Danish designer Helle Mardahl is renowned for her distinctive mouth-blown glass creations, which stand out with their milky pastel and vivid rainbow shades, often resembling confectionery. Her 'bon bon' series, in particular, has captivated a global audience since her brand's inception in 2017. These pieces, including wavy dishes and sculptural cups, are each uniquely shaped due to the ancient glass-making techniques employed, celebrating the beauty of imperfection. This philosophy transforms ordinary interactions into cherished practices and elevates table settings from mere functionality to thoughtful design statements. With the festive season approaching, Mardahl has partnered with Design Within Reach (DWR) to launch an exclusive collection, injecting cheer and artistry into holiday decor.
Mardahl's journey into glass artistry began with an installation in 2009, initially shying away from vibrant hues. Her early works featured subtle patterns in white, aubergine, and black. However, a turning point came as she experimented with various colors, discovering the sheer delight of 'bubblegum' pinks and honey tones, which reminded her of candies scattered on a table. This shift towards a lively palette became central to her aesthetic, creating objects that evoke a sense of joy and whimsy. Omar Nobil, DWR's creative director, highlights that Mardahl's work beautifully merges traditional craftsmanship with a forward-thinking style, offering a joyful and escapist quality that resonates deeply with people.
For this exclusive DWR collaboration, Nobil encouraged Mardahl to envision a distinctive hosting experience. The result is a comprehensive 'universe of the tablescape,' expanding beyond initial discussions to include a range of beautiful objects that are both functional and visually appealing. While this collection exhibits a slightly more subdued color palette compared to her core offerings, it retains her signature playful and surreal charm. Mardahl herself expressed the enjoyment of creating simpler objects with a colorful twist, including tableware, glassware, vases, candleholders, and lighting. She describes her glass-working process as inherently organic and magical, with an element of surprise in every creation. This sense of wonder is mirrored in the customer experience, as visitors to her Copenhagen shop often react with smiles, captivated by the sensory engagement her glass pieces inspire. The Helle Mardahl Collection will be exclusively available at DWR in North America, both online and in selected stores, starting October 14.
This collaboration underscores the power of artistic vision and collaborative spirit in transforming everyday objects into sources of joy and inspiration. By embracing traditional techniques while pushing contemporary boundaries, designers like Helle Mardahl enrich our lives with beauty and a playful sense of wonder, reminding us to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and to cherish moments of thoughtful design.