News from HAY, hurray for democratic design!
If we have chosen HAY products to complement our production from the very beginning, besides the fact that we like to surround ourselves with beautiful things, it is because of the philosophy of the brand.
Mette and Rolf Hay in 2002 had an almost naïve idea: to insert themselves into the design market of the time by offering a line of products designed by the world’s best designers, while maintaining high quality and prices that were by no means prohibitive.
Considering that they have come to have one of the most beloved and widespread brands in the world, which we find in the simple apartment as well as in the best restaurants or hotels, from the wonderful flagship store in Copenhagen, to the MoMa, we can say that they have succeeded!
But how did they do it?
Importance of dialogue
There were many factors, but dialogue was definitely one of the keys to their success.
As Rolf recalls:
“A new brand may want to work with the best designers in the world, but the best designers in the world may not necessarily want to work with a new brand!”
Fortunately, Mette and Rolf were so clear-minded that they were able to get their vision across and slowly won over the first big names by talking about spreading beauty on a large scale and industrial production processes that could minimize costs.
This idea of democratic design had perhaps lost some strength in recent years due to world contingencies, but Mette and Rolf never forgot their original idea.
Back to the roots
With the new proposals for fall, we can say that the return to the roots is clear.
For this fall winter there is a slew of proposals one more interesting than the other, both designed by old acquaintances and newcomers. Here are just a few of them.
I’ll start right away with what we’re sure will become the best seller of the season, brought to you by their in-house studio: the new Tin containers! If you loved the old George Sowden tins, you will lose your mind over the new Tin containers: 7 different multicolored designs to hold everything from cookies to spaghetti, from buttons to coffee.
Designed by Big-Game studio, which has been collaborating with HAY for years, here is the Tape Coat Rack: a very simple clothes hanger made of bent steel band. In two colors for the small model, three levels of hooks for the large. Incredible price.
Another new proposal designed by a designer from the “old guard”: Facet Cabinet by Stefan Sholten. Made of recycled ABS in 5 different colors, high or low version, it can have feet, wheels, or be placed directly on the floor, it’s up to you to decide the configuration. All models have sliding door and access from above. Designed for living room, bedroom, bathroom, study, it fits any kind of environment.
Marc Morro, on the other hand, is on his first time and is off to a great start! His Taburete 8 tubular steel stool is simple and ingenious. We love the footrest, which seems to be embedded by gravity. The oak plywood seat has a natural curve that both rests gently against the frame. Four colors and two heights for a stool that is sure to be a big hit.
The last gem we present is the Drome table lamp: also designed by a newcomer to HAY’s international parterre of designers. Christian Juhl, a young designer from Copenhagen, envisioned this simple lamp with an elliptical plan; the perception of the shape changes greatly depending on the point of observation. Made of opal acrylic material, it has a warm, dimmable light.
This is just a very small part of what’s new for fall winter 2024, we look forward to seeing them all live in the store!