covet
When originality spends too much time in front of the
mirror, it shows. The DIY crowd feels snubbed and the
artsy types get restless for their own “top this” exhibition
like a silken metallic NASA-issued survival blanket. Worlds
away from flashy à la mode, Swalaline prefers to show
contemporary furniture and accessories suffused with
African soul and craft. This is not en vogue “ethnic” with
beaded embellishments playing up to the camera: the
pieces gathered by the Madrid-based company are
current and fresh. The weaving traditions of the South
African Delta area are honored via the very raw and chic
Nguni chair by designer John Vogel for the collection.
For information, + 27 21 712 8873 vogeldesign.co.za;
swalaline.com
Memories hold tight to certain objects. Surroundings slide slowly off
the grid, and faces lose clarity without mild repetition, but items
stay sharp in the brain. These cake stands from Cyrus Company
scintillate on first gaze, and remain distinct from then on. Each alzata
con cupola is brushed in silver or gold and crafted by hand in the
workshop of the Italian company hailed for simple, contemporary
furniture. The collection offers a magnificent assortment of
accessories and tableware, these pieces being a ravishing
reminder. Topped with either a heart or star (the studio’s signature)
they are permanently etched, while the frosted cake, the pastries
and the conversation have already started to fade. To purchase,
115 S. Mercer Street New York, NY 212.226.2364 cyruscompany.it
Identity theft is a cowardly crime made
evermore irksome by the fact that the
assailants have ghastly taste. A fleece-covered futon and a new synthesizer? No, I
absolutely did not make those purchases!
The fraud investigator sympathetically allows
a moment. Thievery will not reward one
with the astonishing Vortex credenza, as
sophistication of this kind is something to envy,
not purloin. With Op Art marquetry veneering
in Santos rosewood and sycamore, drawers
swathed in velvet and cowhide, one secret
compartment lined with 18-karat gold leaf,
and some small mysteries (how does it open?),
the piece is a superb limited edition holding
the grandest illusions. The revered British
design company Linley offers only five for
the taking. For information, davidlinley.com29
