When it comes to furniture, I really only have eyes for Big Squishy. Anything with needlessly wide cushions and needlessly deep tufting calls my name. And, being a begrudging social media user, I have not been immune to the many images circulating lately of the Cameleonda Sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and recently reissued by B&B Italia after a 50-year hiatus. Talk about big squishy. The sofa's cushions are 90 x 90 centimeters, and the form is endlessly modular.
As luxurious as these sofas are- their expert craftsmanship is reflected in a multi-thousand dollar price point- their elevated style belies the primary piece of equipment that makes their modularity possible: carabiners. It feels odd to think of Mario Bellini, a world-renowned Italian architect, settling upon carabiners to connect his most iconic design.
Then again, there is something deliciously 1970s about the sofa's system of cords and metal loops holding together a really funky and inviting piece of furniture. Modularity allows for that kind of experimental, DIY quality that was so huge during the counterculture revolution of the 20th century. I mean, remember inflatables?
Today, the appeal of such a customizable, flexible piece is clear. With many of the people who could theoretically afford a Cameleonda Sofa now working from home, there is a much greater emphasis on making domestic interiors work for exactly what you need them to do.
But honestly, I'm still preoccupied with the carabiners question. The re-released edition of the Cameleonda brought its carabiner system with it, so where else are we seeing these little clippies? Carabiners are a classic belt loop-key chain solution and an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiasts.
Weirdly, outdoorsy activities are getting almost as trendy as Bellini's sofa. The fashion attached to such activities is having its own moment, and that moment has been dubbed "gorpcore" ("gorp" being a goofy hiker name for trail mix). The golden thread, or perhaps the golden oblong metal ring, connecting these trends is none other than the small but mighty carabiner.
Is it finally time for carabiners themselves to take center stage? Will luxury designers adopt the little guys for decorative purposes in homage to their utilitarian, adventurous roots? Time will tell. All I know is that I am now really excited at the idea of sofa cushions that click together and seeing runway models rock designer hiking gear.
- Helen
No comments:
Post a Comment