## Atelier öi’s Aurel Aebi on Crafting Stories Through Louis Vuitton’s Objet Nomades
Swiss architect and designer Aurel Aebi, renowned for his ability to weave narratives through design, recently graced the Philippines for the third time, this time as a part of Louis Vuitton’s Objet Nomades exhibition. Aebi, co-founder of the architecture and design firm atelier öi, alongside Armand Louis and Patrick Reymond, brings a unique perspective to the world of design, where everyday objects are transformed into captivating pieces of furniture and decor.
The Objet Nomades collection, a testament to Louis Vuitton’s dedication to craftsmanship and travel, showcases Aebi’s design philosophy, aptly named ‘storytexture.’ This approach hinges on creating unique textures that tell compelling stories with every project. In their studio nestled in La Neuveville, Switzerland, atelier öi operates a creative space called ‘möitel,’ where early concepts and prototypes come together, drawing inspiration from their vast library of 20,000 raw materials, affectionately dubbed the ‘materiothèque.’
For the Objet Nomades collection, Aebi and his team embraced Louis Vuitton’s luxurious leather as their primary material, highlighting its unparalleled versatility and tactile appeal. Their collaboration with the French House, spanning over a decade since 2008, has resulted in 13 captivating projects, each a testament to atelier öi’s mastery of craftsmanship. These pieces seamlessly marry emotion with the intricate details of artisanal work.
One such piece, ‘The Hammock,’ reimagines a daybed as an exquisite tapestry of interwoven Louis Vuitton leather. Secured by 786 engraved rivets, its structure draws inspiration from the texture and form of Italian farfalle pasta. Aebi vividly recalls how tasting the pasta in Italy sparked the concept for the leather hammock: “It’s one thing to feel the pasta, but in tasting it, we found a foundation for its structure.”
Another distinct concept is embodied in the ‘Serpentine Table,’ inspired by the fluid movements of traditional dances. A beveled glass top gracefully rests on crisscrossed walnut legs, held together by elegant blue Louis Vuitton leather straps. Available as both a dining and coffee table, this piece embodies balance and elegance, seamlessly merging function with visual fluidity.
Symbolizing the god of air in pre-Columbian Mexico, atelier öi’s interpretation of the ‘Quetzal’ takes shape as a stunning hanging mobile. Composed of thirteen twisting leather ‘feathers’ in shades of blue and green, with striking red edges, the mobile creates a dynamic, color-shifting vision that gracefully mimics the sacred bird in mid-flight. A central red feather balances the piece, adding to its captivating allure.
At Vogue Talks at Social House in Raffles Makati, Aebi further shared insights into his team’s creative process, emphasizing the importance of observation in bringing new concepts to life. The event showcased additional pieces from the collection, including the ‘Origami Bowls,’ ‘Spiral Lamps,’ and ‘Folding Stool,’ each a testament to atelier öi’s artistic vision.
For Aebi, inspiration can stem from diverse sources, be it material, design, or function. However, when working with Louis Vuitton, he reflects, “It’s the material that guides us, showing us the depth we can reach and the structures we can create.”
The Objet Nomades exhibition, aptly titled ‘Savoir Rêver’ (To Dream of Knowing), is a captivating showcase of Louis Vuitton’s timeless dedication to artistry and the spirit of travel. Held at the Palacio de Memoria in Manila, the exhibition, akin to a labyrinth, features designs from renowned artist collaborations, including the Campana Brothers, Marcel Wanders, Tokujin Yoshioka, and Marc Newson.
This immersive exhibition invites visitors to experience the magic of design, where everyday objects are transformed into captivating works of art, each telling its unique story through the intricate tapestry of ‘storytexture.’