CB2 has always set the bar high when it comes to bringing modern, yet eclectic home decor and housewares to the market. To continue in its aim to produce some of the most stunning pieces for our abodes, the brand recently launched a new collection designed entirely by a powerhouse roster of Black artists from around the world.
The Black in Design Collective features ten new designers, brought together and mentored by Evan Jerry, the Black designer and artist
behind many CB2 statement-makers. Sourced from the streets of Paris, France and Lagos, Nigeria to the shores of the Caribbean islands, the various pieces were created with the African Diaspora in mind.
EBONY chatted with the Black in Design Collective curator to learn more about the rollout, and to get a glimpse at some of the pieces we should be eyeing for our homes.
Image: Courtesy of CB2.
EBONY: How did you decide to work with CB2 on this collective of Black artists and designers?
Evan Jerry: Black designers and their perspectives are still largely underrepresented in the design industry. CB2 had expressed their dedication to working towards a more diverse and equitable design industry and, from its conception, the core of Studio ANANSI is about pushing toward new narratives, particularly Black centric storytelling through design. Having already developed an ongoing relationship with the brand and team, I felt we had the necessary level of trust needed to tackle an endeavor and vision on this scale and with the sensitivity it required.
Image: Courtesy of CB2.
Can you share more on what we can expect from this global roster of designers?
This project was conceived to allow space for Black designers to explore and present some of the many perspectives in which people connect and identify as Black through objects—something many designers never had the opportunity to explore or express previously. Each individual object’s visual language is led by the narrative each designer chose to express, and in result manifested a sophisticated, eclectic and nuanced collection of objects that invite the consumer to engage and discover.
This may be hard, I’m sure, but what are some of your favorite standout pieces?
It’s tough to choose favorites, as each designer’s narrative and approach hold equal value to this project. If I were to discuss a few furniture pieces that really resonated with me, I would select the Barber Shop inspired Dining Chair by Luam Malek, and the collection of tables drawing inspiration from construction methods used throughout the Caribbean by Jerome Byron.
Image: Courtesy of CB2.
Source link
