I love a good collaboration and brand mash-up. So when I bumped into the Over / Under pop-up on my coffee walk through SoHo last week, I instinctively got drawn in… and my instincts rarely fail me.
All May, Australian SP01 and Brooklyn-based Ladies & Gentlemen Studio have taken over the ground floor of a luxury condo building on West Broadway in NYC, to coincide with New York’s design week, NYCxDesign, this month. And it looks pretty bonkers.
Debuting at Salone Del Mobile in Milan last month, Space Furniture’s very own furniture brand SP01 combines Down Under cool with tried-and-true Italian quality. Its pieces are conceived and partially designed in Australia, but made by craftsmen in Italy, resulting in a dedicated and distinct collection unbound by geographical borders or cultures.
SP01’s outdoor collection was designed by Sydney based Tom Fereday, one of Australia’s rising stars of industrial design. ‘What I think is unique about SP01 is their outward looking approach to forming an internationally-renowned brand based in Australia.’ says Tom.
His pieces have a heavy focus on the bending of metal wire, brought to life in an earthy natural material palette, including marble and timber. ‘The SP01 outdoor collection represents the first collection I have developed using the process of wire bending and steel forming’ explains Tom. The challenge was to create a product at the level and quality of an indoor piece of furniture, using materials and mediums traditionally associated with only outdoor use.’
On the US side, the pop-up’s interiors are designed by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, who’ve been venturing into interior design and expanding their reach beyond their great range of lighting, furniture and accessories. L&G added objects by a circle of friends: Rugs are by CC-Tapis, objects and ceramics by Pat Kim, High Gloss and Object and Totem.
The collaborative project was spearheaded by Matt Lorrain, Head of Design and Development at SP01. ‘Rather than be involved in the traditional trade fairs associated with New York Design Week, SP01 decided to create a unique pop-up installation that spoke to the brand’s aesthetic and told a deeper story about each piece in the collection,’ explains Tom Fereday.
Over / Under is part showroom, part stage set, and part public space. And if you happen to be in NYC this month, it should be on your list.
Over / Under by SP01 and Ladies & Gentlemen Studio
April 28 to May 31
325 West Broadway
SoHo
New York City
