TORD BOONTJE, Designer with Conscience
by Jill Fehrenbacher
Even if Tord Boontje is not yet a household name, he’s well on his way to becoming one with his ubiquitous cut out doily-esque lampshades and curtains. I have to say that I love this stuff ? but it really is everywhere! Come on, you know you’ve seen one of these “Garland” lights before. But what I bet you didn’t know (or at least I didn’t until today) is that Boontje is not just a fabulous designer - but a fabulous designer with a conscience. I learned at ICFF today that the designer has been partnering with various non?profit organizations in the production of his designs.
Transglass is a collaboration between Boontje and Emma Woffenden, to create new glasswares, such as carafs, jugs and cups out of recycled wine & beer glasses. Altough the process looks simple (slicing off different bits to create the signature designs) - the end result is stunning, ingenious & environmentally friendly to boot! And, as if creating these beautiful glasswares through recycling wasn’t enough ? the pair has started working with a Guatemalan women’s co?opt to produce the designs. Wow! A beautiful product + recycling + socially conscious production techniques. This man can do no wrong!
And there’s more…
Boontje is also currently working on another women’s co-opt design project in Brazil. The Coopa-Roca project is developing a group of unique fashion and home products which will be made by the women of the Coopa-Roca handcrafts cooperative in Rio de Janeiro’s Rocinha favela. The 20-year old Coopa-Roca initiative - in the largest favela in Brazil - started when Rio de Janeiro native Maria Teresa Leal encouraged a group of 5 women to start manufacturing products out of textile remnants. Coopa-Roca now comprises 150 craftswomen and a great portfolio of work produced in collaboration with some of Brazil?s best-known fashion designers and artists. Using their skills in patchwork, knotting, crochet and fuxicos, a traditional Brazilian form of circular patchwork, the women will interpret and embellish Boontje’s “Come Rain or Shine” Chandelier. Okay, why is everything about the Favelas all of a suddent?
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How doi they cut the glass, I want to have a go.