ICFF: BassamFellows Roundup
We took a tour around the ICFF floor with architect Craig Bassam and creative director Scott Fellows of BassamFellows. They have joined Herman Miller as consulting creative directors and were the designers behind the ICFF booth. I’m excited to work with these talented men – especially when I discovered they were the designers behind my favorite McGuire collection. They also have their own range of furniture and somehow find time to run a thriving design and architecture firm. Yesterday, I took this busy duo on a walk around ICFF to find out more about their favorite pieces in the show.
1. Chassis chair by Stefan Diez for Wilkhahn
Craig: So many new chairs are non-descript and this one is elegant. It’s an industrial piece with real personality. It’s actually very architectural, there’s a strong structure and balance to it. Scott: The detailing is exquisite. The way the textile is treated and how fine the seat’s profile is. It is beautifully put together.
2. Berg wool blanket by Anderssen & Voll for Roros Tweed
Above: Scott (left)and Craig (middle) talking to Erkling Digernes from Roros
Scott: It’s such a clean simple design and the color gradation in the red to the pink is amazing. I love the color and feel of these. Craig: There’s a springy quality to the wool that is extraordinary and makes it feel luxurious. They have got the colors, patterns and detailing just right.
3. Concrete tiles by Sadlerstone
Craig: There’s a depth to the tiles, you get to much more surface interest than any other tile. And the precision is great. I like to butt tiles up against each other and not use any grout. These are precision cut so you can do that. Scott: There’s a depth of color to these tiles that makes them look like quarry tiles. It’s amazing. And the darker ones almost look like slate. But they’ve got all the qualities of concrete, the toughness and durability.
4. Cast Iron Cookware by Angell Wyller Aarseth
Scott: I love the flush tops on these. And that they are for serious cooks, they’ve got a great weight to them. Be interesting to see the tops in different colors. Craig: They are very beautiful. The design is simple and functional. There’s nothing extraneous.
5. Volkswagen’s Bulli Microbus
Craig: It’s the VW Combi, an original idea re-thought. And I like the iPad being used to control things like the air con and GPS. Really nice details without being too tricky. In fact, it’s very German – clean design with character. Scott: I love the bench seat front and back and the blocks of color. With all the advancement VW has made in designing and making cars the Bulli still holds all the companies design DNA. It’s impressive. (More on the Bulli.)