I was so pleased to see the latest product of the wonderful partnership between Cosme Decorte and Marcel Wanders. I really hope it never ends!
This year’s theme is “the Wandering Grace,” yet another variation on Wanders’ previous fairy/nymph stories. This one is a little more detailed than what we’ve seen before. From the interior of the box: “For many nights, a young muse dreamt of traveling beyond the bounds of her home. She sang a wistful song of farewell to the surrounding flowers and trees that had provided her comfort. The curious spirit crafted a strikingly beautiful purse to collect all the wondrous treasures she would find on her journey. Reaching the edge of the forest, her eyes grew wide with amazement at the open expanse. Into valleys and over hills, crossing rivers and along the shores of the sea, a song of joy from the muse swept through vast cities and unimaginable landscapes. As the grace wandered across the world, she discovered breathtaking nature, lively new cultures, and learned a great many things. Her dream had come true and her purse became filled to the brim.”
The compact is a lovely rendition of Wanders’ signature fanciful patterns. Instead of ceramic, metal or plastic, which we saw in previous years, the 2016 compact gets a fresh update with a faux-leather case adorned with embroidered scrolls and flowers. (At least, I think it’s faux leather – it might be real but I have no idea how the embroidery would get stitched onto real leather.)
As usual I wanted to see whether the pattern on the outer case had anything to do with Wanders’ work. It’s not a 100% match, but the flowers and botanical scrolls look very similar to his recent collection of furniture and toys for “child mobility brand” Cybex.
(images from marcelwanders.com)
I also noticed that the promo image for the Cosme Decorte compact feature Wanders’ “Eden Queen” rug pattern, which debuted at the Salone de Mobile in April 2015.
(images from cosmedecorte.com)
(image from mooicarpets.com)
So that’s interesting and all, but what does it have to do with the compact’s design? Well, another reason I suspect the patterns on the compact case are directly related to Wanders’ Cybex collection, besides their obvious resemblance, is the fact that the Eden Queen rug was installed in the showroom for the collection.
(images from mulpix.com and houseandleisure.co.za)
Purely speculation on my part, but this rug tie-in may be further proof that the design on the compact was modified slightly from those on the Cybex collection.
In any case, I liked the 2016 compact more than last year’s, but still not as much as 2013’s bell design. 😉 What do you think?