What do you see as a good investment at the moment? Since the great recession, traditional pieces have done the best. I think people have felt more confident spending money on things that have a steady track record or are big names. I think now we’re sort of moving out of that safety phase. People are starting to open their eyes and be potentially more open to buying some things that are less secure. I also see a lot of opportunity in Italian design. People such as Ettore Sottsass, I feel, are kind of undervalued. You can buy a beautiful piece from the 1980s that is a complete masterpiece, utterly unique, and it actually costs less than an emerging talent. A successful piece of design, for me, is both functional and beautiful. You can love your tea strainer, because when it’s well designed and functional, there’s something really encouraging and refreshing and comforting in knowing that. As always, I’m a tremendous advocate of following your gut and being honest to your own instinct. At the end of the day it’s design—hopefully you’re using it, you’re living with it, and it’s enriching your everyday life. |