After long, sober, consideration we have decided to end the “Christmas is coming…. ” project.

Simply put, in the wake of last years “Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat… if Verner Panton had ever visited us, that is where he would have sat” we couldn’t see where to take the concept.

We had reached a creative zenith. Mount Olympus was behind us, a distant speck on a snowy, cloudy horizon and ahead a sorry, meaningless, desert of repetition, emotional contortion and former East German TV stars who couldn’t hack it in the west and are now paid to churn out the same rubbish week in week out on MDR.

Sure civilization will invariably develop to allow further evolution of rhyme, thus allowing someone to take up the mantle we have cast asunder. Despite all his anger at the irony of existence a Shakespeare could never have written “Cos when you’re laid in bed at night, watching roaches climb the wall, if you call your Dad he could stop it all.” Nor with all his understanding of melancholic beauty could a van Gogh have painted a masked rioter throwing a bunch of flowers.

Such is a gift of evolution.

But we know from your letter and email just how popular our Christmas gift idea feature is. How unique it is. How you appreciate our bravery in tackling such a taboo.

And so this year we’re reviving a classic of Victorian drama – The Advent Calendar.

The Advent Calendar with the chance to win things.

Over at pinterest.com we have started a Design Advent Calendar Board and every day will open a window on a design object. A design object presented by the amiable Christmas Gnome Napoleon from the House of Kartell.

And from time to time will run a small competition offering you the chance to win one or the other object.

To be in with chance of winning simply keep an eye on www.facebook.com/smowcom We will publish all details of what can be won and how there.

Or follow us at pinterest.com/smowblog. Then you’ll miss nothing.

One last time, altogether now: "What will you be unwrapping this year?"

As we all know life isn’t fair.

But imagine, just for a minute, it was.

Over the past 12 months we’ve found numerous items that in a fair and just world we would find under our tree on Christmas morning…..

Endless by Jason Miller for Roll & Hill

Spotted at Roll & Hill’s Milan debut back in April Endless by Jason Miller is a modular lighting system that can not only be extended and shaped to fit any space… but positively cries out to be allowed to do just that. In the Roll & Hill shop there are only very short versions offered for sale. Our advice – bypass those and get yourself a custom system that passes right through your house. Upstairs and down!

Endless by Jason Miller for Roll & Hill

Zoom Bass Drum System by Rockstroh Drums

There is admittedly no-one on the (smow)blog team who can play drums. But we’re all experts at battering things remorselessly until fatigue gives way to exhaustion. Which we believe is similar.

The Zoom bass drum system by Leipzig based Rockstroh drums didn’t just appeal to us because it is an innovative approach to bass drum design – but also because of its wonderful optic. As a drum kit the proportions and details fit wonderfully to create an object that is both visually and aurally desirable.

Zoom Bass Drum System by Rockstroh Drums

Fragile Future Chandelier 3.1 by Lonneke Gordijn & Ralph Nauta

Our first trip to Design Miami Basel and we come back all loved up in a €65,000 lamp made out of dandelion seeds. That’s the last time the (smow)boss will let us go to Basel on our own!

Fragile Future Chandelier 3.1 by Lonneke Gordijn & Ralph Nauta

If purple is the second colour of mourning; then citrus colours are unquestionably the second colour(s) of Christmas.

Be it the orange of an orange, the lemon of a lemon or the dark lime of a Vitra Panton Chair.

Launched by Vitra in July as a special summer 2011 edition the Dark Lime Panton Chair was released as a strictly limited edition piece.

And the (smow)warehouse is down to the last few examples……

And just like mince pies – when they’re gone. They’re gone!

Unlike mince pies however there aren’t any more in the oven warming gently.

Gone is gone.

A Christmas tree. Warm mulled wine. Angelic voices filling the room with gentle song. And a dark lime Vitra Panton Chair.

What could be more festive!

The Ghost of Christmas past enters into the festive spirit with a Vitra Dark Lime Panton Chair

Janne Kyttänen never intended to be a light designer.

Fate meant that he became known as one.

Fortunately Janne Kyttänen understands the art of 3D printing better than most practitioners and in the past decade has created a truly unique collection of illumination objects that grace the permanent collections of all the most important design museums.

And with versions for wall, floor or ceiling the Freedom of Creation lighting collection offers a design classic for everyone.

Among the many reasons to love the Freedom of Creation range is the shadow patterns cast by the lamps. Normally with lighting the illumination is the most imporant aspect. With Janne Kyttänen’s work that isn’t the case. Hence the photo choice below….

Freedom of Creation – Palm Table Lamp

Freedom of Creation - Palm Table Lamp

Freedom of Creation – Filament Lamp

Freedom of Creation - Filament Lamp

Freedom of Creation – 1597 Lamp

Freedom of Creation - 1597 Lamp

Freedom of Creation – Dahlia Lamp

Freedom of Creation - Dahlia Lamp

Launched in 2002 with just one product, Fatboy has grown to become not only one of the most instantly recognizable designer furniture brands on the market; but has expanded to become home to a whole range of objects created with one aim: Making relaxing and unwinding even easier and more enjoyable.

And so what could be more desirable gift for the festive season, than an oasis of calm and comfort.

Fatboy – The Original

As the name implies, “The Original” is the product that started the whole Fatboy story. Designed by Jukka Setälä and constructed from water and dirt resistant hi-tech nylon, Fatboy The Original is a wonderful – and comfortable -  modern interpretation of the classic bean bag.

Fatboy The Original

Fatboy – Buggle-up

For all looking for the Fatboy experience out-of-doors, Buggle-up by Alex Bergman is, in effect, “The Original” but in water and dirt resistant polyester that is suitable for use outside. Two belts allow Buggle-up to be fixed in a  seating position.

Fatboy Buggle-up

Fatboy – Knäpsäck

Perfect for all who place convenience above order, Knäpsäck by Fatboy is a picnic rug in which you can carry all that you need to enjoy the sun. Simply place your belongings in the middle, pull the cord and carry Knäpsäck to your preferred location. And then repeat to come home.

Fatboy – Headdemock

After modernising the bean bag, Fatboy turned there attention to that another de reigeur furniture piece for all professional sloths – the hammock  Created by Alex Bergman Headdemock for Fatboy is not just a nice piece of design, but is also a considerate piece of design – offering as it does space for more than one person and a load of up to 200kg. The perfect place for an afternoon nap. Or a long gin. Once summer returns.

Fatboy Headdemock

What would Christmas be without mince pies, sloe gin and repeats of much loved family classics.

Such as “Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat…” by (smow)blog.

With its impeccable sense of meter and rhythm, the series has captured the imaginations and hearts of generations of (smow)blog readers.

To be honest we did consider replacing it this year; but that would be somewhat churlish given the place the feature has captured in the pantheon of design journalism.

And because the (smow) designer furniture collection has grown substantially over the past 12 months.

And so in the coming days we’ll present a few of the new arrivals here. Naturally given the time time of year, as suggestions for seasonal gifts for friends and family.

All previous posts in this series can be found Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat…

And here, to prove our commitment to continuity – and because it still makes us laugh – the same photo and caption we used to launch the feature last year.

What will you be unwrapping this year?

Although Alexander Girard worked closely with Herman Miller and designers such as George Nelson or Charles and Ray Eames; Alexander Girard’s speciality was not furniture but fabrics, folk art and colour.

Born in America and raised in Italy Alexander Girard studied architecture in London before a lack of architectural openings saw him spend several years working as an exhibition and interior designer; most notably in Sweden where he worked in the design department of the Nordiska department store. In 1937 Girard moved to New York in search of architectural work, but again with a lack of opportunities he took on numerous design jobs. In 1951 Charles Eames persuaded him to join Herman Miller where in 1952 he was appointed head of the new textiles department.

In addition to designing textiles Alexander Girard also designed exhibition stands for Hermann Miller and created interior design concepts for the stores; including T&O (Textiles and Objects) shop opened in New York in 1961 and whose range was dominated Alexander Girard’s passion for folk art.

Aside from his collaborations with Herman Miller Alexander Girard also worked for companies as varied as the Ford Motor Company, Hallmark Cards and Braniff Airways.

Greatly inspired as it is by folk art,  Alexander Girard’s work is often signified by it’s bold use of colour – and as such make wonderful Christmas gifts.

Vitra Wooden Doll No 12 by Alexander Girard

Vitra Wooden Doll No 12 by Alexander Girard

With his jester suit and cheeky grin Vitra Wooden Doll No 12 by Alexander Girard passes wonderfully into any modern Christmas scene. Originally created for T&O Alexander Girard’s wooden dolls never entered production during his lifetime – as Hermann Miller closed T&O before they could be introduced. However thanks to the Vitra Design Museum the Wooden Dolls have finally been released on an adoring global public.

Millerstripe Multicoloured Bright cushion by Alexander Girard

Millerstripe Bright by Alexander Girard as a Vitra Design Museum cushion

The cushion itself is not from Girard – rather the pattern. Originally designed in 1973 – so towards the end of Girard’s tenure at Hermann Miller – Millerstripe Multicoloured Bright was re-issued by New York based textile producer Maharam as part “Textiles of the 20th Century” collection. And subsequently chosen by Hella Jongerius to form part of the Vitra Design Museum cushion collection. With its simple geometry and vivid colours Millerstripe Multicoloured Bright is a wonderful example of how Alexander Girard incorporated the basics of folk art in his work.

Vitra Classic Tray Eden by Alexander Girard

Vitra Classic Tray Eden by Alexander Girard

As with the cushion, the tray is not from Alexander Girard – rather the pattern. Also created during his time with Herman Miller, Eden wonderfully combines childhood innocence with serious art. Printed on high-grade thermoset, the Vitra design Museum classic trays are dishwasher safe, food safe … and delightful.

La Fonda Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames from Vitra

La Fonda Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames

Although designed by Charles and Ray Eames the La Fonda Armchair was commissioned for one of Alexander Girard’s most important interior design projects in New York – the La Fonda del Sol restaurant in the Rockefeller Centre. Impressed by his work for the T&O shop the restaurant operators asked Girrad to design the interior of La Fonda del Sol with a South American folk art theme – a commission that initiated Girard’s first trip to South America, a study tour that took in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil. In 2009 Vitra stopped production of the La Fonda Armchair – but (smow) still have one or the other in stock.

Vitra Wooden Dolls by Alexander Girard

Vitra Wooden Doll No 1-11 and 13-16 by Alexander Girard

Before we have a mutiny on our hands. Alexander Girard deisgned 23 dolls for T&O from which the Vitra Design Museum have released16. Each with their own personality and story. Weather individual or in a set, there can be few more adorable companions for the winter months. The full range can be viewed here.

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If Christmas is a time for family, then Christmas is also surely a time to buy your gifts from a family business.

Currently being run by the 5th generation, Thonet have not only been responsible for the introduction and development of bent wood and steel tube furniture – two of the most important genres in the history of furniture design – but continue to support and develop young designers and so may just also discover the next big genre…..

The S 333 Thonet sledge by Holger Lange

Thonet S 333 by Holger Lange

Back in February while the (smow)boss was in a meeting with Nils Holger Moormann and his Moormänner in Aschau, we snuck up a near-by hill for some sledging fun with the Thonet S 333.

An experience we will never forget.

Not just because Holger Lange’s sledge goes like a rocket being chased by a pack of ferocious rocket powered dogs – but because steering is the Thonet S 333 is an art form that has to be learned before the first bend.

Fun, thrills and a genuine joy to use.

A sledge for adults the S 333 is proof that there is nothing boring and conservative about Thonet bent steel tubing.

S 43 by Mart Stam through Thonet - available in a range of colours

Thonet S 43 Classic by Mart Stam

A further development of Mart Stam’s classic cantilever chair design the Thonet S 43 mixes plywood with steel tubing to produce an unmistakable, reduced design that works just as well at a desk as at a dinning table. The S 43 is not only one of the most recognised works of the Bauhaus era, it is also one of the most copied. In 2009, however, a court in Düsseldorf decided that being a work of visual art rather than a piece of industrial design the S 43 was still under copyright and consequently could only be (re)produced by the license holder: Thonet. There are cheaper illegal copies out there, however none posses the quality of craftsmanship nor the visual unity of the Thonet original. The Thonet S 43 by Mart Stam is available in a range of woods and colours.

Thonet B 117

Thonet B 117 by Thonet

The thing that one must always remember about Thonet is that they began producing and trading in an era before furniture designers and industrial designers. As such a lot of the products in the Thonet archive were created by the Thonet in-house design team. Such as the B 117 side table. With its “floating” drawer unit and reduced form the Thonet B 117 is not only a classic example of early 1930s design but is a design that remains as contemporary and relevant today as then. Created from tubular steel and stained beach the B 177 can be beautifully employed , for example,  as a bedside table, hall table or an additional IT office table.

The Thonet 214 Minature by Vitra

Thonet 214 by Michael Thonet (Miniature) from Vitra

The Thonet 214 is not only the chair that initiated commercial furniture production, nor is it only the chair that paved the way for Swedish gentlemen to open large warehouses next to every motorway in Europe, nor is it only the chair that almost broke Michael Thonet. The 214 is all of these things. And the Vitra Design Museum Thonet 214 Miniature is all of these things in 1:6 scale. And as such is the perfect gift for all connoisseurs of good design.

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Or indeed any side table from Moormann.

Based in a remote alpine valley hard on the Germany/Austria border it is hard to imagine a designer furniture producer who better fit into our modern White Christmas romantic than Nils Holger Moormann.

Especially given the elven-esque Moormänner who assist Nils Holger with the construction and distribution of his products.

And so a few suggestions from Haus Moormann for those of you looking for wood based Christmas presents a la days of yore:

Mini Kant by Patrick Frey and Markus Boge for Moormann

Mini Kant by Patrick Frey and Markus Boge for Moormann:

The side table version of Patrick Frey and Markus Boge’s 2002 Kant Desk, the Mini Kant has the same wonderful “V”-shaped storage for books – but with the reduced dimensions it is also perfectly suited to magazines, CDs, DVDs etc…  With its simple “X” leg frame the Mini Kant passes perfectly into any room, and to any occasion. Mini Kant is available in white, black or red

Liesmichl by Nils Holger Moormann:

Liesmichl by Nils Holger Moormann

A modern classic in the making Liesmichl from Nils Holger Moormann is the perfect partner for all who love to read. The clever use of the frame as storage space means that you are unlikely ever to run out of reading material while the handy shelf at the top means you always have somewhere for your drinks and snacks. The real genius of Liesmichl however is the angled top over which your book can be laid meaning you need never hunt for your bookmark – or indeed your book again – its right where you left it. And at the page you left it. Liesmichl by Nils Holger Moormann is available in white, black or red.

Abgemahnt by Nils Holger Moormann

Abgemahnt by Nils Holger Moormann:

The name is a typical Moormann pun; a pun born from a legal dispute over the use of the “stand-by” logo on the original design. With a formal nod towards Eileen Gray’s 1927 Occasional Table, Abgemahnt by Nils Holger Moormann is designed as a mobile table that can be carried to where it is need. Abegemahnt by Nils Holger Moormann is available in white, black or red.

Lese+Lebe by Nils Holger Moormann

Lese+Lebe by Nils Holger Moormann:

In order to get the Lese+Lebe side table – you need to invest in the complete library. The shelves on the back of the unit can be accessed from the seat simply by lowering the back panel – an action which also the exposes the table. With its universal romantic Lese+Lebe allows you to create your own private space within a room; a place in which to retreat from the real world. Lese+Lebe from Moormann is available in- in case you can’t guess – white, black or red.

What would Christmas be without hats?
Father Christmas, his elves, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dave Hill…. Even the shepherds and wise men.
All bemillinered.

And so what could be a more festive gift than a hat rack and/or hooks.

Hut Ab by Konstantin Grcic for Moormann

Hut Ab by Konstantin Grcic for Moormann

Hut Ab is both German for “Hats Off” and a genial space saving coat and hat rack by Konstatin Grcic. When not in use Hut Ab can be folded flat and stored.
When in use, Hut Ab offers numerous options for hanging and holding coats, hats, scarves, elves etc…

Hut Ab is available from Moormann in untreated ash or oiled walnut.

Nymphenburg by Otto Blümel through ClassiCon

Nymphenburg by Otto Blümel through ClassiCon

For those who prefer their hat stands a little more classic Otto Blümel’s 1908 Nymphenburg is a wonderful example of late Art Nouveau design. From 1907-1914 Otto Blümel was head of the illustration department at the Vereinigten Werkstätten für Kunst im Handwerk zu München – at the time one of the most important collections of artisans in southern Germany – and it was during this period that Nymphenburg was designed.

Created from nickel-plated brass Nymphenburg passes just as well in a classically styled villa as in a modern loft.

Hang it All by Charles and Ray Eames through Vitra

Hang it All by Charles and Ray Eames through Vitra

One of the true design classics Hang it All from Charles and Ray Eames was initially developed to encourage children to “Hang All” their belongings up – but it wasn’t long before adults were also drawn to its infectious good humour. A lot larger than you may imagine, Hang it All is perfect for all those looking for an informal hat storage solution.

The USM Haller hat rack

USM Haller Hat Rack.

The true beauty of the USM Haller system is its flexibility. Once you have at least one USM Haller unit your further options are truly only limited by your imagination. And the USM Haller hat rack – a (smow) speciality – is the perfect gift for all hat wearing USM Haller fans. Crafted from standard USM Haller components the USM Haller hat rack can not only be extended to allow storage of coats and scarves – but can also be effortlessly incorporated into any future USM Haller sideboards.

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