Event Report: Northmodern 2016.

With Maison & Objet‘s ginormous epicentre of all things designer buying just around the corner, Northmodern‘s summer edition for 2016 was noticeably bare of the Scandinavian big brands that have been present in the past. This, however, did not put a dampener on proceedings, instead allowing some of Northern Europe’s smaller and up-and-coming individuals and companies to come to the forefront in a trade show that is set to transform in 2017… but I will get to that a little later.

Denmark on show is always a lovely mix of old and new, and this year it was best represented by local favourite Paustian. Their uber-cool (what has to be a future classic) Modular sofa was re-imagined in Raf Simons fabric for Kvadrat. Paustian also relaunched a cozy classic in Philip Arctander’s chair from 1944. A collection full of deep tones and raw materials from New Works was on point, with the addition of the interactive copper mesh light Moiré by Dutch designer David Derksen, and the beautifully balanced sculptural mirror Rise and Shine by Norwegian Londoners Hunting & Narud. The ever-growing world of Ferm Living also had some strong additions, with a fun set of modular pendent lights mixed in nicely with some stunning textured glassware and an industrial take on the high credenza.

Ceramic stalwart Kähler collaborated with Danish fashion designer Stine Goya to produce a stunning range of textured and coloured ceramics, in Goya’s signature hues of pinks, yellow and deep reds. Another locally produced range came from Camilla Aggestrup, with the #80 seating collection strikingly combining steel, leather and rattan webbing.

Taking a step out of the 3D world and into the rich offering of print material, a stand out as always was the typically minimalist photographic prints by Norm architects for local design print house Paper Collective. While stunning in their simplicity, Paper Collective also introduced a funky pair of prints by Danish illustrator Berit Mogensen Lopez.

The generous proportions of Camilla Aggestrup #80 lounger beautifully executed in leather and rattan weave.

David Derksen’s mesmerizing Moiré lamp for New Works.

I love this wall mirror by London based Hunting & Narud for New Works.

Love, love, love the industrial take on a high credenza by Firm Living.

I was very in lust with the stunning collaboration between the tradition of Kähler ceramics and the contemporary patterns of Stine Goya. Major love.

A new kid on the block in Danish design, Million shined with this interesting material combination for a side table.

You wouldn’t expect anything less than the serene and stunning minimalism of Norm Architects for Paper Collective.

Sublime mixture of subdued colours and texture finishes in Sofie Genz’ textile pieces. Stunningly shot as well.

Kristel Laurits graduation project looked at instilling more texture and the sensation of touch within public space. I love the tones as well.

Some beautiful indoor / outdoor tones are featured in the super practical range by recent graduate duo Krøyer Sætter Lassen.

The sculptural experiments of Studio Ilio’s Soft Steel.

The seriously funny take on a moneybox by Dutch designer Jelle Mastenbroek.

Some quirky wall lights also by Jelle Mastenbroek.

The airy and green walkways of the Bella Centre, home of northmodern.

The area in which I was really happy to see more of was the inclusion of young local talent getting to show their chops. This is an area I have seen lacking in previous years at Northmodern and was headed this year by the spread of ex KADK (Copenhagen’s Academy of Art and Design) students. I was in love with the stunning textile projects from Sofie Genz and Kristel Laurits, while I might be getting in touch with Krøyer Sætter Lassen about their effortlessly cool range of urban indoor/outdoor planters and furniture pieces.

Aside from the Danish wares, I was super impressed by the inclusion of a group of European based Korean designers under the moniker No Origin. They presented a cohesive yet diverse stand with standout pieces including Studio Ilio’s exploration of steel wool with Soft Steel, and the playful Alive series by Juno Jeon.

And then we had the Dutch!! Their outing in Northmodern impressed again after strong showings in the past. From eclectic pieces by Jelle Mastenbroek; the level of security on his sock moneybox is impressive to say the least, to the more refined work of Studio Mieke Meijer and her elegant spotlights. They even had their own way finding display signs courtesy of Rotterdam based Australian duo Studio Truly Truly. How cool is that.

With plans for Northmodern 2017 to meld with the 3 Days of Design festival, and change from a twice a year to a May outing, the fair will continue to grow. Stockholm is still the crown of the Northern Europe fairs, and it will be interesting to see how a transition to a full city fair will work. It can only be a good thing to include the beauty that is Copenhagen city, and in May when; hopefully, the sun might show its face.

The airy and green walkways of the Bella Centre, home of northmodern.

The generous proportions of Camilla Aggestrup #80 lounger beautifully executed in leather and rattan weave.

The playful yet subdued tones of Ferm Living’s new modular pendants.

A study in restraint. Love the texture of Ferm Living’s new glassware.

Love, love, love the industrial take on a high credenza by Firm Living.

The seriously funny take on a moneybox by Dutch designer Jelle Mastenbroek.

Some quirky wall lights also by Jelle Mastenbroek.

Juno Jeon presented his Alive series of cabinets as part of Koren collective No Origin.

I was very in lust with the stunning collaboration between the tradition of Kähler ceramics and the contemporary patterns of Stine Goya. Major love.

Kähler & Stine Goya ceramics.

Kristel Laurits graduation project looked at instilling more texture and the sensation of touch within public space. I love the tones as well.

Some beautiful indoor / outdoor tones are featured in the super practical range by recent graduate duo Krøyer Sætter Lassen

Krøyer Sætter Lassen.

A new kid on the block in Danish design, Million shined with this interesting material combination for a side table.

David Derksen’s mesmerizing Moiré lamp for New Works.

Challenging the 70’s, Brit Morgensen Lopez’s graphic prints for Paper Collective.

You wouldn’t expect anything less than the serene and stunning minimalism of Norm Architects for Paper Collective.

There is just something so cute about it, Phillip Arctander’s 1944 re-issued chair.

Gotta love the simplicity of Paustian’s Modular sofa!!

Sofie Genz’ textile pieces.

Sublime mixture of subdued colours and texture finishes in Sofie Genz’ textile pieces. Stunningly shot as well.

The sculptural experiments of Studio Ilio’s Soft Steel.

Studio Ilio’s Soft Steel.

Some great industrial details in these tiny spotlights from Studio Mieke Meijer.

Studio Mieke Meijer light.

Studio Their & Van Daalen mixing industrial steel and flowing blown glass to perfection.

The Australian duo at Studio Truly Truly were commissioned to provide signage for all the Dutch stands on show, creating a striking but subtle addition to the exhibitors spaces.

[Images courtesy of Press Office.]