High glamour, high nature

Among the many trends visible at Frankfurt's Ambiente fair was a tendency toward the high style — polished to perfection and ready to entertain. Whether the look was naturalistic, modernist or classical, a heady dose of glamour injected a little over-the-top pop.

Nature gone urbane was an overriding theme, showcasing the natural world in varied, modern form. Rustic it was not as plants, animals and flowers appeared plentifully in prints and as applications on tabletop designs. Large-scale flora, ferns, leaves and vines were show-stopping motifs this season. Other elements of nature, horns in particular, showcased a sculptural feel in various accessory designs. Most important, these designs are not shown in their "natural" form; instead, they are highly polished designs meant to convey nature without recreating it and are often re-colored, reworked and somewhat reinvented. This fun and fantasy-like reincarnation gives rise to bold, brilliantly colored designs that feel absolutely modern.

Classical designs take on an irreverent sense of style when also re-colored and reinvented. Damask appeared everywhere, in almost every possible color combination. Opulent designs reminiscent of Baroque styling achieved instant glamour in glossy black or white instead of the prerequisite gilding, while designs from antiquity also received an update. Some of the freshest looks paired Baroque with ultra-contemporary designs. Giant scale vases, planters and decorative accessories heightened the overall sense of glamour.

Modern designs benefited from a bit of glamour with a more polished, warmer persona. The tactile element stepped up in many ways with designs that invited touch: detail-laden motifs, deeper use of color, inviting fabrications, an emphasis on softer materials throughout such as pliable rubber vases and accents, as well as greater richness and texture in finishes.

The pairing of black and white continued to create a distinctive feeling of drama, accentuated by the addition of silver or hot pink. Pinks were in abundance as were all shades of green — lime, citron and grass. A rainbow of saturated brights could be found all around, grounded by black and white.

Iittala launches new interpretations of the original, 70-year-old Alvar Aalto vases, marking the occasion with a special petrol blue glass design available only during the anniversary year. eLink 538