The Memphis Milano design was created by the Memphis group. It is one of the most instantly recognizable design styles that blend art with pop art culture. These designs were created in the 1980s by a team of Italian architects and designers, led by Ettore Sottsass. These artists created postmodern furniture, fabric, patterns, ceramics, and other decorative objects inspired by art deco and pop art. Their name was inspired by a popular song by Bob Dylan titled “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again.”. According to Legent, this song was being played on repeat during their first meeting.
Like many other creative moments, the Memphis movement was also a reaction against the status quo. The designs in mid-modern 1950s and 1970s minimalism were focused on clean, straight lines. Memphis Milano Design adopted a vibrant mix of bold colors, contrasting patterns, and a non-typical fusion of styles.
Ettore Sottsass shifted the group’s focus to a radical, outrageous, and funny theme from the conventional clean and straight lines. Their unique designs were inspired by the geometric shapes of Art Deco and the playful kitsch of the 1950s.
From furniture to architecture and electronics, Ettore Sottsass transformed contemporary design. In 1980, he founded the Memphis Group, which brings together young Italian, French, Japanese, and rebel Siedese designers. The purpose was to bring a fresh perspective to the designs.
Salient features of the Memphis Milano design
• These designs used laminate and Terrazzo material for tables and lamps, which were traditionally used for flooring.
• The Bacterio print was bought by Ettore Sottsass in 1978. The main characteristic of the print was squiggly patterns.
• Its objects show bright and multi-colored designs that defied traditional shapes; for instance, chair legs can be circular or triangular instead of rectangular as in conventional designs.
• These designs are also commonly used in black and white stripes on many objects. These stripes show a starkly contrasted aesthetic that still manages to be fun and light.
Where can I buy Memphis-Milano design objects?
Original Memphis group pieces are collected and are not within reach of many people. However, contemporary designers are reproducing the designer pictures inspired by Memphis designs, with the squiggles, bright colors, and wacky shapes still alive. Exceptional Objects brings products from iconic designer brands to a single store. It has curated a selection of unique designer pieces. It brings artistic products inspired by the iconic Memphis style. These products hallmark the use of bright colors, geometric forms, and unconventional materials. It has a collection of reproduced collections from the ’80s in unlimited series. These objects are made using luxurious materials with great attention to detail by the designers. Some of the Memphis Milano design objects in its unique collection include the following:
- Furniture: It includes sofas, chairs, tables, and cabinets reflecting minimalist designs.
- Lighting: It features a unique range of lamps and light fixtures adorned with bold colors and shapes popularly used in the Memphis aesthetic.
- Decorative objects: The designer store also features a range of accessories such as vases, sculptures, and art pieces that feature the vibrant, eclectic patterns and materials popularized by the Memphis Group.
Memphis Milano Deign maintains consistency in all of its products, regardless of the year of production, to ensure the original essence is procured. The unique feature of Memphis design is that it brings “playfulness” into the structured language of industrial production. It has been reflected in things like lamps, rugs, vases, and accessories. With their bright colors and unique design patterns, these objects blend art and functionality in an innovative way.