It’s been some thirty years since the initial explosion of the Memphis Movement and 2016 has re-invigorated the trend, bringing with it a stroke of flamboyance back into our homes.
Challenging the idea that products simply had to follow conventional shapes, colours, patterns and textures, the Memphis group, which comprised mainly of Italian designers and architects, created a number of highly influential products in the 1980s that instigated ‘the Memphis movement’ – a reaction and stark contrast to the puritanical design themes of the 1970s.
The group, apparently named after the Bob Dylan song ‘Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again’, was lead by Ettore Sottsass and exhibited bright and outrageous pieces drawing on inspiration from the Art Deco and Pop Art genres of the 1950s. This in turn revitalised and created a new approach to the radical design movement.
Modern Memphis home furniture
Embrace the Memphis Movement in your home this year with our collection of furniture, lighting and home accessories inspired by the genre which is to become a key design trend for 2016.
Scatter vibrancy throughout your home with our collection of geometric, printed cushions from the Wrong for Hay. The collaboration features Danish design company Hay and London designer Sebastian Wrong. Each cushion has been designed by Nathalie Du Pasquier based on patterns from each of the designers’ archives.
Add a touch of pomp to your home with the utilitarian Magis Proust Chair designed exclusively by Alessandro Mendini. The design is based on the original chair named ‘Poltrona di Proust’ which was created in 1978. The original romantic, baroque chair was produced in many versions including bronze and ceramic and has been hosted in museums globally.
Originally released in 1982 and again in 2010, the Callimaco Floor Lamp was designed for Artemide by Ettore Sottsass, the original founder of the Memphis movement. The minimalist design includes coloured components and is focused on the importance of functionality and straightforward design.
This brightly coloured Plus salt and pepper grinder from Muuto adds a touch of the Memphis movement kitsch to your dining area and comes in a multitude of colours to spread Memphis vibe in all spaces.
Tributing the Memphis movement
Kartell paid tribute to Ettore Sottsass with a unique presentation named ‘Kartell goes Sottsass’ at their flagship store during Milan Design Week in 2015. The space celebrated the Memphis collective by tributing Memphis fabrics as well as design aesthetics, and the signature styles of the movement.
What do you think of the Memphis movement and its revival for 2016?
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