On sale Monday, our Design Issue pays tribute to a host of South Australia’s talented designers, including a tribute to the iconic Khai Liew.
I have, for too long, favoured form over function. A handbag that fits nothing more than a phone and set of keys, but is oh so pretty.
Spiral staircases are my weakness; the slimmer and steeper the steps, the more difficult they become to navigate, but aren’t they wonderful to look at? And on many, many occasions, shoes that can take me no more than mere metres at a time – but look at those heels!
This month – our Design Issue – is a much-needed reminder that you can have both form and function with the right mind behind the product. We’ve selected some of South Australia’s brightest designers and asked them all about what inspires them, the materials and colours they’re currently loving, and what they believe to be markers of good design.
Then, we pay tribute to iconic furniture designer, Khai Liew, who passed away two years ago. His story is told through the lens of his brother, chef Cheong Liew, who remembers Khai as a personable, creative soul who could literally turn trash into treasure.
One design I’ve long been fascinated with is Emma Klau’s kinetic glass and decanter. This talented glass artist was in the midst of a JamFactory associateship when she began forming this idea of a wine glass design. Now, Emma’s rotating glasses can be seen on dining tables all over the state and further afield – even winemakers have told her the glasses help the wine to breathe.
Ben Kelly steps into the workshop of Ray “MoonDog” Polotnianka, who is keeping life in an old artform in an industry that has been overrun by digital immediacy.
With his steady hand, Ray adorns windows with delicately-painted signage – complete with character and charm that can’t be printed.
Whether you love fashion or costumes, homewares or homes, we hope you find something in this issue that inspires you to appreciate not only the beauty in spaces and objects, but the thoughtfulness behind them.
Subscribe for updates
Zoe Rice, Editor SALIFE
