Stockholm Design Week | The Archive

Stockholm Design Week is one of the world’s leading events for Scandinavian design. I really hope to visit one day, as I always feel so inspired while watching from afar. This year has been no exception, with last week bringing a constant stream of beautiful coverage. One of the standout exhibitions, The Archive, took place in the Old National Archive in Stockholm, and brought together four strong design brands from Japan and Denmark, highlighting shared aesthetics and values. Ariake, 2016/ Arita, Friends & Founders and LE KLINT presented existing collections and new pieces, all beautifully curated by Hanna Nova Beatrice and styled by Annaleena Leino.

The first time a design exhibition has been held at the National Archive building at Riddarfjärden in central Stockholm, the muted interiors provide an exquisite backdrop for the collections. Designed by architect Axel Fredrik Nyström, and built in 1890, it was is one of the first purpose built archive buildings in Europe.

The shelves showcase the range of coffee pots, teaposts, vases and mugs by by New York-based designer Leon Ransmeier for 2016/ Arita. The chairs and lighting are by Friends & Founders.

I’m such a huge fan of the iconic pleated lamps by LE KLINT. With a strong design lineage of original folded shades from 1901, the pendants look right at home in the historical surroundings. Below, they hang above new furniture pieces designed by Norm Architects for Ariake, including the Summit lounge chair. The new and elegant Cylinder series (pictured above) features the classic cross-pleats, emitting a soft, warm light.