Journal
Behind the design: the inspiration behind our Rothko cushion & throw
At Città, our designs often draw inspiration from diverse art genres and disciplines. Our recently released designs were inspired by the Colour Field art movement and artists such as Mark Rothko.
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About: Wool, Aotearoa’s natural fibre
Wool is an enduring natural fibre with endless benefits, and we are fortunate to have it in abundance in Aotearoa. An inherently renewable fibre, wool is the ultimate circular material - it is the most reused and recyclable fibre on the planet. Woollen items stand the test of time, lasting for decades, if not longer. Wool is an intrinsically textural fibre and can be adapted into finely woven or highly textured items. It is a much-loved material in our design department at Città and is used to create many of our products from cushions and blankets to upholstery fabric. “Wool is a wonderfully tactile material to work with and shines most brightly when its natural features are accentuated. It can manifest in completely different ways depending on how it is woven, what it is blended with, or how it is applied”, says Imogen, Città’s Head of Textile Design. “Most importantly it's a highly sustainable material that is renewable, breathable, biodegradable, soft and warm, but also incredibly durable. New Zealand produces some of the best wool in the world and it is always a pleasure to be able to work with local materials.” Discover what makes wool so unique and versatile, and how to enjoy it for years to come. Eco-friendlyWool is naturally biodegradable, and once disposed of, it releases valuable nutrients and carbon back into the soil to be used again. It decomposes quicker than other fibres and makes for a beneficial layer to your compost bin or as a weed mat in your garden. Suitable for all climatesThe structure of the fibres enable wool to react to your body temperature, keeping you warm in cold temperatures while also keeping you cool in the heat. Anti-bacterial propertiesLanolin is the natural oil and waxy substance found in sheep wool. It provides wool fibres with anti-bacterial properties from the fatty acids that inhibit any bacteria build up. Lanolin also contains strong conditioning properties and is easily absorbed by the skin, making for an exceptional moisturiser. Caring for your wool100% woollen items are relatively simple to care for. Because of its valuable anti-bacterial properties, the material has the ability to self-clean. To maintain the integrity of wool, avoid washing it too often. However, when it does require cleaning, we recommend a gentle cold hand wash and laying your items out flat to dry. Landscape Images shot by: Taylor Brandon & Julian Schiemann
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About: Linen, a conscious fabric
Linen is one of the most sustainable materials in the textile industry. It is produced from the fibres of the flax plant, which is made into yarn and then woven into fabric.
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Behind the design: introducing the AB Pendant
The AB Pendant celebrates the beauty of simple, organic forms with uninterrupted lines across the entire pendant. The light is the result of a creative collaboration between Auckland-based designer Alex Buckman and Città’s 3D design team, David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen. Alex Buckman has an industrial design background with a career that spans Weta Workshop and Fisher & Paykel Appliances. He has recently turned his passion for lighting into a full-time role, producing bespoke lighting for residential and commercial spaces. We chatted with Alex Buckman and our own David Moreland to find out more about the collaboration. Hi Alex! How did the collaboration with Città come to life? Alex: I’ve always loved Città’s aesthetic. I think the materials and forms are considered and restrained in a way that allows the products to be timeless and complement different types of spaces. A few years ago I got in contact with David Moreland about designing for Città. I was lucky enough to be asked to collaborate on a lighting project with David and Nikolai Sorensen. How would you describe the pendants? Alex: For me, the AB Pendant has an elegance and sophistication that derives from the simplicity of its uninterrupted lines. When you observe the AB Pendant from different heights and angles, it’s as though the form subtly changes. We spent a lot of time ensuring we could integrate the lighting component within the glass shade to ensure we could preserve this seamless quality. This attention to detail was only possible due to the fact we designed every part specifically for the AB Pendant. Where do you see the pendants being used? Alex: The great thing about the AB Pendant is its versatility. Its pared-back aesthetic allows it to complement a wide range of spaces—both residential and commercial. It looks great as a single pendant but also works well as multiples or clustered. David, why did Città choose to team up with Alex? David: We’ve always got on really well and I’ve loved Alex’s approach to design. This made the process of working together for the first time a very natural one. The open, collaborative environment resulted in a product range we are both really invested in and excited about. How do you see the AB Pendant fitting in with Città’s offering? David: We are expanding our lighting collection and this is a great product to start with. Much like a lot of the furniture already in our range, I can see this light sitting comfortably in a lot of different interiors. Its clean lines and restrained aesthetic means it suits all types of residential and commercial environments. We’ve seen some behind the scenes images of the AB Pendants being made—can you talk us through this process? David: The art of glass blowing has been around for a long time, yet I find the process still has a certain magical quality. Watching the molten glass get blown into the mould then put through the finishing process is quite beautiful—every touch has to be perfect. It’s very satisfying to see the design come to life. The Alex Buckman x Città AB Pendant is available online and in-store now. The pendant is available in two sizes and three finishes: frosted smoke grey/green, clear and frosted clear. Click here to discover the collection.
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