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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Design Guide 2015
Fusing dreams with reality The brand MILLE FIABE stands for exceptionally creative and unique design products for your home. The objects of the designer Katrin Ruoffner intertwine traditional figural portrayals and miniature worlds with new impulses. Putting a special emphasis on high-quality material and aesthetics, the collection paved the way for a new design direction in the exclusive home sector. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: RAFAEL KRÖTZ
Established in 2014, the brand MILLE FIABE is one product with a collection of 15 objects, and combines elements which seemed incompatible until now: the objects are puristic and opulent at the same time and they merge humorous ease with formal rigour or nature with culture.“They intertwine dreams with reality in extravagant miniature scenes. I don’t solely understand my objects as pure decoration, but as an inspiration in everyday life,”Katrin Ruoffner, MILLE FIABE designer, says. The one-man manufactory from Tuebingen places great value on sophisticated design, originality
and versatility when it comes to drafting and elaboration. Dedicated to timeless values, such as individuality, high quality, filigree handwork and a close connection to its
customers, the brand’s creations are inspired by art, literature, fashion, architecture or nature. “The best thing is when I can put a sparkle in my customers’ eyes; when not only the look and the design-related content delight them, but when they also detect the intention behind the object and feel inspired and emotionally touched,” Katrin Ruoffner explains. MILLE FIABE’s exclusive, extravagant interior decorations are made from polished glass, finely brushed stainless steel, mirrors, Swarovski elements and filigree miniature figurines – there is sure to be nothing similar on the market. www.mille-fiabe.de
Below: Neuland. (left) Begegnung. (middle) Detailed view of object Neuland. (right)
Modern materials, timeless designs Les Mailles jewellery designers Jennifer Hiller and Marita Schwenkedel merge innovative production methods with modern materials and a fresh approach. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: LES MAILLES
The name Les Mailles (French for the stitches) goes back to their first collection, crocheted pendants in different, harmonious colours. It is those design ideas with a modern twist which distinguish Hiller and Schwenkedel, who met during their studies of industrial design at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design. “The initial idea developed into four collections, which are very different but still coherent and harmonise in a special way,” Hiller says and Schwenkedel adds: “What connects our collections is the experimental approach. We transfer new techniques and materials into the area of jewellery.”For example, traditional coating methods are combined with modern production processes. The design
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duo gets their inspiration from the naturally occurring oxidation of the materials. “It is important to us to pay great attention to the details and highlight the special feature of each technique,”they explain. The simple yet elegant creations impart to everyone an individual touch and the designers are excited that their jewellery
emphasises the wearer’s character in so many different ways. And because Hiller and Schwenkedel are all-round creatives also doing photography, graphics and architecture, there are more projects in the pipeline. This openness to the arts as a whole is vastly reflected in their jewellery and maybe it is the ingredient that makes it stand out. Les Mailles jewellery is available online and in selected stores throughout Germany and Austria. www.les-mailles.de
Portrait: Marita Schwenkedel & Jennifer Hiller. From left to right: ”Riquiquis” crocheted pendants. The metal collection. ”Knot design”.