Person Place Thing

FROM WAYFINDING TO HAUTE COUTURE, DESIGNERS ARE WORKING ALL THE ANGLES

Angular design that makes a point

Rei Kawakubo

When critics refer to the architectural nature of Rei Kawakubo’s clothing, they’re usually referring to how structured it is. Recently, though, the Comme des Garçons founder took the distinction a step further by covering one of her exactingly constructed jackets – part of the label’s autumn 2018 men’s collection – with a line drawing by Milan-based architect and lecturer Stefan Davidovici. Given that his rendering was speculative, Davidovici never expected it to assume 3D form. But Kawakubo clearly saw its graphic potential, creating a tapestry of jagged angles and jutting planes out of his imaginary edifices – and giving new meaning to the notion of sharp dressing. comme-des-garcons.com

Trapez Tiles

When it comes to tile shapes, squares and rectangles dominate, while other, more versatile contenders barely register. That’s changing. Witness Tonalite’s Trapez line, shown at Cersaie last September. Measuring 10 centimetres (on three sides) by 23 centimetres, each trapezoidal tile can be configured into any number of sharpcornered shapes, from hexagons to diamonds. A wide range of colours allows for numerous tonal combos. For the sleekest effect, minimalists may also opt for a pointedly monotone look, such as the soft grey application above. tonalite.it

Théodore Gouvy Theatre

From the outside, the Théodore Gouvy Theatre in the northeastern French town of Freyming-merlebach offers only a hint of its edgy interior. Designed by Dominique Coulon & associés of Strasbourg, the elegantly streamlined building, completed in 2017, consists of simple geometric volumes punctuated by a few glass panes. Beyond these floor-to-ceiling windows, however, the architecture takes a more dramatic turn, leading theatre-goers through an acutely angled series of seemingly intersecting corridors (pictured). The ultimate destination is even more theatrical: an equally angular auditorium coloured red and orange. coulon-architecte.fr