Highland Fling

X

Behind the Label...

Paolo Guidotto - Architect & Designer at Retrobottega 

Why did you decide to become a designer?

It wasn’t a calculated choice. On the one hand, I think it depended on a natural inclination towards this discipline. In fact, even in childhood I had fun imagining and fantasizing on stories, spaces and objects. I passed days in this way. On the other hand, my family and in particular my father who is an architect. The home where I grew up, the visits to building sites, along with all the architectural magazines, books on art and design always present. All this input led me to take interest in this world. My “first love” however, was architecture. Thus, the decision to continue my education in Venice. My approach to design is only the need to experiment my own ideas, (vision/views) also in other fields that are related.

What was the last book that you read?

I confess that I’m not an avid reader. One thing I love however, is reading when on vacation (unfortunately brief): a true relaxing moment. On the contrary, during the year I surf the Net, constantly surf, and continue to surf between news, stories, books in the world on-line. Whereas, one thing I really love most, is re reading. In fact, at the moment, I’m re-reading “Il Piccolo Principe”. A book that, in its’ simplicity, is always able to open-up new perspectives. This is the reason why I like re-reading. It permits to fully comprehend a literary work, understanding the various aspects. Curiosity fascinates me.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Fundamentally from everything that surrounds me: objects, persons, dialogues, stories. Subsequently, intellectual and technical knowledge that I daily acquire and thoroughly look into, do the rest: give substance to creativity (flair, whim, natural bent). 

Do you have a signature dish, when entertaining?

Definitely, a plate of “spaghetti alle vongole”, (du spaghi). Dish that I love. It reminds me of diners with family, vacations at the sea, and most of all, of summer, the season that I adore, along with winter. Above all, and according to my friends, they are always a success.

 


What’s your favorite piece that you have designed?

Linea. A floor lamp with simplicity of line (essential lines), that has the capability to transform and fill a space where it’s placed. It’s one of the first pieces thought out, developed and made in our workshop. The first piece that succeeded in making obvious what Retrobottega is.

Which is your favorite colour?
There are several colors that I like; green, blue, yellow. In particular, however, I really like gray and its’ 
different chromatic scales; from anthracite all the way to greige (gray + beige). A color of strong identity 

capable of giving distinctive (particular, unusual) atmosphere. But, above all, makes very nice combinations with other colors: which is its’ best quality. 

Besides design and architecture do you have any other interest?

I’m a sport enthusiast in general. Like almost all good Italians, soccer is my real passion. I love music and movies.

Do you have any pets?

At the moment no. I do have fond memories during my childhood of two goldfish. In fact, I’m thinking of having them again. The problem is where to position the fish bowl....lets just say I’m working on it.

If you could say you designed any building in the world, which one would it be and why?

I’m thinking of an architecture that influenced me a great deal, Cadenazzo home by Mario Botta. A work where the influence of Louis Kahn and roman architecture are strong. Where a concept, that for me is the basis of architecture is very clear, space, void (emptiness) is the only true protagonist.

What are you currently listening to?

I’m always listening to music. The type of music varies according to the time of the day. For example, in the early morning I prefer classical music, rather than jazz. After that, I indulge my whims: pop, electronic, Italian etc. etc.. Every once in a while, I can listen to a musical piece over and over again, even up to a hundred times uninterruptedly.

What’s next for Retrobottega?

The plan is to promote our activity: on and off-line, global and local. We’ve just completed our web site,of which I’m quite pleased: www.retrobottegadesign.com. Furthermore, we would like to go ahead with the activity of the concept store. An experience that we’ve already tried with Elisa Tommasi of GeneriMisti and together with Yayoi Nakanishi of Wazars.In October we will be in Venice, within the event Venice Design Week, specifically will be present in the exhibition, Light Emphasizes 2016, with our floor lamp Linea. Most of all, to continue with ideas, to design them and to create pieces with a high-grade of innovation and precise identity: minimal, industrial,handmade. 

X

July Moodboard - Powder Grey interiors & lifestyle

Behind the Label...

Shona Forrester - Sales Manager 

Do you have a favourite colour?

I've worked with colour for the majority of my career, so it's hard to choose! I think at the moment I love faded mauve, especially for furnishings. In this years Eribe Winter Collection, the reds and rust are looking gorgeous and looking set to be popular with our customers.

Name three things that you always carry with you?

Elizabeth Arden butterscotch lip gloss, it smells good enough to eat.

A notepad, full of lists and ideas.

Hot wheel car, an emergency entertainment fix for my toddler Brodie.

How long does it take to develop a knitwear item from scratch to shop floor?

We usually give ourselves over a year to develop a new style, to choose the yarn, layout the colours and patterns, work with the prototypes, promote the design and then knit the order.

What is your favourite item at home?

It has to be textiles I have which add colour and comfort to my home. My Niki Jones bedding, my Eribe fair isle tapestries, my embroidered cushions made by my friend using Mark Hearld
St Jude's fabrics.

What does the words 'Eribe Knitwear' signify or mean to you?

To me Eribe is as much about the people as the product. A team of creative individuals have come together in a shared passion for colour, pattern and original textile design.

Do you have a signature food dish?

I love to bake and have recently mastered my mothers tablet recipe which is melt in the mouth delicious. It makes a lovely gift for a neighbour or a friend.

How would you describe your style?

I'd say I have a classic starting point with the elements of fun and colour to keep me smiling.

Can you knit, if so what was the last thing you made?

I do. It's impossible not to be tempted to use some of the beautiful yarns we work with to make my own sweaters. I knitted a slouch chunky cardigan with ladder stitch detailing in a lofty navy Italian lambswool.

Do you have any pets?
We have a puppy flap in our house and live on a street full of dogs, so it's inevitable we will at some point! Probably an Irish hound of some kind!

X

"Be like the ocean. Breathtaking to look at, strong enough to not be destroyed, and gentle enough so others find comfort in your presence"

X

I left the rough side for a seaside baby...

June Moodboard - Coastal Vibe

1. Shelving 2. Lighting 3. Giant Shell 3. 'The Weight of Water' 1 11 111 - Oil on Board David Cass 4. Resin Crab 5. Large Whicker Baskets 6. 'Denim' part one of LABEL sketches collection, coming soon. Shop the style www.powdergrey.com

Good Luck! X

Behind the Label...

Sandie - Owner of Powder Grey interiors and lifestyle 

Q: Besides interiors do you have any other interests?

Messing about with my camera when I get time likewise with cooking. It's mainly been sketching, nothing fancy as I only started drawing again last year or just before. It's been a great way when trying to describe a look or item. I can do a quick sketch and hey, they know exactly where I'm coming from especially when doing designs...

Q: What can't you live without?

Family. If it's to do with my work, it'll be my iPad. It has everything right down to my to do lists which keeps me right.

Q: What is your favourite colour?

Bless, I don't think I need to answer that one x

Q: How would you best describe your style?

It's a mix of old and new, I love mixing the two looks together which is my style in interiors or dress sense. I love to mix vintage pieces with clothes that I have had since my twenties and team with up to date high street fashion.

Q: What are you currently reading?

I don't read much if I'm honest. I do still try to now and again, find it too time consuming as my brain doesn't have the patience for taking in all the print, as I sometimes have to read the page six to eight times before it registers and before its retained. Visual, occasional audio books or magazines, that's different, my brain goes into over drive.

Q: Do you have a signature food dish?

Think it'll have to be my lasagne, the family always ask me to make it if not once but twice a week.

Q: What are you currently listening to?

Adele, I find it quite good to listen to when running.

Q: What's next for Powder Grey?

My own LABEL, which is now finally taking off again. I was in the process of launching it a while back, just over a year I think. I couldn't as some of the companies that we were working beside had had a few hic cups, one being a closure. Back on track, I now have interiors, clothing and much more being put together, so it shouldn't take long now.

X

May Moodboard - INDUSTRIAL

1. Baskets  2. Antelope Scull Wall Mount. 3.Wallpaper 'Brick Wall'. 4. Patch Patterend Rug  5. Table/Floor Search Light 6. 1950's Interiors Measurement Poster  7. Muhammad Ali Framed Poster  8. Large Cabinet on Wheels  Shop the style www.powdergrey.com

Happy Medium...