www.kusch.com
THE NEWS ISSUE – AUTUMN/WINTER 2010/11
FURNITURE MEETS FASHION
IRIS BROSCH –A POWERFUL
FEMALE MIND
CORNERS OF THE WORLD
english
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02 8000 DESIGN BY PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO04 PROFILE: STEPHAN ABRY, PHOTOGRAPHER 05 NEW SHOWROOM, BRUSSELS INTERIEUR 2010, KORTRIJK06 KUSCH+CORNERS OF THE WORLD08 NORBERT GEELEN: 2000_2100 UNI_VERSO & 6000 SAN_SIRO09 STATEMENT BASF10 PHOTOSHOOT UNI_VERSO PROFILE: IRIS BROSCH, PHOTOGRAPHER11 PROFILE: FLORENTINE PABST
PROFILE: SCHOBER DESIGN/BUNCH, LONDON12 KUSCH & COMPANY
Welcome to our first edition of kusch+courier! We take huge pleasure in sharing with you the excitement of our new product developments: 2000_2100 uni_verso and 6000 san_siro Design by Norbert Geelen and 8000 Design by Porsche Design Studio.
Not only did we push the limits with our design and engineering partners in order to achieve the utmost results in design and functionality but also masterminded some rather bold and risqué statement advertising campaigns and promotional efforts.
Engineered, innovative and puristic yet bold, daring and feminine. We like to stretch our boundaries yet value the coexistence of our deeply embedded tradition and the drive for innovation and take consequent and consistent steps to shape a better future.
We are full of courage and a zest for action to mold the future of Kusch+Co for further generations.
We hope you enjoy our autumn/winter edition, get to know our wonderful collaboration partners, discover our ’kusch+corners‘ and hopefully get a glimpse of what to expect from Kusch+Co in the future. Kind regards
KUSCH CONTENT
KUSCH COURIER
Dieter Kusch, Norbert Geelen, Designer, Ricarda Kusch, Roland Heiler, Managing Director, Porsche Design Studio, Dr. Martin Bussmann (BASF Market Development)
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THE WORLD KNOWS PORSCHE KUSCH+CO KNOWS THE WORLD
KUSCH COLLABORATION 8000 Design by Porsche Design Studio
8000. The Porsche Design Studio creates exceptional products. For Porsche Design. For other international brands. And now for Kusch+Co. The automotive origins leave their imprint on every detail. Technology, the choice of materials, and workmanship reflect the Porsche signature. The products that are created unite design with functionality. Engineered, innovative, puristic.
The Porsche Design Studio and the Kusch+Co Design Team have merged their know-how to create a unique product developed using the latest technologies to be truly innovative.
Roland Heiler, Managing Director, Porsche Design Studio
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The photoshoot of the adver-tising campaign (see above and below) in collaboration with photographer Stephan Abry is documented in our film ‘The making of 8000’ that you can find on our website at www.kusch.com. See stills above.
ENGINEERED INNOVATIVE PURISTIC
The making of 8000
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Profile: Stephan Abry, photographer
Stephan Abry was born in Germany in 1966. He has been a freelance photographer since 1995, commuting between his small Hamburg photographic studio and his Paris apartment. As a teenager, Stephan took a keen interest in photography, in spite of his childhood ambition of becoming a musician. He is an internationally acclaimed photographer with a natural aptitude for both restrained and opulent arrangements.
Stephan works for internationally renowned magazines, such as Vogue Accessory Italy, Zeit Magazine, Madame Figaro, Architektur + Wohnen, Martha Stewart Magazine and Stern. His customer database reads like a who’s who list, including Louis Vuitton, Gaggenau, Montblanc, Le Printemps, KaDeWe, Schwarzkopf, Wella and now Kusch+Co.
KUSCH COLLABORATION
STEPHAN ABRY
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KUSCH CORNERS
SLEEPFashionable location
Louis Hotel Viktualienmarkt 2 www.louis-hotel.com
EAT Alpine cool
AlpentraumKarlstrasse 10www.alpentraum.de
PARTYThe place to party
Heart Loenbachplatz 2awww.h-e-a-r-t.me
ARTEcclectic art and architecture
Museum Brandhorst (Designed by Sauerbruch Hutton)Theresienstraße 35www.museum-brandhorst.deExhibition: Picasso Artist’s books 24.11. 2010 – 06.03.2011
SLEEPOpening at the end of 2010 – the epitome of cool
nhow Berlin ( next to MTV and Universal Studios)Stralauer Allee 3www.nhow-hotels.com/berlin/
EAT Yummy Vietnamese deli
BABANBÈOranienplatz 2, Kreuzberg
PHOTOGRAPHYNewton’s world
Helmut Newton FoundationJebensstrasse 2 www.helmutnewton.com
SHOPPINGFabulous hats
Hutgalerie Fiona BennettGroße Hamburger Straße 25030 28096330 (by appointment only)www.fionabennett.com
Cool and trendy
Cabinet 206 – Curiosity of FashionFriedrichstr. 71www.cabinet206.com
MUSEUMMasterpiece
Neues Museum – restored and recreated by David ChipperfieldBodestraße 1-3www.neues-museum.de
NIGHTLIFE/ BAR The only place to be right now
King Size Friedrichstraße 112b
EATJapanese with a twist
Restaurant UMAMIStore Kongensgade 59www.restaurantumami.dk
DRINKSMagical
NimbBernstorffsgade 5(within the Tivoli Gardens)www.tivoli.dk
OPERACultural highlight
Copenhagen Opera HouseTordenskjoldsgade 1www.kglteater.dkSleeping Beauty/ Madame Butterfly November/ December 2010
SLEEP + EAT Picture perfect
Country house hotel with excellent cuisineLandhotel Gasthof SchütteEggeweg 257392 Oberkirchenwww.landhotel-schuette.de
SPORTSHiking de luxe
Sauerland Höhenflug one of the most beautiful hiking trails through a natural park: the Sauerlandwww.sauerland-hoehenflug.de
EATFine dining
Zum Finsteren SternSchulhof 8Palais Collalto
COFFEE+CAKEThe best coffehouse in town
Café Konditorei DemelKohlmarkt 14www.demel.at (great online shop including Sachertorte!)
MUSEUMGraphic excellence
AlbertinaMichelangelo – The drawings of a genius until 09.01.2011
Picasso – Peace and freedomuntil 16.01.2011
OTHER PLACES OF INTERESTStephansdom
Schönbrunn Schloss, Park and Gloriette
Hofburg including the Spanish Riding School
Hundertwasserhaus
Wiener Prater – Amusement park
Karlskirche and Karlsplatz with the Art Nouveau Tube station by Otto Wagner
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OF THE WORLD
EAT & DRINK The alternative to a cocktail bar, Aperitivo at the Enoteca/ Winebar
Cantine IsolaVia Paolo Sarpi, 30
Here is where the “cotoletta alla milanese” are very tasty
Trattoria La MadonninaVia Gentilino 6
MUSEUM, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGNHistoric house museum
Villa Necchi CampiglioVia Mozart, 14 20122 Milanowww.casemuseo.it
Don’t miss out on the studio of one of the great Italian ‘masters’
Studio Museo Achille CastiglioniPiazza Castello, 27 www.achillecastiglioni.it
Italian design history told by wodden models
Archivio Giovanni SacchiVia Granelli, 120099 Sesto San Giovanniwww.archiviosacchi.it
Famous for its Leonardo da Vinci Room
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci”Via San Vittore, 2120123 Milanowww.museoscienza.org
For fans of the slightly morbid: best known for its ossuary, a small side chapel decorated with numerous human skulls and bones
San Bernardino alle OssaVia Verziere, 220122 Milano
For exceptional views over Milan head to the 31st floor of the headquaters of the Regione Lombardia
(by appointment only, Saturdays)Belvedere Grattacielo PirelliPalazzo della RegioneVia Fabio Filzi, 22
We would like to thank all those participating in our Kusch+corners of the world, especially Jonas Andersen, Markus Fellner, Norbert Geelen, Johnny Kilde, Lucia Kortscheff and Morten Soerensen.
SLEEPDesign extravaganza by Philippe Starck
Faena Hotel + Universe445 Martha Salotti Street
EATKitsch + cake in a beautiful garden
El último Beso Nicaragua 4880, Palermo Viejowww.elultimobeso.com.ar
DESIGN & ARCHITECTUREDeveloping neighbourhood
Puerto Madero: with great restaurants, old restored warehouses, hotels and apartments. Puente de la Mujer designed by Santiago Calatrava
MUSEUMPrivately owned treasure trove
Colección FortabatOlga Cossettini 141Buenos Aires, Argentinienwww.coleccionfortabat.org.ar
STAYHoliday paradise
Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and SpaMuscat , Omanwww.shangri-la.com
LUNCH Stunning views over the creek
The TerracePark Hyatt DubaiUnited Arab Emirateswww.dubai.park.hyatt.com
MUSEUMA bridge from past to future
The Museum of Islamic Art – Doha, Qatarwww.mia.org.qa
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURESparkling splendour
The oldtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa, Dubaiwww.burjkhalifa.ae
TO SEESheikh Al Nahyan Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
EATBest steakhouse in town
Minetta Tavern, NYC,113 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012-1201www.minettatavernny.com
Best cupcakes
Babycakes NYC248 Broome St, New York Citywww.babycakesnyc.com
MUSEUMCelebration of German and Austrian art
Neue Galerie – Museum for German and Austrian Art1048 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028www.neuegalerie.org (fabulous museum shop)(Café Sabarsky – best Applestrudel in town)
Music
Live music in NYC
Terminal 5610 W 56th St New York, NY 1001www.terminal5nyc.com
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KUSCH CONVERSATION
Norbert Geelen: 2000_2100 uni_verso & 6000 san_siro
Series 2000_2100 uni_verso & 6000 san_siro are two more great design innovations by Norbert Geelen and Kusch+Co. These new contract chair and table series with their vast range of distinct attributes have the ability to fit into virtually any environment – offering a kaleidoscope of versatile possibilities.
The 2000_2100 uni_verso chair range includes a seat shell made out of the high-strength material Ultradur® by BASF as well as a wooden veneered seat shell.
KUSCH COLLABORATION
Interview with Norbert Geelen
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT TYPIFIES YOUR WORKING RELATION WITH KUSCH+CO?I like the chemistry between us and the personal relationship. We are on the same wavelength. I really value their material and construction know-how. Everyone on the team has a natural flair for design and the will to create something unique.
DO YOU ACT ACCORDING TO A CERTAIN RULE OF THUMB?I am uncertain whether it qualifies as a rule of thumb, but in my opinion, design must not be the end in itself, must not be self-complacent. Such items may be eye candy and an eye-catcher, but in the end they are of little use.
WHAT IS DESIGN TO YOU: INSPIRATION AND AN IDEA OR A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH?I would say both. An idea, or more precisely creativity, is an essential prerequisite. It is the quest for – or the finding of – something that makes a product absolutely unique. It may be its design, the choice of materials, the constructions, or ideally, the product as a whole.
IS DESIGN ART?Creative work is inextricably linked with art in the broadest sense of the word. Apart from that, the present-day definition of art has little in common with design, even though many designer products have the aesthetic quality of a piece of art. This can certainly be true for seating.
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Statement BASF – Not your average chair
The contract chair 2000_uni_verso by Kusch+Co is manufactured in BASF’s engineering plastic Ultradur®.
Engineering plastics, as the name suggests, are mainly used by engineers. These plastics, such as polyamides (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), are widely used in the automotive industry and electrical engineering for their excellent chemical and mechanical properties. Since the official opening of the advisory centre designfabrikTM situated at the heart of the BASF industrial site, the plastics experts are working together with industrial designers to look at plastics from a different viewpoint, conjuring up new visions. Other market segments are now very much in the foreground: households, construction, furniture, not forgetting, medical technology, sports and leisure. These areas still offer excellent potential for engineering plastics.
One of the latest designfabrikTM projects of is the contract chair 2000_uni_verso by Kusch+Co made of the engineering plastic Ultradur®. ‘Over the course of the intensive and exciting cooperation with Kusch+Co, it was possible to extend the range of applications of our engineering plastic Ultradur®, making it possible to use Ultradur® for the serial production of contract seating. I dare say the new chair is real eye candy’, adds Michael Prinz, Director of the BASF segment Universal, for good measure.
The bar of the technical challenges was raised high. In order for the chair’s plastic seat shell to meet the exacting demands of public areas, such as hospitals, canteens, airports and auditoriums, the material had to be dimensionally stable, easy to mould, low-maintenance and even flame retardant. Ultradur® passed the tests with flying colours!
Having carefully studied the material’s properties using the high-performance computer-aided simulation tool ULTRASIMTM, BASF was able to exactly predict the parts’ performance levels, moulding the seat shell into shape in tandem with designer Norbert Geelen.
Norbert Geelen aimed at amalgamating the high-level functionality of contract seating for public areas with the aesthetic and emotional qualities of home furniture. He crafted a product characterized by an authentic and contemporary design language, satisfying the set functional and performance specifications. In conjunction with ULTRASIMTM, the plastic parts met all the target specifications: high dimensional stability with an eco-efficient material consumption, remaining true to the vision conjured up by the designer. Or better said: a chair that is not only comfortable, but also appealing to the eye.
KUSCH CO-OPERATION
The BASF simulation tool ULTRASIMTM was used to develop and optimize the design of uni_verso. In this picture: Dr. Martin Bussmann (BASF Market Development) and Helge Weiler (ULTRASIMTM operator).
uni_verso is available in seven colours, selected by Kusch+Co in close consultation with designfabrikTM. The designfabrikTM colour library comprises more than 20,000 colour samples.
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Profile: Iris Brosch, photographer
The artist, photographer and director Iris Brosch, living between New York and Paris, is known internationally for restoring dignity and strength to the image of women in photography. Her photographic style has been described as “Miuccia Prada meets Leonardo da Vinci”. Brosch’s unique celebration of female sensuality moves in fresh and fascinating directions. Her ability to rework timeless classicism lends her work a thouroughly modern twist. The work of Iris Brosch is unique and isn’t anything we have seen before. It is Raphaelian. It is Modern. It is mystical and ethereal, anchored by the weight of a female mind.
KUSCH COLLABORATION
We would like to thank the premium Austrian brand Wolford for their generous support with their ready-to-wear collection.
Photoshoot uni_verso at Studio Pin up, Paris, 21. – 22. 09. 2010
Kusch+Co joined forces with photographer Iris Brosch and stylist Florentine Pabst to dream up a ‘furniture meets fashion extravaganza’ in form of a photoshoot and film in Paris, art directed by Schober Design.
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Profile: Florentine Pabst, fashion editor/stylist
Florentine Pabst started out as a Stern journalist before being promoted to fashion editor. Her impressive CV includes chief editor of German Vogue, fashion consultant of German Harper’s Bazaar and fashion editor of German Marie Claire. At the moment, she is a freelance stylist for advertisements and fashion shoots. Numerous special projects with Peter Lindbergh for Vogue Italy, Vogue Germany and Vogue Spain.
Profile: Schober Design/Bunch, London
Damian Schober of Schober Design has recently become creative director at Bunch, London. He’s been responsiblefor corporate branding and consultancy for Kusch+Co since 2008.
Variety is Bunch’s preferred spice, so the mix they come up with turns out different every time. Which suits their way of thinking: that projects should be approached with an open mind as opposed to with a mind to impose a house style.
Bunch’s broad client base – includes Sky, Sony, Rolex, the BBC, V&A, Red Bull and Diesel – is witness to their belief that no matter how big or small the brief, Bunch’s collective strength will always find a way. Bunch’s disciplines are as diverse as their clients and include identity, literature, editorial, digital and motion.
Interview with Florentine Pabst
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH PETER LINDBERGH? It strikes me again and again how he succeeds in creating a special, beautiful atmosphere. He really loves women. Models and actresses feel completely at ease with him. He doesn’t like it when the models are transformed into unnatural creatures. My job as his stylist is to make sure this does not happen. He likes to show a woman, the model, the actress as authentically as possible. Their femininity, not the fashion, has to dominate the photo. Often, he only wants their faces to be seen. In these cases, all I have to do is dress the model or the actress with a coat, preferably a men’s coat.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH IRIS BROSCH?Iris has a very strong feminine energy, which constantly flows into her photography. It was therefore an enticing view to watch her photograph the new Kusch seating. With her feminine flair, she is able to produce a harmony between the seating design and the models, adding some erotic pizzazz.
YOU USED TO WORK WITH HELMUT NEWTON, WHAT’S HE LIKE?I always tend to get a bit melancholic, thinking of the good times with Helmut. His methods were a constant surprise, just like his visions, conjured up in his mind, that would turn into a magical picture, which he would stage down to the last detail, including the position of the pinkie. Nothing was left to chance. I always felt privileged working with him, seeing his genius in action.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLING PHILOSOPHY?Photographer, model or actress: as long as they know how to do their job, the rest will take care of itself. Often a T-shirt, wild hair, no make-up will do. On the other hand, it is an exciting challenge to do a styling that is sophisticated. The real challenge is the harmony of contrasts. I love clever contrasts, especially when they conflict with each other. I like to max out, still producing a harmony within the picture. The woman always comes first, the ideas have to stay in the background. It is a fatal error to forget about the woman, trying to enforce a prefabricated fashion idea.