PELLE and Erie Basin
Contemporary design forms meet historical jewellery in the PELLE and Erie Basin collaboration shown at Collective Design in New York.
Three design objects have been cross-pollinated with jewellery through a collaboration between PELLE and Erie Basin. Launched at Collective Design in New York from May 3 to 7, the result is a provocative and playful take on nostalgic romanticism.
Since founding their contemporary furniture and lighting studio in Manhattan in 2011, Jean and Oliver Pelle have developed a striking engineering-meets-art aesthetic. Working with antique dealer and jewellery designer Russell Whitmore of Erie Basin gave them the opportunity to experiment with old-fashioned methods and rare materials.
The layered decorative elements have been used to create unusual contrasts of weight, minimalism and scale. For instance, the Silver Veil table lamp has a polished silver base that seems to disappear because of its mirror-like quality. Appearing to float in space, a curtain of sterling silver beaded chains veil the light source and angular body. The dimmer dial is set with a rare jade-like gemstone.
Referencing the Arts and Crafts movement from the turn of the 20th century, the Dark Moon wall light is given gravitas by its solid brass and stone materials. The brass has been aged using a jade patina to create subtle deep blue-green and carbon hues. Again using a fringe to create weightless volume, 12 segments of Serpentine marble diffuse the light source.
Finally, a minimalist steel frame is contrasted with the warmth of wood for The Fin Chair. The polished, symmetrical back and seat emphasise the organic grain of the Honduran mahogany, softening the severe silhouette and blackened steel.
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