POP ICON: Clifford Richards

NO, NOT THE WIMBLEDON SINGING SIXTIES POP ICON. Clifford Richards - the famed graphic/paper products designer, who created cutting-edge London store Paperchase’s key products back in the day - is a whole different pop icon altogether. And now, at age 73 - and a grandfather many times over - his profile is on the rise again.

 Cliff’s new moment in the spotlight comes courtesy of the V&A museum, who bought much of his paper work from the 1960s and 70s for its permanent collections a couple of years ago. It has since commissioned him to produce exhibition graphics for its Sixties Fashion show, as well as a number of graphics for the recently reopened V&A’s Museum of Childhood in 2007. (Their shop currently sells several of his exclusive print products.) 

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Posted 2 September 2008 in Art + Graphic Design, Designer Profiles

PROFILE: ZidZid Kids

Photography & Styling: Marc Holden and Claire Bingham

EX-TEACHERS  Julie Klear (American) and husband Moulay Essakalli (Moroccan) are ZidZid, a charming design company based in the heart of Marrakech.

Merging European and American sensibilities with Moroccan handicraft techniques, they make tiny poufs, soft toys, babouches, storage, and bags (see the aeroplane bag, pictured left) - all hand-stitched in the house next door to the duo’s home, which they share with their children, Noor and Zak. The range is both growing fast (more shoes and books are next), and is guaranteed to charm your little one with its “Moroccan flair.” Read the rest of this article

Posted 1 September 2008 in Designer Profiles, Toys

TEN QUESTIONS, TEN ANSWERS: bookhou

BOOKHOU’S natural, graphic style of children’s products is as big on ethical thinking as it is on restrained Scandi-Nippon Modern looks. With a constantly changing online store featuring hand-made chairs, a rather lovely maple ply mobile in the shape of abstract birds, modern patchwork bed throws and graphic animal-print cushions (as well as adult prints and furniture), Bookhou’s Arounna Khounnoraj and John Booth - graduates in art and architecture and parents to Lliam, 2 - offer a charming and less commercialized take on stylish goods for children.

Plus their work is affordable - their wooden ply and recycled furniture chair - a kind of 21st-century eco-chic take on the Eames - is just 95 Canadian dollars, approximately £47, the animal cushion toys just C$45 (approx £22) and even better, they’re happy to ship their furniture to Europe and beyond… We spoke to Arounna for more on Bookhou’s work and home style. Read the rest of this article

Posted 6 July 2008 in Designer Profiles, Furniture