Totora Furniture at Maison & Objet 2013

Juan Fernando Hidalgo Cordero's designs embody the juncture of modernity and tradition

by Dora Haller Totora is a thick, hollow grass that grows along lakeshores high in South America’s Andes Mountains. This indigenous plant has been used for generations to build everything from houses to floors, hats and even boats. Ecuadorian architect and designer Juan Fernando Hidalgo Cordero identified the astounding versatility of the material and imaginatively expanded its usage—by creating furniture with it. CH met with …

Maison & Objet Autumn 2013: Asian Designers

Innovation from the East at the Parisian design trade show

The continuous blossoming of Asian designers is both evident and spectacular, especially concerning their contributions to innovation. It’s no surprise that Singapore will host the inaugural Maison & Objet Asia in March 2014, as this year’s Parisian exhibition already offered up a taste of intriguing and forward-thinking designs. From work rooted deeply in traditional craftsmanship to daydreams of a colorful future, here as some selections …

Traveler Zita at Maison & Objet 2013

The perfect travel companion for herbal tea enthusiasts

by Dora Haller With special focus on kitchen utilities, this autumn’s Maison & Objet—the Parisian design trade show which ran from 6-10 September—offered simple innovations alongside more decadent wares. CH enthusiastically trawled through the vast array on display and found the Traveler Zita by environmentally responsible brand Finum to be a standout. For drinkers of fresh herbal tea, Traveler Zita is the ideal companion when …