Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight on Japan amid its new launches

Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight
Chinese company JIA called on four international designers to interpret the classic bowl and chopsticks. Neri & Hu responded to the brief with a frosted glass bowl featuring a brass ring at the base
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Between Paris and Stockholm, our yearly pilgrimage of European design fairs got off to a promising start. The next stop was Germany, where the latest edition of the Ambiente trade fair saw a plethora of design excellences across the globe gathered under the roof of the Messe Frankfurt grounds.

This year, Japan joined as the fair's international guest of honour, following in the footsteps of former partner countries Denmark and France. Design ambassador Yukio Hashimoto curated the Super Ennichi exhibition, a vibrant display of products and an opportunity for visitors to see examples of Japanese craft in action.

The country was also represented in full force with a strong outing at the Japan Creative Show; brands like Yamaha and Sanyo PVC collaborated with designers such as Ron Gilad and Jasper Morrison. Embodying a fine-tuned synergy between Japanese finesse and Western aesthetics, the small but perfectly formed exhibition was a delightful insight into the country’s finest.
 
Highlights from the halls included the annual roster of awards, which included an enticing 'best of' display. Among these was the German Design Award, held for the third year by the German Design Council to 'honour outstanding products and projects from product and communication design, as well as design personalities and newcomers'.

The Personality of the Year accolade went to designer and one-time Wallpaper* Design Awards judge Gerd Bulthaup for his exceptional life achievements, while Munich-based Italian designer Christian Zanzotti scooped Newcomer of the Year. Also on display in the exhibition halls was the Design Plus Award, recognising projects that seamlessly combine aesthetics and function.

A roll call of young talent stepped up to make their mark alongside established brands, including a selection of 13 designers and makers focusing on pottery. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Israel, Germany and the UK, the craftsmen showcased a superb blend of artisanal skills and creativity.

Another highlight was Sebastian Bergne’s 'Solutions' exhibition (now in its third year at the fair), celebrating intelligent household designs with clever solutions to everyday problems, this time with a special focus on portability and 'on the move' products.

Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Super Ennichi' installation curated by Japanese design representative Yukio Hashimoto

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Perspective clocks' by Tel Aviv-based Studio Ve

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Yamaha took part in the Japan Creative display with a singing installation created in collaboration with MAP

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Also at Japan Creative, French designer Pauline Deltour collaborated with gastronomic company Shibafune Koide on a poetic display of scultptural pastel-hued sweets

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Sweets by Shibafune Koide in collaboration with Pauline Deltour

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Oriva' ceramics by Inga Sempè for Koubei-Gama, part of the Japan Creative display

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

IOOI's contemporary shisha designed by Italian-born, Munich-based designer Christian Zanzotti, winner of the German Design Awards Newcomer prize

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Ladders by Japanese brand Hasegawa, which scooped a German Design Award prize

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Ombré cups by Asa

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Pro chair by Konstantin Grcic for Flötotto, designed to use in schools, was among the German Design Award winners

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Iridescent copper mirrors by German Design Awards Newcomers Nominees Besau-Marguerre

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Georg' stool by Christina Liljenberg Halstrom for Swedish brand Skagerak, which also nabbed a Design Plus gong

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Selected pottery by young ceramicist Jakub Kabat

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Pottery by young designer Martina Zìlovà

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Amphores' by David and Nicolas for Vista Alegre

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Monobloc' foldable chairs by Bert Löschner

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'New Crinkle' vases by M Komatsu for Ceramic Japan

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Kami' drinking cups by woodworking brand Takahashi Kougei, shown under the Asahikawa Woodworking brand as part of the Japanese selection

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Israeli plastic specialist Starplast showed a selection of bright colour experiments amongst their more conservative products

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'String' enamel kettle by JIA – it was the first time the brand used enamel instead of porcelain

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Flatware Pack' picnic package by Forexim, part of Sebastian Bergne's Solutions selection

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'AluBag' by Hailo, winner of a Design Plus prize

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Rosenthal presented a selection of works from its Research and Discovery Lab

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Format Unsealed' collection by Inesa Malafej for Rosenthal

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Pila' vase by Hanna Krüger for Rosenthal

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Collana' vases by Sebastian Herkner for Rosenthal

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

The bar at the Rosenthal stand featured a green wall with pots by sister brand Windowgarden

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Pad Box' desks with integrated storage and charging stations by Werner Aisslinger for Conmoto

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Flat-packed shelves by Ambivalenz

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Toast' toaster

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Kay Bojesen's 1950s 'songbirds' were updated with a black and white palette, and presented alongside the Danish designer's classic wooden monkey toys

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'One Piece of Lamp' by Studio Inbetween's Lee Kiseung

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Sweep It' by Stelton's sister brand Rig Tig

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Vase and tray by Tue Traerup Madsen for Silo

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Scarves by OeO studio designer Thomas Lykke for Japanese brand Kamawanu, which specialises in handprinted cotton fabrics

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Wakka' magnetic keyring by Mikiya Kobayashi for Japanese company Timbre

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Shelves and accessories by Swedish brand Menu

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Yeh' wall tables by Kenyon Yeh for Menu

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'Babula' pendant lamps by Krools

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

'New Old Light Outline' by Kimu Design combines traditional Asian elements such as paper lantern details with contemporary design

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Ambiente 2014: the Frankfurt design fair casts a spotlight

Patterned porcelain plates by Democratic Society for Kihara

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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.