CRAFTS. | emma de pourtales

Deboutonner la mode!

July 5, 2015 by emmadepourtales

This exhibition is taking place at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and is on until July 19, 2015 and is worth a little detour. Why? First because this collection of over 3,000 button is unique in the world and has been classified as a Work of Major Heritage Interest by the Consultative Commission on National Treasures. Second, this collection will take you through the 18th, 19th and 20th century in a very interesting and unusual manner. Moreover, it highlights a very often […]

Categories: CRAFTS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., Uncategorized • Tags: heritage, Loïc Allio, musée des arts décoratifs, museum, Paris

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What is luxury?

May 25, 2015 by emmadepourtales

If you have the chance, try and view the latest exhibition at the V&A Museum in London. It is entitled “What is luxury?”. It is indeed a very good question, as this word has been used for so many things that it has become meaningless. Luxury definitely involves the mastery of a craft . But it goes further than that. Lately, we have seen so many brands putting forward a “brand heritage” to gain some legitimacy but in a way that sounds a bit dusty […]

Categories: CRAFTS., ON THE AGENDA., Uncategorized • Tags: exhibition, true luxury, what is luxury; Victoria&Albert Museum; Museum

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Optical Art on Wood

March 8, 2015 by emmadepourtales

I came across the work of a young french artisan Vincent Dionigi during Paris Design Week and thought I would share it with you, as I find it really interesting. Vincent Dionigi is a cabinetmaker, quite logically passionate with wood. He uses traditional techniques to create wooden panels. They are made of several triangular pieces assembled together to create perspective and optical illusion. My attention was caught by this cabinet. The very smooth finish of the work and the simple design of […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., Uncategorized • Tags: Diogini, graphical, minimalistic, optical illusion, Paris, simple, wood

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Nakaniwa Gallery: the utmost japanese refinement

January 31, 2015 by emmadepourtales

Nakaniwa is a gallery based in Paris 6th arrondissement, which promotes the Honmono, a japanese concept. It is about the authenticity which rests with an object thanks to the sincerity of the work of all people involved in its creation as well as the technics and the tradition embroiled in the process. It is about the connectivity between people using the object and people creating it. I cannot imagine more delicate, meaningful concept. It is both refined and simple. In […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: craftsmanship, japan, little prince, nakaniwa, philosophy, saint exupery, tradition

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Phoebe Rudomino. The Girl in a Room.

April 7, 2014 by emmadepourtales

Phoebe Rudomino is a young artist specialised in underwater filming and photography. I came across her work at the Out of Focus exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. I find this photograph quite magical and poetic really. I love the shades, the composition, the angle and the depth – everything just feels right.

Categories: CRAFTS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: Art, Phoebe Rudomino, Photography

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Contemporary design and Japanese tradition.

March 3, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The Japanese design team Nosinger is famous for its fabulous set of drawers that opens on different sides and thus can be used in the same time. Clever and sleek. And indeed perfect for space corners. Its product collection distributed by “Colors” combines raw materials with unique and traditional craftsmanship. I particularly like the “Charcoal Candle” (wax mixed with charcoal). And the “trunk” porcelain vase based on […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: charcoal candle, colors, flower arrangement, ikebana, japanese, nosinger, trunk

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Simple timeless chair.

February 3, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The Branca chair (2011) designed by Industrial Facility and manufactured by the Mattiazzi factory. The curves flow so perfectly, one would think that such shape should be made out of plastic or metal tubes. And yet it is made out of wood. Complex forms and joints have been produced using computer-controlled robots. For each back upright of this chair, an 8-axis robotic arm cut, shaped and drilled a pre-shaped piece of wood. Traditional hand and factory methods were used to […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., LONDON

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Chinese fairtrade and exquisite cushions.

December 4, 2013 by emmadepourtales

We all be prejudiced against any material produced and/or sourced from China and sometimes, we should not. Tù Textiles is a design company, founded by an American architect and Australian designer, both based in Beijing, which demonstrates that the Chinese textile industry is able to supply material produced in a way which is both environmentally and socially responsible. That is for the philosophy. As for the result, judge by yourself: I find these cushions made of 100% organic cotton, reproducing […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: Beijing, China, Fair Trade, TùTextiles

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Tableware and French utmost luxury.

November 7, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I came across Marie Daâge beautiful hand painted tableware. This fine porcelain de Limoges has this timeless elegance which conveys a delicate sense of abundance and warmth. Have a look at the “horizon” collection. This will definitely add an exquisite christmassy feel to your table…. and well I can only adhere to creations which contributes to preserve and perpetuate traditional crafts…. To have a glance on how beautiful and magical refined craftsmanship can be, click on this link.

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., PARIS • Tags: Art, craftsmanship, French luxury, handmade, porcelaine de limoges, savoir faire

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Spanish lighting.

November 3, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Marset is a Spanish based light manufacturer. I could have said lamps manufacturer, but actually light is what Marset is about really, in the sense of creating an atmosphere. Marset team designs and manufactures all of its products. Here is my favourite one: the Scotch Club Lamp.

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: lighting, Marset, Scotch Club, Spain

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Hartô.

November 3, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Hartô is a French design brand and young designers studio, created in 2011. Hartô launched its first collection in September 2013. Its products are designed in-house by a team of designers and produced in France or Europe by small factories and workshop where manual work is at the heart of the production process. Hence clever design and attention to details which results in beautiful products with high quality standards. Have a look and if you happen to be in Paris, […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., PARIS • Tags: craftsmanship, design, Furniture, Hartô, Paris

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Washi Paper.

October 21, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Washi paper is used in Japan since the 16th century as wrapping paper as well as a material for writings and paints as it is very strong and does not easily tear. Though very hard-wearing, it is also very delicate and subtle which makes it a very interesting material. You might have come across washi paper tape, which is perfect to stick images on a wall, for example above a working desk, as it comes in all colours and patterns […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: japan, kamihimo, lighting, moodboard, sandra clodion, takayasu ueda, washi, washi tape

emma de pourtales

Art de vivre & Craftsmanship

Category Archives: CRAFTS.

Deboutonner la mode!

What is luxury?

Optical Art on Wood

Nakaniwa Gallery: the utmost japanese refinement

Phoebe Rudomino. The Girl in a Room.

Contemporary design and Japanese tradition.

Simple timeless chair.

Chinese fairtrade and exquisite cushions.

Tableware and French utmost luxury.

Spanish lighting.

Hartô.

Washi Paper.