Aug 26, 2015

BOTTLETOP AT MADE (Mercado-Arte-Design fair)

This month Bottletop had the pleasure of exhibiting at MADE (Mercado-Arte-Design fair) in São Paulo. Artistic director Waldick Jatobá and curator Bruno Simões selected an incredible spread of collectibles, including art, furniture, and accessories. Bottletop was proud to be the only fashion label selected to exhibit and to show among outstanding examples of Brazilian and international design by creative visionaries we admire.

MADE’s glorious location at São Paulo Jockey Club

The Bottletop exhibit at MADE 2015

It was the first time that we’ve presented our collection live to the Brazilian public. After eight special years developing our atelier there and supporting local communities, it was a deeply rewarding occasion as we were thrilled to receive incredible feedback from everyone who visited our installation.

While admiring our new designs some visitors were so enamoured they invested in a piece of Bottletop on the spot!

The Bottletop stand featured a select edit from our signature collections, plus pieces from our partnership with Narciso Rodriguez, new designs from our upcoming canvas line (very exciting as it features artwork by contemporary artist Wangechi Mutu), our new Amazon leather collection, and several special standalone pieces, including our new Dani rucksack, which was especially popular.

The Campana Brothers’ Estrela sofa, produced in partnership with the A Lot Of Brazil studio

Snooping around the fair, our first highlight was checking out the Campana Brothers collection of Estrela furniture, inspired by constellations of bolacha-do-mar, a close relative of starfish. Since exploding onto the conceptual design scene in the early 1990s with their Favela Chair, the Brazilian duo has continuously re-invented the visual and material language associated with high-end design today. Now their furniture and installations are recognised as leading examples of innovative postmodern and contemporary design.

The Campana Brothers’ installation for MADE Milan 2015 (Photo: Ruy Teixeira)

Not only do brothers Fernando and Humberto work with re-used and upcycled materials (which of course we love), they also pioneer an organic, real, and chaotic aesthetic for luxury products. They have been key figures in the gradual movement towards integrating variety in shape, colour, texture and form into design, a push that emerged with gusto in the 1970s and has been going ever since.

The Campana Brothers’ new Cangaço collection

This pluralisation in luxury design that many Brazilian designers are part of is important because it goes hand-in-hand with the growing acceptance of diversity, and a wider appreciation for individual expression and multiculturalism. The Campanas celebrate the tradition and vibrancy of Brazilian street culture in playful ways, and their newest collection, Cangaço, is no exception.

Installations by Ana Neutee Rafael Chvaicher (left) and Lurca Azulejos + Mauricio Arruda (right)

Our other favourite exhibitors at MADE were tile designers Lurca Azulejos + Mauricio Arruda, Ana Neutee Rafael Chvaicher, who had beautifully refined chairs, and Ale Jordao, whose neon pieces we fancied for ourselves.

Installation by Ale Jordao (left) and the awesome MADE signage (right)

We’re looking forward to exhibiting at the next MADE, taking place in Milan in, and at next year’s São Paulo edition. Read about one of our previous Brazilian escapades - this time with photographer Andre Vieira and supermodel Candice Swanepoel to shoot our campaign - here on British Vogue.

BOTTLETOP AT MADE (Mercado-Arte-Design fair)

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