In just some quick years, Guilherme Wentz has established himself as one of the necessary new Brazilian furnishings designers, not by imitating the lengthy line of recent masters that got here earlier than him however along with his personal minimal, up to date type. His physique of labor is evolving shortly, changing into extra technical and reflective of the designer’s values.
Wentz, who relies within the southern Brazilian metropolis of Caxias do Sul, launched his first line in 2019. The clear, crisp assortment didn’t essentially appear like a tribute to nature, however was knowledgeable by his time on the seashores surrounding Punta del Este, Uruguay, certainly one of his favorite locations. Nature, and the ocean particularly, is a ardour for Wentz, informing all of his work. However he’s shortly progressing from taking inspiration from nature to taking motion on the environmental disaster that threatens it.
Mar by Wentz: ‘designing to make a distinction’
(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
Together with his newest assortment, titled ‘Mar’, or ‘sea’ in Portuguese, Wentz isn’t just taking inspiration from the water; he’s harvesting ocean-borne plastic waste to include into the road. The gathering includes the ‘Onda’ and ‘Mare’ espresso tables, elegant marble-topped items with wave-inspired particulars which might be surprising given the selection of fabric. There’s additionally a particular version of his widespread ‘Vidro’ glass aspect desk, however the highlights of the trouble are the ‘Canoa’ lounge chair and ‘Tubo’ eating chair.
(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
Each chairs are upholstered with material woven from virgin polyester and recycled ocean plastic utilizing a computerised 3D-weaving method. Developed by the clothes trade, it permits a complete slipcover to be created in a single steady piece, pre-shaped to match the chair’s type. The items are then hand-fitted and completed with thread that can be made from recycled plastic. Wentz has trademarked this revolutionary course of below the title We-Knit, which yields seamless, stunning shapes. It’s onerous to think about both of those chairs being doable with out this know-how, significantly the intertwined cylindrical shapes of the ‘Tubo’.
Guilherme Wentz’s studio in Caxias do Sul
(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
These items signify a turning level in Wentz’s profession, not only for their intriguing design or revolutionary fabrication methodology however as a result of they mark a everlasting shift for him and his firm. ‘I’ve stopped designing for designers. Now, I’m designing to make a distinction. I wish to use my craft to make issues higher for the setting in all the pieces I do,’ he says.
Wentz cites sportswear and vogue trade leaders Patagonia and Osklen as examples to comply with. ‘These manufacturers have a unique mind-set, of being, and so they create merchandise that respect the Earth. I wish to be greater than an interiors firm. I wish to be a brand new form of life-style model primarily based on values, one which reveals management with a brand new means of working that advantages the setting.’
Wentz is effectively on his means, not simply along with his new method to upholstered furnishings but in addition with lighting and, finally, equipment. He just lately launched a brand new workplace, design studio, and manufacturing facility devoted to lighting manufacturing. Right here, he plans to evolve the lighting division of his enterprise in the identical environmentally acutely aware means. ‘We’re working with recycled aluminium, and LED has made a giant distinction, however we’re taking a look at different supplies and the manufacturing course of to satisfy the brand new requirements we now have set with materials. We now have to do it.’
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(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
‘Tubo’ eating chair and ‘Canoa’ lounge chair
(Picture credit score: Fran Parente)
Supply: Wallpaper
