FIM DESIGN: Forward-Thinking in Tokyo
[ED. NOTE: FIM intern Hayleigh Simpson will be attending Tokyo Designers Week 2010, October 29-November 3.]
The word “beauty” is rarely used to describe something you take a tinkle in, but the first time I was graced by the otherworldly presence of the Japanese Washlet toilet, I was spellbound. Integrated bidet, heated seats, deodorizer, and a nether-region blowdryer — say what? There was actually a moment when I feared the thing would sprout legs and walk off with me still on it. Yes, it was that advanced.
Japan has an almost magical way of fusing beauty and functionality with not just toilets but furniture, architecture and even food (if you consider eating something functional). I’m expecting all this and then some at Tokyo Designers Week 2010 later this month. Amateur and professional designers from Japan, America, Europe and nearly everywhere else around the globe will gather to put out their best products for this year’s environmental theme.
One designer I’m really looking forward to seeing is Japan’s own Tokujin Yoshioka, a brilliant mind who won the event’s Artist of the Year award. In fact, his ethereal designs already got him Designer of the Year from Design Miami/ in 2007 and, this year, he was named one of Forbes’ “100 Most Creative People in Business” in 2010. The Invisibles, his transparent polycarbonate furniture designs for Kartell, will also be on view and for sale. Yoshioka is simply one of those design wizards who can create a world of wonder that makes you step back and admire the sorcery.
Also on the agenda: staking out the Cool Japan conference, which will highlight, among other things, “the youth fashion scene in Shibuya and Harajuku, the cutting-edge consumer electronics of Akihabara, manga and animation with engaging story-lines, and delicious cuisine emphasizing seasonality, quality ingredients, and presentation.” - Hayleigh Simpson
Top to bottom: Tokujin Yoshioka’s Rainbow Church, a glass window made of 500 crystal prisms; Yoshioka’s chairs for Kartell.
