The SNAP Collective at DEN fair Melbourne

Whilst exploring the DEN fair in Melbourne I was blown away and inspired by so many hot independent Australian designers and suppliers. Join me in exploring my pick from DEN.

One of the most frequent exhibitions was ID. x THE SNAP founded and curated by Anne-Maree Sargeant.  When designEX cancelled the 2015 event, DEN Fair owner Thibaud Cau-Cecile approached Anne-Maree Sargeant about launching her own platform – resulting ID. X THE SNAP COLLECTIVE launched in Melbourne this month. The new platform was created to support independent designers and designer-makers – exhibited in a purpose built installation. Designers range early career through to established names and is NOT about emerging designers – but celebrating Independent Design brands that produce quality, original works.

A snapshot of the ID. x THE SNAP EXHIBITORS …

DOWEL JONES – Lab De Stu co-founders Dale Hardiman and Adam Lynch unveiled the new DOWEL JONES collection in Milan in April at Salone Satellite, so we were excited the duo joined ID. with new furniture and lighting that upholds the principles of minimal materials and designed functionality – the installation a clear crowd favourite.

ALEX FITZPATRICK – the award-winning LIGHT GARDEN series was showcased in bronze, the first of a new incarnation of a new collection for the series. With the geometric wall lights highly customisable in both size and finish, the installation was a big hit with specifying interior designers.

ARCHIER – new collective Archier fuse design disciplines ranging architecture, furniture and industrial design. In their debut exhibition appearance – tables were partnered by beautifully resolved brass suspension lighting. http://www.archier.com.au

SHAREEN JOEL – interior designer / industrial designer exhibited DIABLO timber stool with the handcrafted TIP vase – a solid black glass vessel with rough hand finished exterior contrasted by a smooth satin perimeter.

LIAM MUGAVIN – Representing South Australia, Liam’s practice is based at the Jam Factory, showcased tables FRAMED and TANGLE – finely-crafted Australian made products that cleverly flat pack , alongside the beautiful MACHIYA cabinet – the influence of time spent in Japan evident in both materiality and form.

SAWDUST BUREAU – Melbourne-based designer-makers SawDust Bureau commanded another end of the runway with a multi-functional bench with an ability to incorporate magazine storage, and were a pleasure to have part of the ID. X Den team!

SILHOUETTICA – also a co-founder of Lab De Stu – Andre Hnatojko presented the award-winning POPPER pendants in a 2015 edit in matt black, alongside a new ceramic collection literally fresh out of the kiln!

ANAESTHETIC – were awarded best independent designers by an esteemed judging panel that included Kerry Phelan, Miriam Fanning and Jeffrey Copolov. Their lighting showcase included CONSTALLATION, Hide Luxe and Bezel.

BEN TOVIM DESIGN – Jonanthan Ben-Tovim has crowned his Diamond lighting series with the new ROUGH DIAMOND CHANDELIER, exhibited alongside UP/Down pendants – a celebration of materiality and metal. Vogue Living editor in chief Neal Whitaker nominated ROUGH DIAMOND as his favourite independent design.

ROSS GARDAM – Melbourne designer Ross Gardam unveiled a clever installation of lighting and furniture. SILHOUETTE Desk Lamp teamed with DUET stools and Gardam-designed copper accessories.

PORCELAIN BEAR – Gregory Bonasera and Anthony Raymond made their second Australian trade exhibition appearance, presenting a spectacular new incarnation of the porcelain, marble and aged brass table PALACE, spectacularly crowned by BIDENT aged brass and porcelain pendant.

INKSTERMAKEN – Hugh Altschwager, along with Dowel Jones – also exhibited in Milan with Salone Satellite and joined ID. with a first appearance at an Australian trade event. The handmade limestone lighting the result of two years experimentation featured ECLIPSE wall sconce and limestone, timber and metal pendent lighting.