If there’s one thing that still gets me excited after five years online it’s discovering fresh talent in the kids’ design world. I love it!
I’ve been following a group of inspiring Romanian designers for a while now, and today I’d like to share some examples of their work currently on show in Stockholm. Play & Rewind – Memories, Games and Tales in Romanian Design is a collective exhibition bringing together thirty-six young Romanian designers, studios and artists.
Exploring “the social and individual functions of play, as well as (on) the ethics of design for game-mediated interaction and toy production”, Play & Rewind presents a carefully curated collection of toys for children, games for adults and objects inspired by the visual world of childhood.
Let’s have a closer look at a few of the designs on display:
One of the things that struck me about this exhibition was the wide variety of materials and crafts being used. Textiles are beautifully represented in Doriana Draghici’s and Abbit + Bear’s soft creatures, along with the simple but striking debut Alphabet collection of Romanian eco-kids’ fashion brand acbc (advanced children basic clothes). Wools and Wolf’s large felted wool balls are a personal fave.
Wooden toy lovers are really in for a treat at Play & Rewind. Whether you like simple, “raw” designs (check out Eliza Yokina’s 11 Houses and Adrian Balcau’s minimalist vehicles) or modern, bright and colourful playthings, there seems to be something for everyone. Minitremu and Mihai Stamati’s work definitely stands out for me.
Children’s illustration plays an important role in this exhibition (see photos on facebook), as does playful design for adults. Many of you will already be familiar with The Awesome Project’s original porcelain “puzzles”, and may also be interested in finding out more about Alina Constantin’s beautiful porcelain origami. You’re never too old to have fun!
Play & Rewind – Memories, Games and Tales in Romanian Design runs until 13th March at The Romanian Cultural Institute, Skeppsbron 20 / 111 30 Stockholm / www.rkis.se
