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This week on our blog, we’re celebrating "Faded Beauty" – the art of embracing imperfection. We've delved into this concept in two videos on our YouTube channel, which you can view here and here.
Today, we’re excited to present three brands that capture the timeless elegance and charm of faded beauty through their handcrafted creations. Discover Crizu’s exquisite Italian paper sculptures, Nikki Witt’s locally crafted ceramics and jewellery, and Laurent Trebout’s intricate sculptures that masterfully play with light and shadow.SHOP THE COLLECTION
What is Faded Beauty?
Faded Beauty captures an aesthetic that infuses homes with nostalgia, personality, and character. It’s defined by elements that are weathered, rustic, chipped, dented, creased, flawed, tarnished, unfinished, raw, and authentic. These features add depth and a unique charm to a home’s architecture, furniture, and décor.
Objects that embody Faded Beauty often display an aged or worn quality, whether through actual use or their handcrafted nature. I find that the imperfections in handmade items offer a warmth and charm that surpasses the uniformity of mass-produced interiors.
Embracing Faded Beauty is about celebrating the character and charm that imperfections bring to your home. We’re excited to present the three featured brands today, each of which perfectly captures this organic elegance.
Crizu Paper Sculptures
CRIZU, based between Milan and Genoa, specializes in transforming old books into elegant, handcrafted paper sculptures. This unique art form breathes new life into outdated volumes, turning them into minimalist, sophisticated pieces.
The Artistic Process
Using obsolete Italian books from the 1920s to the 1980s, the creative process involves folding every page by hand, with only the front cover being removed resulting in a striking paper sculpture. The craftsmanship ensures that each sculpture is one-of-a-kind, as it is impossible to replicate the exact folds and shapes of any piece.
CRIZU’s folded books are more than just art; they are a celebration of the book’s history and a tribute to its new form. Based between Milan and Genoa, CRIZU continues to give old books a second chance, transforming them into objects of beauty and inspiration.
Crizu Book Sculpture Crafted in Italy by Hand | Sail | Small
$730.00
This stunning Book Sculpture is meticulously crafted by hand in Italy. Each sculpture is a testament to the skill of the Italian artisans, showcasing their dedication to creating unique and captivating pieces of art. This particular sculpture takes the form… read more
Crizu Book Sculpture Crafted in Italy by Hand | Trunk | Large
$1,154.00
This stunning Book Sculpture is meticulously crafted by hand in Italy. Each sculpture is a testament to the skill of the Italian artisans, showcasing their dedication to creating unique and captivating pieces of art. This particular sculpture takes the form… read more
Crizu Book Sculpture Crafted in Italy by Hand | Log | Small
$730.00
This stunning Book Sculpture is meticulously crafted by hand in Italy. Each sculpture is a testament to the skill of the Italian artisans, showcasing their dedication to creating unique and captivating pieces of art. This particular sculpture takes the form… read more
Nikki Witt Ceramics & Jewellery
Nikki Witt’s designs showcase a blend of handcrafted ceramics and old-world jewelry, each piece meticulously crafted using traditional artisan techniques to ensure heirloom-quality creations.
Her ceramics elegantly merge French provincial style with Greek architectural influences, resulting in a unique collection of handcrafted tableware and décor. This range features sophisticated platters, bowls, candle holders, and sculptural items, all designed to bring a touch of refined charm and individuality to your home. Each piece is finished with a glossy white glaze, enhancing its contemporary appeal while reflecting the meticulous artistry of Nikki's Sydney studio.
In addition to ceramics, Nikki Witt offers a distinctive collection of jewelry, ranging from elegant studs to Spanish-inspired crowns adorned with gold-plated branches and her signature porcelain flowers. Each jewelry piece is a true statement, combining old-world craftsmanship with modern design.
Given the artisanal nature of Nikki Witt's work, slight imperfections are part of the process, adding to the unique character and beauty of each item. These nuances underscore the handcrafting tradition and contribute to the distinctive charm of Nikki Witt’s creations.
Witt | Ceramic Acanthus Small Cup
$49.95
A stunning petit white ceramic cup with an acanthus motif. Handcrafted by Nikki Witt. Materials: White Ceramic Features: One included French Style White ceramic Handmade in Sydney, Australia Dimensions: 9.5cm x 6cm high … read more
Witt | Ceramic Square Fluted Trinket Bowl
$49.95
The small square fluted bowl is perfect for serving food or displaying trinkets. Each bowl is handmade and glazed by Nikki Witt in Australia. Materials: White Ceramic Features: French Style Handmade in Sydney, Australia Dimensions: 10.5cm square, 2cm depth … read more
Laurent Trebout Sculptures
Laurent Trébout is celebrated for his exceptional sculptures and lighting, all meticulously handcrafted in his French workshop.
In Trébout’s creations, the interplay of materials—porcelain, wood, and metal—blends harmoniously. Porcelain’s delicate elegance contrasts with the solid presence of wood and the sleek lines of metal, producing pieces that are both refined and substantial. Additionally, Trébout's work explores the dynamic relationship between light and shadow. The careful manipulation of these elements creates visual effects that shift with changing light, enhancing the sculptural qualities of his pieces.
Trébout’s sculptures embody the essence of Faded Beauty by celebrating the unique qualities and imperfections inherent in handmade artistry.
French Sculpture | "La Rencontre" (The date) Man & Woman | Laurent Trebout
$324.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
French Sculpture | Maison "Home" | Laurent Trebout
$110.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
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