Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1543537
Designers in all realms are embracing the occult and mysticality — but perhaps none so assiduously as designers of objects, who imbue their totems and tarot with form, material, and symbolism. By Steven Hempel Mystical Materiality and Meaning: Objects That Transcend Jonathan Hansen: Cosmic Vessels N ew York– b a s e d creative director Jonathan Hansen merges classical training in 18th- and 19th-century French, English, and American furniture with cutting-edge technologies — 3D printing, scanning, and digital modeling — to transform bold concepts into flawlessly realized objects. His studio is behind objects for Haas Brothers, Thom Browne for Baccarat, Overstory, and Aerin. His signature In the Stars collection crystal vessels for Jonathan Hansen Studio are mouth-blown and hand-engraved in the Bohemian tradition. They channel the luminosity and expansiveness of the cosmos, translating celestial atmosphere into tactile and collectible design. jonathanhansen.com Ashley Hicks: Sculptural Rituals A shley Hicks Totems are hand-sculpted in clay and refined in cast resin and bronze, each form balancing function with an almost talismanic presence. Hicks — son of design icon David Hicks — draws on a lifetime steeped in color, pattern, and craft, sharpened by his studies at the Architectural Association. From garden blooms to treasures glimpsed in museums, his inspirations collide in forms that feel alive, collected, and just a little mischievous — modern heirlooms with attitude. $2,800, at casabranca.com, ashleyhicks.com. David Webb: Transcendent Jewels M a s t e r jeweler D a v i d W e b b has reissued the Totem collection, updated but with the same color drench and workmanship. The pieces are created by hand in David Webb's Madison Avenue workshop utilizing amethyst, Carrera marble, tiger's eye, coral, peridot, green onyx, rubellite, sapphires, lapis, rhodonite, fire opal, brilliant-cut diamonds, and aquamarines set in 18K gold and platinum. $96,000 – $145,000, at the David Webb boutique New York, Beverly Hills, davidwebb.com. La DoubleJ: Guardian Lights L a DoubleJ's pillar candles are portals — objects that invite a subtle shift in the room's energy, each bearing a sigil of power: The Angel for balance, The Dragon for strength, The Sphinx for creativity, The Mermaid for sensuality, The Unicorn for magic. Created by La DoubleJ founder J.J. Martin with Turin-based artist Elisa Seitzinger, each candle hides delicate symbols, etched and painted to awaken intention. $70 at La DoubleJ boutique in Highland Park Village, Dallas; us.ladoublej.com. 48