Fritz Hansen / W. Atelier

The Dhoby Ghaut/Bras Basah precinct had not one, not two, but three brand new showrooms, making this a popular route for visitors on event day. First up, Fritz Hansen’s very first 3,000sqft ‘experience centre’ in Singapore, at W. Atelier, drew a crowd all eager to catch a Fritz Hansen craftsman from Denmark demonstrate the making of the iconic Egg chair, using a special Kvadrat upholstery designed by Raf Simons. Other highlights included the launch of the Drop chair by Arne Jacobsen (1958) and the Analog table by Jaime Hayon (2014), fresh off the Milan Fair.

JANUS et Cie

JANUS et Cie’s first showroom in Singapore was without a doubt a key stop along the route. Visitors were taken on a special tour of the space, enjoyed delicious bagels, sweet confections and bubbly refreshments, caught a weaving demonstration conducted by a master craftsman, and got to enter a competition for a chance to win a lounge chair from the Amari Collection.

Grafunkt

Grafunkt’s new home at Millenia Walk is a whopping 5,500sqft, boasting fresh designs from the likes of &tradition, Gubi, Folks, Bludot, String, Hay and its own in-house brand Studio Grafunkt. Some notable designs guests got to catch on event day included the new Coco-Mat mattresses from Greece (which launches in a few weeks), and a new coffee table designed by Viewport Studio (formerly VW+BS) for Folks.

bulthaup

bulthaup’s b3 and b2 premium kitchen systems were on splendid display; it was also a great opportunity to see the b3 in a new Champagne Gold finish. bulthaup’s sketch competition drew a crowd and there were delicious German canapés and desserts in the afternoon for all to enjoy.

Big Ass Fans

Few come close to Big Ass Fans when it comes to advancing fan technology, and their new game-changing Haiku home ceiling fans certainly didn’t disappoint. Visitors also stood the chance to win one of Haiku’s latest LED fans, and all walked away with Big Ass Fans ‘stress donkeys’ (the brand’s version of a stress ball).

Contrac Image / Interface

Contrac Image / Interface launched their Human Nature collection at Singapore Indesign, and invited everyone to enter a portal of total darkness, encased by green walls. Visitors had to take off their shoes and walk through to the other side to allow all their senses to feel the different natural textures on their feet and the walls. Emerging on the other side was an exhibit of plants and carpets.

Million Lighting

Colour reigned at Million Lighting, which put up a striking window display of Kartell lights. Taking centrestage inside was the Artemide IN-EI range by Issey Miyake, the new Anglepoise + Paul Smith edition, the Anglepoise Original 1227 and Type 1228 desk lamp, and the Giant 1227 floor lamp.

XTRA

Always a must-see at Singapore Indesign, XTRA certainly didn’t disappoint. Notable product launches included the Diatom Chair by Moroso (its first reveal in Asia), Office Landscape and Kivo. Kivo’s designer Alexander Lorenz spoke to a packed room, and everyone was curious to witness not one but three installations all themed around ‘The Future’, as well as a mersmerising monochrome curtain wall in the Gervasoni section. Guests also got to take part in a sketch competition for a chance to win Herman Miller prizes, as well as a limited edition Magis Puppies silent charity auction.

For more coverage on Singapore Indesign, visit: http://www.indesignlive.sg/category/articles/in-review