ECAL x christofle: shaggy by chia-yun lee - maison et objet 2013

ECAL x christofle: shaggy by chia-yun lee – maison et objet 2013

for the fourth time, the students of the master of advanced studies in design for luxury industry and craftsmanship ECAL / university of arts and design, have organized a workshop together with french silverware manufacturer christofle. having explored the themes of ’empty your pockets and your bags’, ‘water service, champagne service, tea service’ and ‘new-born baby gift’, this year, under the supervision of swiss designer thilo alex brunner, the focus was on the notion of ‘bi-material’. ‘we thought it would be interesting to see how this new generation understands money, what associations they would make and what new materials they would propose, perhaps more contemporary, more technological?’ says anne savelli, head of product design at christofle.

one may place their various stationary items between the bristles of the desk accessory

‘shaggy’ by chia-yun lee is an office accessory created in the same manner as a paintbrush – the sides of the silver base are pressed together to pinch and hold the hairs which make up the bristled form. it is therefore possible to freely arrange one’s pens, business cards or other office belongings between the hairs of this playful object. ‘shaggy’ is one of the seven selected projects selected from the workshop to be prototyped. the projects are exhibited during the fall edition of maison et objet 2013.

the seven projects selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives from ECAL and christofle are in line with expectations. having all been prototyped, three are already undergoing studies after which they could become part of the general christofle collection. this is a fitting reward for these young designers, whose talent and professionalism are praised by anne savelli: ‘it is always a real pleasure to work with ECAL! exchanges are straightforward, direct and fast. the director alexis georgacopoulos and programme manager nicolas le moigne and his team are very responsive, very motivated and highly professional. the students’ works is of very high quality, including technical drawings, models and suppliers – far better than the majority of designers who often approach us with less substantial projects!’ a quotation which heralds a fine future for this stimulating collaboration.

raw materials

prototyping