Fendi Craft Alchemy

Who? Continuing on a tradition that started in 2008, this year’s Design Miami sees the fourth collaborative project between the fashion house of Fendi, and a burgeoning design talent. 2011 is the year of artist Sebastian Neeb and designer Elisa Strozyk, who have combined their creative visions to fashion a dreamlike installation inspired by Palazzo Fendi, the extraordinary 17th century building in Rome that houses the brand headquarters.

What? Fendi has always taken the opportunity to create unique fashion and design projects at Design Miami, and previous collaborations include 2009’s groundbreaking work with rock band OK Go and LED artist Moritz Waldemeyer. This year they have ventured back into the past, asking Neeb and Strozyk to refashion antique furniture in a manner inspired by the craft skills of the Fendi atelier itself, using materials discarded during the creation of Fendi’s products. In a process of alchemy, as referenced by the title, cabinets, tables and chairs are transformed into works that straddle the line between design and art. And these processes can be seen in action, as both artist and designer will be working in the installation itself, demonstrating the processes behind their creations.

Why? Amid the deafening clamour that accompanies the yearly juggernauts of Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami, it is exciting to see an alliance between a global fashion house and two young designers on the cusp of fame, fashioning works that are both beautiful and novel. There is a happy symbiosis in the nature of their designs, which, while being the progeny of preexisting items, in their finished state are totally unique. The result is that not only has the stated aim of bringing the atmosphere of Palazzo Fendi to Miami been entirely achieved, but there is also a fresh breath of design inspiration cast across the brand itself.

Fendi Craft Alchemy runs until December 4 at Design Miami.