Friday, August 22, 2008

MALLET DOES MODERN: THE NEW META COLLECTION

Mallet Antiques of London is moving in a modern direction. Founded in 1865, and known the world over for their museum quality 18th Century antiques, their offering something for the modern client is an interesting sign of the times. Their newly released Meta collection taps into the talents of modern design's great stars. Matali Crasset, Asymptote, Barber and Osgerby, Wales & Wales, and Tord Boonje, veteran wunderkind of the Milan Furniture Fair, were approached by Mallet's creative consultants, Louise-Anne Comeau and Geoffrey Monge. Past client projects of theirs include Swarovski Crystal Palace, ECAL, Gucci, Design Miami/Art Basel ‘Designer of the Future’, LVMH, Lotte, LG Electronics, Paul Smith, The Swire Group, and Target. The artistes came up with something very now---luxurious and grand sleek pieces. Many collaborated with artisans and used rare materials to create their product. Venini and master ebĂ©nistes’ continuing the 18th Century art of veneers were employed.

Images courtesy of Meta, a Mallett Company
Matali Crasset's Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend giant handing lantern is faceted like a gem. What a statement piece. It is made of golden silver patina patkong, a rare Chinese metal that does not tarnish.

Images courtesy of Meta, a Mallett Company
Designed by Tord Boontje , The Fig Leaf Wardrobe is a fantastical piece. 616 enamel hand-painted leaves hang from a tangle of iron vines. Lined in silk, the interior holds a brass tree by French sculptor Patrick Blanchard, to hang clothes on. There is something very Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe about this that I love...

The pieces are on view now at the Mallet Store on Madison Avenue. If you are in London from October 14th -19th, check them out at the ever-fabulous Frieze Art Fair, where they will be at 141 New Bond Street location. If you are an art show hound, hunt them down at Miami Basel Design from December 2nd -5th in Miami. For details, visit Made By Meta

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