Dedicated to encourage and support new design and emerging designers, the VIVID Awards were given last week at Melbourne's Decor + Design. Celebrating the 15th year of this inspiring event, I love walking through these objects, some very familiar in use and yet innovative and new in appearance. Displayed on plinths as the piece's of art they all are, all the finalists' works presented the true elements of good design: Functionality, Quality and Good Looks.
The designers usually stand close by, watching and listening with anticipation to the reaction of those walking by, and I enjoy introducing myself to them and expressing my congratulations, as for them to be invited among the finalists is a really great achievement and a stamp of quality. This show indeed guarantees great exposure into the Design Industry as Decor + Design is only open to trade visitors. I walk around and view the wide range of items, and marvel at their accurate finishes, the precious materials and the clever solutions these pieces offer.
Among the lot I have my favourites, of course, but when the winner in each section is announced I really enjoy the genuine, warm applause offered by the crowd, whomever may be the receiver, young or not so young. I rejoice because I read in this a sincere appreciation for quality items and a welcome to the new blood in design.
At this year's Decor + Design show, I presented on the main stage a talk on "Australian Contemporary Luxury" with a slant towards making it affordable, and while scrolling through inspiring images I insisted on the notion that Luxury is identified primarily by the ability to choose quality above quantity. To me, size and opulence are not as fulfilling as the pleasure I receive from quality items, work which is accurately made with precious materials, strong and made to last and be passed on to future generations. This kind of quality I have witnessed among the VIVID Award finalists.
The VIVID Awards went only to a few, of course, but all of the finalists there deserve an applause, as their commitment with quality and unicity created a strong display of great Australian design. Curated by Daniel Dalla Riva from Latitude Group, the VIVID Awards were decided by a panel of industry experts and addressed the main categories of Furniture, Lighting, Object, Concept and Colour. To find out more, please visit the VIVID WEBSITE.
Marinos Drakopulous - Arion Rocker
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design. His knowledge and experience in adding value to homes, through clever design & styling, is now published for all to learn and benefit from: Interior Design For Profit is now available online.
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