IN the limelight

Just as New Zealand has its unique scenery and culture, so it also has a growing reputation for design that is highly innovative and original.

Clare Mora, founder and director of the specialist design store Essenze, says New Zealand designers are strongly influenced by this country's diverse landscape and environment.

"Their interpretations, translated through the medium of their work, are seen as providing something refreshingly different on the world stage."

Mora says Essenze curates cohesive collections of New Zealand objects and design that showcase a variety of methods and materials, from traditional, fine craftsmanship through to the full embrace of modern technology. Essenze works with established and internationally acclaimed designers, such as furniture and lighting designer David Trubridge, as well as up-and-coming new designers, including Christopher Metcalfe.

Many works were curated by Essenze for the NZ Central project in Shanghai. The lounge, for example, features iconic ceramic pieces by renowned artists Peter Collis and Susannah Bridges.

"The New Zealandness' of these designs is reflected in the colour for example the blue ceramics by Peter Collis and the forms, such as the Nautilus lights by Rebecca Asquith," says Mora.

The lounge also features the David Trubridge Flax light and the Tio coffee table from Conscious Design. This table allows users to place artworks of their choice under the glass pane, so the table becomes a dynamic and functional design piece.

For details, contact Essenze, 285 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland, phone (+64 9) 300 6238. Email: info@essenze.co.nz. Website: www.essenze.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas