DESIGNER MUSINGS: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
They’re making their lists, and checking them twice
Words by Bridget Barnett
In a tough year, basking in the “silver-lining” feels of the season (no matter how aspirational they may seem) is one way to feed yourself more than just your share of pudding. With a focus on four of our favourites—love, joy, hope and peace—our community of designers weigh in on how the holidays are delivering for them.
“The list is endless: cure world hunger, illness and climate change. If I only had one wish, it would be that all families and friends are reunited across the world this Christmas. As far as physical gifts go, I’ve developed an obsession with chairs; over the past year, since moving into our new apartment in London, all of my attention seems to have shifted to vintage furniture. I have my eye on a pair of red Swing chairs by Jutta and Herbert Ohl for Rosenthal Studio Linie from 1982.”
– Vanissa Antonious, Neous
“Given the complicated state of the world right now, all we wish for is health, for us and our families, for our friends and our team, for everyone! We are yearning for travel, so the best Christmas gift would be a trip to a place we haven’t been before and exploring for days.”
– Kristina Taneva, BY FAR
“For the world, I wish for global health and wellness. This year has taught us to not take these things for granted, and to check in on our mental and emotional health as well as our physical health. For the children, access to education for all. Children represent hope and a change for the future. A wishful 2021 for all of us. As for physical gifts, Achille Castiglioni’s Snoopy lamp from Flos—it’s a great design piece with a whimsical look.”
– Silvia Avanzi, Gray Matters
“My family is spread out around the world and it has not been possible to spend any time together with them this year. While I look forward to my very first Christmas with my husband here in New York, I do wish that we could also share the gift of this time together with family. Under different circumstances I would have wished for something just beautiful, like a sculptural bracelet by abstract artist Pol Bury. This year my priorities are definitely more pragmatic, and since I am working from home, I dream of a wall lamp, like the Lampe de Marseille by Le Corbusier, which frees up space on my studio desk where I sketch collections.”
– Mercedes Castillo, Mercedes Castillo
“During this pandemic, what I have missed the most is hugs and kisses! I wish that we all could hug our families and friends without a second thought.”
– Beste Manastır Bağdatlı, Manu Atelier
