Initially launched in 1981, Italian design house Memphis Milano (also known as Memphis Group) were known for their postmodern approach to design, expressed through colourful, geometric shapes, and unexpected design forms. While the design house was only active until 1987, Memphis Milano appears to be making a comeback, joining forces with Saint Laurent and creative director Anthony Vaccarello on a capsule collection for Saint Laurent Rive Droit.
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In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Memphis Milano, the capsule collection and exhibition leans into the colourful, pop-art aesthetic of the Italian design house, showcasing its cultural impact through a display of the company’s signature works as well as a shoppable range of homeware items and garments Vaccarello created with inspiration from the works of Memphis Milano.
Among the works displayed in the exhibit are Masanori Umeda’s Ring bed, Michele De Lucchi’s Riviera chairs, and Ettore Sottsass’ Carlton room divider. The homeware offering includes items like vases, plates, ceramic objects, ashtrays, and textile accessories, as well as a selection of books documenting the storied history of Memphis Milano works. Meanwhile, the garment offering designed by Vaccarello transposes characteristics of Memphis Milano’s works to create a dress, two mutlicoloured checkerboard hoodies, a shirt, and two pairs of sneakers.
Check out the Saint Laurent Rive Droit x Memphis Milano exhibition designs here and shop the collection on the Saint Laurent webstore.
Words by Theo Rosen
