Wrap Loves #13
13.09.21 Words by Stephanie Hartman

Wrap Loves #13

From tables made from repurposed plastic, to fans made from recycled strings – here are the creative projects and people catching the Wrap team’s eyes this week.
13.09.21 Words by Stephanie Hartman

Meltingpot tables

Made by Kooij, the studio established by Dutch designer Dirk van der Kooij in 2010, the Meltingpot table is a delightful example of a circular and sustainable design practice. By creating an in-house press which remoulds production failures and prototypes from elsewhere in the studio, the team is able to repurpose plastic waste materials into beautifully patterned and incredibly sturdy tabletops and stands that resemble great hunks of marbled plasticine. Made weekly, each playful piece is completely unique. A document is regularly updated with new additions over on the Kooij site.

Abel Macias’s mural for Proper Downtown L.A

Designed for the soon to open Proper Hotel in Downtown L.A, this next level mural is the handiwork of multidisciplinary artist Abel Macias and his vast collection of paint brushes. Collaborating with world-renowned designer Kelly Wearstler who is responsible for the impeccable interiors, Abel was tasked with creating a mural that worked harmoniously with the old architectural elements of the historic vaulted ceiling in the entrance lobby. Inspired by his Mexican roots and the textile patterns and folk art remembered from his childhood, Abel developed a palette of rich colours paired with animal motifs and botanical elements that wrap their way around the ceiling and walls. See it IRL when the hotel opens later this year, and discover more of Abel’s work here.

Thandiwe Muriu

We can’t take our eyes off these snaps by self-taught photographer Thandiwe Muriu. Born and raised in Nairobi, Thandiwe’s aesthetic celebrates and showcases her heritage, playing with thoughts on identity and self-perception. These particular photographs are from her ‘Camo’ series, recently displayed at her first Parisian solo show at 193 Gallery. The collection of images features African women swathed in vivid colour and pattern, with the garments they are wearing seamlessly blending into matching backdrops.

Look out for Thandiwe’s work at Photo London and Photo Basel shows this month.

La Basketry fans

So cool you’ll want one in every colourway, these fans from La Basketry are handwoven by a group of female artisans in Senegal. Each one is made using recycled, vibrant plastic strings, and as well as being super lightweight they're also waterproof – meaning they’ll stand up to any unpredictable weather, but they are of course perfect for sunny days and any late holidays you might have planned. Alongside fans, London-based La Basketry is the go-to brand for handwoven homeware including gorgeous bowls, trinket dishes, picnic baskets and make-at-home kits. Shop the range here.

Rittle King ceramics

Rittle King might well make the happiest ceramics around. Run by one-woman team, Ellie King, the Melbourne-based brand specialises in chunky homewares that are decorated with smiley faces from top to toe. The charming beams and wide eyes are painted on using thick, bold lines and each vase, mug and multi-purpose vessel is made by hand in small batches. Alongside painting what she thinks might total hundreds of thousands of smiles at this point, Ellie is forever scouring eBay for ceramic references and vintage finds, all of which feed into Rittle King’s über-cool aesthetic.