The Design Drop: 12 exceptional objects to invest in this month
In our new series, we spotlight the month’s most exciting launches and collaborations, bringing you a curated edit of products that represent the best in design today
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
At Wallpaper*, we champion the design-led, forward-thinking and impeccably-executed. We’re always on the lookout for compelling creations – from objects and accessories to jewellery, fashion and tech – and aim to bring you pieces that subvert, surprise and delight.
In The Design Drop, we highlight the most striking objects to land that month, ranging from the intriguing and innovative to the simply beautiful. Read on to discover March’s standout pieces from our favourite brands and studios. Think of it as a wish list for the design-discerning: browse, admire – and, if tempted, acquire.
Product designer Jasper Morrison created a collection for HAY that emphasises simplicity and functionality in outdoor living. Inspired by camping, it includes portable furniture and accessories, suitable for urban balconies and open landscapes alike. Morrison’s ‘super normal’ philosophy shines through in pieces that feel familiar yet refined; by stripping away the unnecessary, the collection celebrates clarity of form and ease of use.
In 2015, decades after Giorgio Morandi’s death, photographer Joel Meyerowitz worked in the Italian artist’s Bologna studio, surrounded by the objects once used in his still lifes. Using the same surfaces and light, Meyerowitz studied and photographed each object, granting them a renewed sense of identity. In March, Damiani Books published the complete archive of ‘Morandi’s Objects’. This expanded edition deepens the dialogue between the two artists, offering a nuanced reflection on observation, influence and the resonance of everyday forms.
This sterling silver tea service by Afra and Tobia Scarpa reflects San Lorenzo’s modernist approach to craftsmanship. Defined by clean geometry and subtle surface textures, the hand-finished set reinterprets traditional silversmithing, emphasising proportion, material integrity and function over decorative excess. Positioned between domestic object and cultural artefact, it exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate everyday rituals.
Oliver Spencer’s Leather Weekender may be the travel bag of the summer. Developed with input from contributors to his ‘Secret Trips’ magazine, it addresses real travel needs, with a design that draws on vintage military holdalls and classic doctor’s bags. Rooted in Spencer’s blend of local craftsmanship and global inspiration, the bag embodies a considered approach to travel – built for movement, practicality and reliability.
This T-shirt from Willy Chavarria’s ‘Vatísimo’ collaboration with Zara showcases the designer’s signature oversized silhouettes, as well as his socially engaged approach. Drawing on Mexican-American culture and streetwear, it pairs a simple cotton construction with bold proportions and graphic detail. Through his partnership with Zara, Chavarria brings his message to a wider audience, exploring themes of identity, community and belonging and offering garments that serve as both wardrobe staples and cultural statements.
March was a big month for Zara collaborations, with the brand’s Home line partnering with stylist Colin King on a collection of ‘modern heirlooms’. This woven brass basket exemplifies a restrained, material-led approach, its elongated form and handwoven construction creating subtle variations. Eschewing excess, the basket focuses on proportion, light and material, balancing practical utility with sculptural simplicity.
The newly-launched MacBook Neo signals a more accessible direction for Apple, offering a streamlined laptop with an aluminium body, 13-inch display and A18 Pro chip in a range of playful colours – all while preserving the brand’s core design qualities. Its lower price point broadens access, appealing to a younger audience without compromising usability. Subtle manufacturing innovations support this shift, reflecting evolving expectations around value and longevity in tech.
Casio recently elevated their classic calculator with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The edition is finished with urushi lacquer by artisans at Yamakyu Japanware and features a richly layered surface crafted from natural tree sap, alongside machined aluminium details and ergonomic keys. The meticulous making process transforms a standard desktop tool into a tactile, refined object, demonstrating how material and technique can redefine the most familiar of devices.
At the third edition of Matter and Shape in Paris, our writer discovered and admired this Orphée liqueur glass by Justine Ménard. Inspired by the curves of the human body, it features a rippled bowl, elongated stem and clustered base. Mouth-blown using traditional techniques, it bears subtle variations that capture the gesture of its creation and preserve a sense of immediacy. The glass transforms the experience of drinking champagne or aperitifs into something much more reflective.
‘Roots’ by Shame Studios comprises 14 handwoven rugs, crafted in India using traditional techniques. What makes the collection special is its collaboration with Furnishing Futures, a charity that creates furnished homes for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse – each rug purchased results in another being made and donated. Every piece is inspired by a beneficiary’s personal story, with calming tones and textures shaped by trauma-informed design principles. It’s a compelling example of how socially engaged design can foster meaningful and supportive living environments.
This ring, designed by BAR Jewellery founder Sophie McKay, transforms natural forms into a sculptural, wearable piece. Inspired by organic landscapes, it is crafted from recycled sterling silver, with a hand-wound, twisted structure that spans two fingers in fluid continuity. BAR Jewellery, which we discovered last month, creates designs that balance lightness with presence, rooted in materiality, craftsmanship and an appreciation for the overlooked details of the natural world.
Recently, we profiled Draga & Aurel, the design duo known for their jewel-like resin pieces. A standout example is this striking coffee table, which explores transparency, colour and material experimentation. Its cylindrical brass base, etched with organic veining, contrasts with the smooth resin top, where layered pigments capture shifting light, creating a surface that feels almost geological. Indeed, the studio’s volatile materials and processes ensure that each piece is unique, positioning their work at the intersection of furniture and art.
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Anna Solomon is Wallpaper’s digital staff writer, working across all of Wallpaper.com’s core pillars. She has a special interest in interiors and curates the weekly spotlight series, The Inside Story. Before joining the team at the start of 2025, she was senior editor at Luxury London Magazine and Luxurylondon.co.uk, where she covered all things lifestyle.