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thinkers’ ooo Vol. 11-15 collection

thinker launched a new project named “thinkers’ ooo” since 2020. It is a column to share thinkers’ points of view to their favorite brands, some of which are not even well-known to the public. We love the products of course, but it is the brands that we are attracted to and inspired from.

“ooo” means our perspectives, imagination and self statement. Written by the designers and planners themselves, the articles include why we love the brands, how we use the products and what we learn from the stories behind the brands. Here are the first five articles we’ve published. Enjoy!

thinkers’ ooo Vol. 11-15 collection - Image 1

Vol.11

A furniture designer who embraces the human form - Illum Wikkelsø

I arrived at Kaohsiung’s “55Mobler” with a friend and had the chance to sit on a Finn Juhl’s classic chair, Model 209. I was amazed by the comfortable and covered seat surface poised on the wooden frame. A few months later, I unintentionally encountered their sofa at “Wonderwood Vintage” in Hsinchu. It was a set of two-seat sofas made of streamlined mahogany chair frames and white wool seat cushions. It ticked all the boxes in my heart - natural dark wood color, graceful lines, and light form, floating gently in the space.

The pieces were from the Genius series, designed and manufactured by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s. The design emphasized simplicity of form and shape outlines. The architect’s background enabled him to make good use of materials and structures and to consider aesthetics while maintaining durability. When sitting on this sofa, the body will follow the chair’s curves, as if the chair is hugging the body tightly. As Hans J. Wegner once said, “A chair is only finished when someone sits in it." — Ariel / Visual Designer

｜The Danish Chair｜

The development of modern Danish furniture is largely due to collaboration between architects and artisans, which gradually evolved into the concept of functionalism. It adopts a rational and analytical approach based on the principles of “form follows function” and “less is more”. The structures are designed to meet modern needs while retaining respect for traditional and natural materials.

Vol.12

Both aesthetics and function - SALOMON XT-6

SALOMON was originally a professional trail-running shoe brand. It includes SensiFit wrap fit design, a Quicklace lacing system, and midsole cushioning technology. The shoe body material is not only lightweight but also breathable. In recent years, the brand has become a favorite among the trendy and fashionable. Their shoes are full of functionality while having a high level of wearability. With the option of various color schemes, everyone can find ones to fit their own style.

I recently realized that SALOMON is not only in line with my personal taste, it is also more unique and uncommon. It also unexpectedly has high wearability. It is not limited to just the outdoors but can also be coordinated with street styles and even creates an unexpected look when worn with suits. It has become one of my go-to shoes recently. — Sean / Visual Designer

｜salomon s/lab｜

Founded in 1947 in the French Alps, Francois Solomon and his son George, started by producing professional ski products and later expanded to other areas such as cross-country racing and mountaineering. "Professional” is the brand value. This shoe is from the subsidiary line s/lab developed for off-road products. All products use the brand’s most advanced technology, and in recent years, it has also actively cooperated with the fashion industry.

Vol.13

The most authentic smell of all things - Met et Len

MAD et LEN treats the best picking timing of each raw material with incredible patience. If some natural and organic raw materials or essential oils are unavailable due to poor weather, they will change the formula or even stop production for some fragrances. The “Diffuser Series” I chose is the most representative item of MAD et LEN. It uses volcanic rock, crystal and ore as the medium for aroma volatilization. In addition to helping the essential oil penetrate deeper and release more slowly, it is also the most primitive material on earth.

Among the sixteen scents, I chose the following two: “Spirituelle Mint” - mint, basil, lemon and orange blossom, very similar to the smell of MOJITO and “TERRE NOIRE” - from Brittany’s Bilcelad forest where black soil is the keynote, mixed with the aromas of various trees, such as oak, and birch. Met et Len is not only intoxicating, but the combination of the hand-forged black iron box and ore also won my admiration. It can seamlessly integrate into my home decor and is currently my favorite fragrance brand. — Ariel / Visual Designer

｜MAD et LEN ｜

MAD et LEN is a homonym from madeleine cake, inspired by French writer Marcel Proust’s famous novel “À la recherche du temps perdu”. The main character in the story once dipped a madeleine into tea, which produced an unforgettable aroma. It reminded him of memorable childhood times and inspired the founder’s naming, hoping to awaken people’s good memories of the past through fragrances.

Vol.14

A partner on every outdoor adventure - Mystery Ranch

Mystery Ranch must ring a bell if you love outdoor activities and mountain climbing. Especially climbing mountains of the Baiyue level in Taiwan, because it takes two to three days a trip, a good backpack is the most important companion that impacts the whole journey. Mystery Ranch has a strong and comfortable carrying system, it’s durable and anti-wear, and of course, it looks good.

Going outdoors is like embarking on an unknown journey for me, because I need to carry heavy equipment and walk in the mountains and forests for a long time. In addition to overcoming the discomfort caused by the rugged and difficult alpine terrain and the rapidly changing climate, a good backpack design and a load-resistant carrying system can relieve physical fatigue. The convenient waist bag makes it more convenient to get supplies. A good backpack is as important as a mountain climbing buddy. “When you need to find inspiration in your life and work, put on a backpack and embark on an unknown journey of your own!" — Ellie / Brand Planner

｜Mystery Ranch ｜

Mystery Ranch was founded in Bozeman, Montana, USA. It has forty years of history and has developed into an international backpack brand with multinational production and global sales. The brand core is durability, carrying comfort, and the highest quality. In addition to the military bag product line, hunting, wildfire firefighting, and even mountaineering outdoor professionals have become its main customers. The brand has focused on making high-quality backpacks with a strong carrying system and has also practiced the brand concept “BUILT FOR THE MISSION”. You can start your adventure as soon as you put on your backpack.

Vol.15

Redefine the possibilities of sculpture and design with paper lamps - AKARI by Isamu Noguchi

I have always been in love with Japanese lanterns. The lanterns made of mulberry paper and bamboo are simple but have an irreplaceable sense of handicraft and warmth. Isamu Noguchi has devoted his life to pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture. In his eyes, even intangible and insignificant lights can be used as sculptural materials to evoke people’s emotional experiences. The “AKARI Light” paper lantern series was born from this concept.

The style I chose is the small standing lamp “1A”, which can be placed on a small coffee table as a desk lamp or placed in a corner on the ground at will, attractive and practical. Isamu Noguchi changed the traditional lantern using candles as the light-emitting medium into light bulbs and designed it into a flat structure that can be disassembled and assembled so that Akari can be integrated into modern scenarios. At the same time, the philosophical concepts of Japanese mourning and serenity are infused into the lamps. After having this lamp, I can deeply understand what he meant when he said, “a room only needs a tatami and an Akari”, and my space has become more refined and complete. — Ariel / Visual Designer

｜The Creation of Akari and Paper Lanterns｜

Handmade paper lanterns have long been a major industry in Gifu, Japan. In the 1951s, the city struggled to recover from the post-war dilapidation. The mayor hoped that paper lanterns could be “reborn” through Isamu Noguchi’s design. Noguchi continued to reinterpret the series throughout his artistic career until his death. Akari continues to be handcrafted in a century-old factory in Gifu City to this day. Although the traditional production methods are retained, the production process has kept pace with the times, allowing the paper lantern industry to continue.

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