Eventually, Personick realised he wanted to design himself as well. He transported his ideas onto paper and modelled them digitally, while he contacted potential partners. The idea was that they would make the pieces and he would take care of the sales afterwards. At the time, he regularly travelled to Mexico City, and all of a sudden, he realised he was at the source of several natural materials. He started to seek a reliable studio and, after a while, found a group of talented craftspeople in Guadalajara. With the exception of sandblasting, they do everything by hand. This tradition bears its fruits, seeing that the success of the Sanctuary collection ignites for more. Moreover, the name is a reference to the ritubursting at its virtual seams, so to speak. After a while, he could suddenly see the common factor between these examples. Namely, they all had sculptural contours and often existed out of only one or two primary movements. Even more striking was that he without fail select designs that were made from one material only. Eventually, Personick realised he wanted to design himself as well. He transported his ideas onto paper and modelled them digitally, while he contacted potential partners. ! e idea was that they would make the pieces and he would take care of the sales afterwards. At the time, he regularly travelled to Mexico City, and all of a sudden, he realised he was at the source of several natural materials. He started to seek a reliable studio and, after a while, found a group of talented craftspeople in Guadalajara. With the exception of sandblasting, they do everything by hand. This tradition bears its fruits, seeing that the success of the Sanctuary collection ignites for more. Moreover, the name is a reference to the ritual connotation of the pieces. ‘You could find them in a Mayan temple or in the desert,’ the designer says. He hits the nail on the head. Free of embellishments and unnecessary details, the furniture beams from its unadulterated essence and drapes a sacral ambiance around it. In the future, Monolith will undoubtedly present more phenomenally cultivated creations to its public. Personick already knows which direction he wants to go and is confident that the underlying concept of the studio will free the way. Namely, he handles the monolithic idea as a consistent guideline his creations need to meet. Simplicity, a limited number of movements, and the atmosphere of a sculpture are the returning characteristics he hopes to persevere in the long term as well. Next to this, he aims to extend the material palette and explore more possibilities. We are confident that he will intuitively continue his way as a designer and more successes are in the air. From enthusiast to professional: the gap clearly is bridgeable.
ISAAC REINA X FRANCESCO BALZANO
French architect and designer Francesco Balzano pays permanent homage to the beauty of timeless things. With simplicity as the ultimate sophistication, he blends noble materials, clean lines and essential functions. Recently, he collaborated with fashion designer Isaac Reina on a jewellery box made of natural or black patent leather. ! is collaboration unites luxury leatherwork with collectible design, with a shared vision of Haute-facture and minimalist aesthetics. The jewellery box exudes an unparalleled sophistication that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Highlighting Balzano and Reina’s shared passion for craftsmanship and minimalist beauty, this unique creation is a must-have for lovers of exclusive design. The return to sustainable, natural materials and organic design continues steadily. Designer Inge Lagae observes this evolution with enthusiasm. Under the slogan ‘Timeless beauty to pass on’, she creates timeless furniture in her collection Kāna Objects. Her recent design Cross, handmade from exclusive Venetian oak, is a statement piece dedicated to Belgian fashion designer A.F.VANDEVORST. Combining form and function, this poetic object fits seamlessly into any living space. Cross is both a multifunctional piece of furniture and a decorative object; a timeless beauty to pass on.
Continued on the pdfs below
