Although this encounter was never going to be as extravagant as the opening match, Fritz Haller and Maarten Van Severen fought a tense, minimalist battle in Durban. Fritz Haller's style has changed little since he broke onto the international design scene in the 1960s and his trademark mini, midi, maxi approach ensured a typically solid Fritz Haller performance. Maarten Van Severen's occasional forays were always very well considered and perfectly executed; yet, despite .03 or .04 excellent
read moreNo, we don't handle the PR for Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. We would like to. But we don't. It's just the Brothers are not only among the most assiduous contemporary designers, but they also keep producing work that needs to be presented. For one reason or another. Such as Lianes, a lamp that forms part of their new show at Galerie Kreo in Paris. Galerie Kreo has in a way become a sort of "Haute couture" stomping ground for Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec's first
read moreIn the past we have often talked about airports, airport design and airport furniture. And not just because we want to demonstrate how much we travel and how often we are in airports. But because we find it just as important that high-quality furniture is available in public spaces as in the home or office. If you think your office furniture is well used - imagine the stress your average airport chair is put under. From March 23rd until March 25th Europe's largest airport terminal
read moreDespite the many disadvantages, problems and general chaos budget airlines have brought into our previously well structured and ordered lives, they have brought one clear advantage: The opportunity to visit really remote airports. More through necessity than freewill, thousands of air travellers now find themselves avoiding the likes of Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle or Frankfurt am Main Airport, and instead experiencing the delights of Klagenfurt, Tampere or Altenburg. At least in all modern
read moreThere is little doubt as to who the most popular furniture producers with the exhibitors here in Köln are.... Vitra and Kartell. Two producers whom the Messe Köln sadly can't attract to the show in their own right. And that despite the fact that all the snack bars here in Köln Messe use Maarten van Severen's genial .03 On the stands here however we've seen, for example, Panton Chairs being used to augment otherwise tasteless bedroom suites and the classic Vitra DSR by Charles and Ray Eames
read moreA few weeks ago we premiered our new film featuring USM Haller in the leading role. This however was not our stars first major film role. In 2001 USM Haller starred alongside John Travolta, Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry in the film "Swordfish". And just as during our production USM Haller also proved to be real diva on the "Swordfish" set and was responsible for various delays during the filming. Most notably in the famous scene when a Hummer breaks through a plate glass window. The script
read moreFor a lot of people USM Haller make units where you can store lever arch files. True. They do. And that very successfully. However, the beauty of System USM Haller is such that with a little imagination, and the correct professional advice, one can also create just about any object to suit your needs. We believe we even once saw a photo of a USM Haller bed.... Recently, while promenading through one of Europe's finer cultural centres, we were delighted to spot through a window System USM
read moreSystem USM Haller is a storage and display system for all. We know that most people only come across USM Haller units in lawyers and accountants offices, doctors surgeries or museums ... but that is, if you will, a historical relic based on the traditional distribution system. The times my have changed but system USM Haller remains the reliable, versatile and practical system it has always been. Many new customers, however, have a problem understanding what is and is not possible with USM
read moreShortly before travelling to Salone in Milan the (smow)team headed off to Switzerland to spend a couple of days with first USM Haller and then Vitra. The (smow)team make such trips regularly, on the one hand to keep abreast of developments in and the mood of the producers, secondly to learn a little more about the production process and thirdly quite simply to maintain and develop the personal contact with our suppliers: The better smow work with companies such as Vitra or USM Haller the
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