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For the second year on the trot, Wallpaper* and Tory Burch have joined forces for Salone del Mobile. Influenced and inspired by Tory Burch’s latest tableware set, the 'Spongeware' collection, the London-based design studio Glithero were commissioned to created a bespoke installation for the via della Spiga boutique.
Tim Simpson and Sarah van Gameren, the design duo behind Glithero, dressed one window with a colourful totem of deep blue sponges to showcase the collection itself, while a mechanised installation sprung into action in the neighbouring street-facing window, compressing squared off and circular sponges against the glass window.
'The idea was these sponges would gently kiss the window,' explains van Gameren. ‘We were interested in the way the plates and their prints are produced, using sponges and different amounts of pressure, and started from there.’
The dappled, hand-applied patterns and variegated colour palette of the collection has its roots in the potteries of the UK, which later flourished in the US. Artisans began using sponge to add swirling, textured designs to ceramics, creating uniquely decorative tableware with an opulent feel.
A collection of vintage spongeware and a love for entertaining led to Tory Burch designing her own blue and white tableware, following on from the hugely successful 'Lettuce Ware' collection which launched last year. To celebrate it's launch Wallpaper* commissioned Bethan Laura Wood to create a similarly unique installation.
The dappled, hand-applied patterns and variegated colour palette of the collection has is roots in the potteries of the UK
View from the inside of the via della Spiga boutique. On the left, the mechanism that drives the skewered sponges to 'kiss' the window is on view
London-based design studio Glithero's Sarah van Gameren and Tim Simpson, standing in front of their sponge totem
Up close and personal with the installation