Launched in 1968 with a collection of fabrics by Nanna Ditzel, Kvadrat has quckily become the go-to brand for upholstery textiles. Made in Ebeltoft, Denmark, its collections are created by the world's most celebrated talents and used in homes, museums and hospitality projects globally.
A new film charts the history of this wondrous design company, featuring striking imagery from its 50-plus years as well as testimonials from some of the many designers and artists who regularly collaborate with the brand on collections, products and special installations.
Kvadrat: what some of the world's most celebrated designers have to say
‘There is this total freedom, there is this total experiment, a hippie kind of attitude, although it’s a business it feels very free,’ comments Belgian designer Raf Simons, whose collection of textiles for Kvadrat was launched as a brand in 2014 and expanded to include home accessories as well as upholstery fabrics.
‘It does feel like a family, it does feel like a community of friends,’ adds American designer Jonathan Olivares, who has been tasked to design Kvadrat's New York showroom opening later in 2021. ‘They’re a perfect melting pot of art, architecture, engineering, design, colour research.’
Long-term collaborators Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, who have worked with Kvadrat on textiles as well as products such as the ‘Ready Made’ curtain collection from 2013, focus on Kvadrat's colour expertise. ‘They really master colours,’ says Erwan. ‘[they are] incredibly strong at making a huge variety of textile, but always with a very centered philosophy.’ Adds Ronan: ‘when you see the range of colour, it’s a marvel, it’s like opening a box of water colours: the delicacy of greens, the beauty of a yellow.’
Kvadrat's creative expression also come to life through the work of artists such as Pipilotti Rist. ‘I share with Kvadrat my love for colours,’ says the German artist. ‘Colour is like music, you fall into it, it’s dangerous, it’s overwhelming.’
INFORMATION
-
A Trellick tower apartment’s contemporary makeoverA Trellick tower apartment gets a contemporary makeover by architecture studio Buchholzberlin and art consultant Peter Heimer
-
Last chance to see: Sharjah Biennial 15, ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’
Built on the vision of late curator Okwui Enwezor, the Sharjah Biennial 15: ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’ offers a critical reframing of postcolonial narratives through major new commissions
-
For London Gallery Weekend 2023, the mood is hardcore
With London Gallery Weekend 2023 almost upon us (2 – 4 June), here’s our list of must-see art exhibitions
-
Ronan Bouroullec’s drawings become Kvadrat textiles
Danish textile brand Kvadrat sees the power of Ronan Bouroullec's drawings, launching a new collection inspired by his sketches
-
Salmon Eye visitor centre in Norway features specially-developed interior panel system by Kvadrat Acoustics
Inside Salmon Eye visitor centre: faced with an ellipsoid interior, Kvorning Design called on Kvadrat Acoustics to create a bespoke set of Soft Cells panels involving 250 unique shapes
-
Raf Simons and Kvadrat launch a Shaker-inspired accessories collection
Launching on 10 August 2022, the new accessories collection by Raf Simons for Kvadrat includes cushions, throws, bags, as well as tray, box, magazine holder, cap, and two key chains whose design is driven by functionality
-
Kvadrat Sisu fabric by Nanna Ditzel reinterpreted by Danh Vo
Originally conceived by Nanna Ditzel in the 1960s, the Kvadrat Sisu upholstery fabric is a bold take on the designer’s iconic Hallingdal, now revisited by artist Danh Vo in 16 new colours
-
Jony Ive’s advice to the next generation of designers
Sir Jony Ive spotlights the power of imagination at California College of the Arts’ 2021 commencement
-
Talent and textiles come together in a new project by Kvadrat Febrik
28 emerging designers from around the world create furniture and objects using Kvadrat Febrick fabric range
-
Travel the globe through colour with Giulio Ridolfo
In a new tome, Materialising Colour, Journeys with Giulio Ridolfo, join the Italian colourist on his scenic journey through colour, joined by botanical photographer Howard Sooley and curator Jane Withers
-
Raf Simons offers a softer touch with new fabrics for Kvadrat
Raf Simons on the homely spirit of his seventh textile drop with Danish company Kvadrat
