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For the third episode of our podcast series, we speak to the industrial designer about wearable works of art and the art of iconic design
When it comes to great designers, the word “icon” is bandied about a lot. But what actually makes a great design truly iconic?
In the course of its history, Tiffany & Co has released some designs that continue to be bestsellers decades after. These include Elsa Peretti’s Bone cuff made in the 1970s, Jean Schlumberger’s Bird on the Rock brooch dreamed up in the 1960s, and Paloma Picasso’s Olive Leaf designs from the 2000s. Besides withstanding the test of time, each of these designers speaks a different creative language that is instantly recognisable, be it from their audacious play of colour and contrast, or ethereal amalgamation of nature and natural stones, to sculptural shapes that cascade down jewellery wearers’ wrists and décolletés like molten metal.
Read more: Decoding Brilliance: Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds featuring Paige Parker
Above Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock brooch set with an aquamarine, pink sapphire and yellow and white diamonds
Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock brooch set with an aquamarine, pink sapphire and yellow and white diamonds
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For the third episode of Decoding Brilliance, we speak to industrial designer and founder of namesake studio, Olivia Lee on the art of innovative design, signature marks of craftsmanship and timeless design traditions.
When asked what separates good design from great design, she says: “Good design is something that works so well, it almost disappears. It’s the kind of design that’s fused into your daily life, and you only truly notice it when it’s no longer there—or of a different design variation. Take a particular brand of stainless steel spoons, for example. Made in Thailand, Zebra’s Chinese spoons are sleek, light and durable, and thinness of its metal cuts through ice in the most satisfying manner. I feel these are evergreen examples of design because it’s obviously done so well and produced so efficiently that it can be so wildly available while playing a part in people’s everyday lives. That to me, is the epitome of good design.
Don't miss: Decoding Brilliance: Languages Of Love With Rany Moran and Tiffany & Co
As for great design, I sometimes think it doesn’t necessarily have to check all the boxes. Maybe it’s not the most functional item but it tells a beautiful story—or is just so beautiful—that you’re willing to overlook its “inadequacies”. And also, when someone falls in love with a piece, that, to me, is what takes a design from good to great”.
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