions and late nights drinks.
Airbnb | Global Grad Show - Dubai | Triennale Milano | Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance | Wieki Somers | Maarten Baas | Ini Archibong | Branch | Matthew Mccormick | Clippings
International Media Relations - Brand and Communications Strategy - Content Creation - Executive Communications Strategy - Global Brand Partnerships - Event Concept & Management
