Moooi

Luxury design making playful statements!

So let us start with the basic brand bio to get some background….

Dutch luxury brand Moooi was founded in 2001 by Marcel Wanders & Casper Vissers. The name itself derives from the dutch word for beauty, with extra ‘o’ for uniqueness!
Since it’s original incarnation there have been many management and ownership structures but Marcel Wanders has remained in charge and chief designer all along.
Along with their own unique blend of luxury they showcase pieces by other well established, and equally playful, designers such as Studio Job and Umut Yamac (got to love his Perch lights, seen dotted all over the Moooi showroom).

Now let’s talk about how amazing the 700sqft flagship showroom is in Joordan, Amsterdam. It’s a visual grenade from the second you walk in. Even just the carpet that runs from the entrance, leading you in is an explosion of detailed print and bright colour. A common thread that runs throughout the whole showroom, with each intricately staged area featuring some form of bold explosion in the form of a fab rug or carpeted area. I love walking around showrooms like this, they are not only great when you are sourcing for a project but also just for inspiring. It’s so important to keep visually stimulated and to put yourself in to spaces like this as a designer as often as possible. It is so easy to fall into the ‘work’ aspect of the job and get bogged down by specs and the technical areas of a project.

So back to Moooi… the brand is known for quite a few modern iconic pieces. One notable is the Container table with its cylindric pedestal base and simple solid table top. It’s form is simple and modern yet timeless and therefore represents the Moooi ethos perfectly. It comes in an array of sizes and variations on the plain style, such as the New Antiques range that features more curve details reminiscent of old traditional turned table legs. The basic style remains a favourite of mine as it serves as a solid base to allow the accompanying chairs and all other items that occupy the space to shine.

Seen here: a version of the iconic Container table.

Moooi are also synonymous with bold feature light fittings. One of the most iconic are the strong and dominating Paper Chandelier, a modern twist on the classic metal structured chandelier, this is actually created (as the name would suggest) out of paper. Well, the main structure is actually created out of cardboard and wood that is then wrapped in a lacquered paper shell. I would say this is the most iconic light fitting in that most people will have seen one in a quirky commercial setting somewhere or another. It, like many iconic designs, has been copied (or versions/variations attempted) by other high street brands over time too.

The Paper chandelier is low however on my favourites list when it comes to light fittings at Moooi. The likes of the super cool Meshmatics chandelier with its steel mesh structure edged in brass detail, for a nod to more refined luxe, is right up there. Like I mentioned at the start of this post, you can’t not love the Perch lights by Umut Yamac, seen dotted all over the showroom. But another range that I love, for the sheer fun of it, is the Party. A range of casted ceramic fittings shaped to represent faces. There are a clan of 5 ‘characters’ designed to represent different captivating personalities. The designers say this work is to represent our fascination with secrets, family dynamics and intrigue. The long strip pendant featuring all 5 faces back to back would bring character to any dinner table that’s for sure!

Back to colour and textiles, the various chair styles that dot about the showroom also showcase the continued use of (often) bold colour and with different fabric finishes. The Charles chair a Marcel Wanders design with it’s simple frame base structure is most definitely an iconic piece. It can look strikingly different by the simple change of colour and finish. You will have seen many chairs in companies such as Made.com that have cost definitely been derived from this design. Similar in it’s simplicity is the Golden chair, a simple design based on and reminiscent of a simple school chair but with a fine frame and fab array of finishes. I really love these!!

Area set up - featuring among others - the Charles Chair (in emerald green to the far right), Perch table lamp (on shelving).

They want to be daring but yet timeless, this can perhaps be seen in the most obvious way in pieces like the grandfather clock designed by StudioJob.

Studio Job design Clock.

The whole feel of the showroom is exclusive but without the austerity that that can also harbour. With lots of pattern and colour the space becomes playful and almost poetic, far more inviting than some uber modern show spaces. The brand dictates itself as being position ‘on the edge of commercial reality and cultural interest’ and I think that is about spot on and evident here. Being at the higher end of a retail price point they offer up furnishings that are coveted, yet identifiable at the same time.

In a nutshell, the Moooi style is old meets new in the most modern way, if that doesn’t contradict itself too much?

24hrs in Amsterdam - a design trail

We recently took a quick trip to Amsterdam to attempt to get a bit of a break!
This did however, much to the husband’s dismay, turn in to the usual mission to discover some of the best design spots in the city. Luckily he does enjoy it (just perhaps not as much as me), let’s say he’s an enthusiast whereas I’m borderline obsessive.
We were also there for more like 48hrs than 24hr but we thought it might be great to piece together an ideal day for those of you who love design, don’t mind a good wander and want to know where to hit.

We started our day getting some all important breakfast to keep us going, for this we hit Lottie’s at The Hoxton in the fab Nine Streets district, where you will not only get some great grub but you can soak in the chilled out (typical Hoxton style) decor and atmosphere before hitting the streets. We actually stayed at The Hoxton (we can highly recommend it, great staff, location and rooms), and so this obviously worked well for us, but I would hit it up at some point whether you’re based there or not.

From here head straight up through the pretty independent shop laden streets into the Joordan, considered the ‘hip’ neighbourhood. Here you’ll find the fabulous Moooi showroom where the brands furniture, lighting and rugs can be perused to your hearts content, just soak it in.

When you’re ready to head off, wander back down into the Nine Streets area taking in as many little design shops as you want along the way.

It’s obvious from the outset that Amsterdam is a very design driven city, you don’t have to be on the hunt for it, you’ll be absorbing in design and the relaxed style that simply engulfs the whole place.

As you wander try to include spots such as Property of (bespoke products and cool unisex bags/accessories), Concrete Matter (cool menswear), and Hutspot (relaxed concept store).
On your way around this great area you’ll need a coffee break, head to Pluk, a cool little cafe with an array of fresh cakes and breads, along with an impressive and colourful display of fruit and veg for juices and smoothies alike. You can grab something to go or take the time to sit in on the small mezzanine level, although be prepared to wait at busy times as this place gets very busy.

Once you’re refuelled head along to X bank, housed in the sprawling, deco inspired W Hotel. A glitzy concept store focusing on everything from prints to accessories and clothing. You’ll also find the likes of Soho House and Cerconni’s in this area…if that floats your boat!

Now you’ll really needed some lunch so get yourself along to Nooch a fantastic asian fusion restaurant smack bang in the centre of the nine streets. We fuelled up on a light selection of dim sum, sushi and a cheeky G&T…well we were on holiday.

Once full and reenergised, head down to perhaps our favourite (design mecca of sorts) store, The Frozen Fountain. Well worth a visit if you love bright, unique, and colourful furnishings. A two floor showroom of weird and wonderful decor, the second floor housing a fantastic fabric and wallpaper library with some of the best sample books I’ve seen.

After this eye-catching array of goodies has been explored hit the streets again and go on a mission for, a much deserved, cocktail (or two). We headed to the Pulitzer’s bijou bar with its dark and moody decor, and Hemingway inspired drinks menu. The staff here are so helpful and friendly it makes the atmosphere more relaxed and informal than you might expect from the outset. We had the best version of a Cuba Libra that we’ve ever come across in this bar (a barman recommendation).

Following a few drinks and a few card games, head back to your hotel (if you can) for a quick freshen up before another wander out to get some dinner. For this get yourself to Pesca…they’re not joking when they say it’s the ‘theatre of fish’, what an experience and amazing food to boot. The whole experience from start to finish was fun and enjoyable, a laid back atmosphere where you pick your own fish and wine before heading through to the communal dining area to be seated with your handy numbered buzzer. When the buzzer goes off take yourself up to the pass and collect the most delicious fresh seafood dishes that you chose, ready as and when. It’s pure perfection.

If you don’t like fish this isn’t the place for you, we suggest trying Cafe Sous for some sharing plates or Bussia for a great Italian, all in the same sort of area.

Finish the day with a walk back to your hotel, maybe stop for a night cap either along the way or in your hotel bar before hitting the sack! With the amount of walking and exploring you’ll have done you will definitely be ready for it.

A few extra tips:

• Rent a bike if you want to get more done and cover more ground.

• The dutch bikes don't use gears and don’t often have bells, always be aware of your surroundings, they won’t slow down so if you’re not looking you might get taken out!! (I speak from, near, experience).

• Take an umbrella, just incase, it rains on average 217 days a year in Amsterdam so be prepared.

• If you can fit it in or have longer definitely visit: MOCO Museum (Modern, Contemporary Art), the current exhibition is fantastic, also the Haus Marseille and Foam, both photographic galleries are worth visiting.

• Finally, if you can do a boat trip do it, it’s a great way to see the different districts, there are architectural ones and for a bit of fun try Those Dam Boat Guys (a smaller BYOB style boat trip).

Get yourself to Amsterdam, in a nutshell, it’s a design paradise and a total blast!