Fine Design: Exposed to the Elements

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Exposed to the Elements

Donna Karan, courtesy of www.pursuitist.com

Minimalistic designs are back in a big way and how. Austere unadornment has never looked better. The chosen material is the focus, translated in sleek lines and simple silhouettes that are low key yet elegant.

There is an artisanal shape and texture to each piece, and your attention is held by the sheer beauty of the material--whether it is silk, wood, glass or metal--and the interesting way it is shaped and simply allowed to be itself. Updated details to look for include irregular edges, hand finishes and organic shaping. The natural beauty of the materials are allowed to shine through. If it's fabric, there is little to no embellishment. The fabric is allowed to drape and fold naturally. If it's wood, the grains are allowed to show. There is just nothing compared to one simple element, transformed into something functional while allowing it to remain totally looking like itself.

If it's fabric, there is little to no embellishment. The fabric is allowed to drape and fold naturally. If it's wood, the grains are allowed to show.

Left: One of my favorite examples. No embellishment except two cascading folds of fabric. Soft Tank from the Modern Design collection, www.gap.com

Hammered metal: Serveware, www.westelm.com

Leather: Unadorned except by color. Tiffany Reversible Tote, www.tiffany.com

There is just nothing compared to

one simple element, transformed

into something functional while

allowing it to remain totally

looking like itself.

This month, designer Donna Karan teams up with Lenox and bringing her impeccable design aesthetic into the home. The result is a lot like her clothes: easy, basic, versatile, modern and sophisticated.

The collection inspired by Donna's heritage of "Seven Easy Pieces", which include details that reflect the spirit of the brand – sophisticated, interchangeable pieces designed to live with you wherever you are.

Ceramic: Dishes from Donna Karen Lenox, www.lenox.com

The extensive collection will include pieces crafted from porcelain, glass, wood and metal, with pieces reminiscent of the artisan's touch. Like her fashions, Karan's collection is earthy and organic. She wanted her pieces to have a handcrafted look, and that was certainly achieved. Woods, metals, glass all played prominently in the new line.