Of all the ’80s interior design styles to make a comeback, Memphis-Milano has been the most popular. By far! In fact, a new take on this cutting-edge design movement has evolved–a style we at Mirror80 like to call the New Memphis. Today’s post celebrates the fact that New Memphis design has found its way to the world of ceramics, thanks to Recreation Center. Ready to see more?…
Retro Roundup: The New Memphis
It’s an exciting time to be a Memphis-Milano aficionado! Due to the ongoing revival of this popular ’80s design style, a whole new wave of Memphis mania has emerged. Memphis design often makes an appearance in still life photography. Plus, some of the original Memphis Group designers (such as Nathalie Du Pasquier) are helping to create a fresh batch of products for a new generation. Not to mention, iconic Memphis pieces are being sold alongside the Memphis-style work of new designers through retailers such as Memphis Design Store.
A Memphis-Milano Exhibition in Memphis, Tennessee
If you’re searching for a summer trip destination, we highly encourage you to visit Memphis, Tennessee. We’re calling it Memphis in Memphis. Why? Because until July 13th, Memphis’ Dixon Gallery and Gardens is hosting an exhibition titled Memphis-Milano: 1980s Italian Design. Featuring the extensive collection of photographer Dennis Zanone, this exhibit includes the work of designers like Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanini and Nathalie du Pasquier.
Retro Foodie: A Memphis-Milano Menu
Today we celebrate the radiant color-fest at the heart of Memphis-Milano design, a movement that began with the formation of the Italy-based Memphis Group in 1981. The goal: to challenge the conventions of “tasteful” design. The result: bold colors and playful geometry. Memphis-Milano pieces are highly collectible, and a whole new generation of fans has formed with the passage of time. Also of interest is the large number of food-oriented pictures that juxtapose Memphis-Milano images on ’80s-style Tumblrs. We’re talking ice cream with sprinkles, squiggles of mustard on juicy hamburgers and much more. Today we channel the wonders of Memphis-style junk food in our latest edition of Retro Foodie!
A Memphis-Milano Mood Board
Have you been following our Retro Foodie series? Each month we create a foodscape based on an eye-catching aspect of New Retro design. Earlier this month, we featured an ’80s yuppie-style cocktail party that included swanky drinks and decadent appetizers. We’re already planning next month’s affair, a junk food fest that celebrates Memphis-Milano style! Today’s mood board channels the look we’re going for, which involves plenty of colorful drinks, various ice cream treats with sprinkles, and of course, my High Spirits dinnerware from Mikasa…
’80s Redux: Memphis-Inspired Design at the YMS Hairstyle Salon
It’s safe to say that ’80s style has officially entered the world of commercial interior design! It makes sense that this public realm would be quicker to embrace riskier, friskier decor than the residential space arena. But bold design enthusiasts who are cutting edge enough to bring the ’80s home can get some fabulous ideas from spaces like the one showcased in today’s post! Salon chain Mič Styling took on a new series of endeavors: a group of salons targeting a more youthful, style-forward crowd. The result: YMS hair salon.
’80s Pastel Power
While researching pastel interior design for another article, I came across images of sky-themed wallpaper, flamingos and other ’80s-fabulous motifs. To my surprise, the source of origin for these pics was a 2010 article from The Guardian! And it seems some of the featured products are still available for purchase. Because when you combine a pink bird with a Memphis-Milano color palette, it just doesn’t get any better…
The Apartment of Interior Designer Rafael de Cárdenas
A month ago we featured the work of interior designer Rafael de Cárdenas of Architecture at Large. Not only does de Cárdenas delight in ’80s geometric motifs, he is an ardent proponent of color! You can imagine how delighted we were to stumble upon Sight Unseen and their in-depth tour of de Cárdenas’ New York apartment! Perhaps what we love most is the way the designer integrates the ’80s into his spaces while maintaining his own sense of style. Above we see a 1980s sculpture that de Cárdenas found at his grandmother’s house.
The Art of Francesco Mancin
Today we are delighted to spotlight the art of Italian graphic designer and videomaker Francesco Mancin. Art, music, fashion and film inspire his work, as does the style of the renowned 1980s design collective The Memphis Group. A talented artist, Mancin has created numerous posters that celebrate Memphis design while adding a contemporary touch to ’80s motifs. Modern yet retro, Mancin’s work exemplifies the artful blend of past and present.
Friday Video Pick–DIY Makeover Edition: “Brand New Girl” by Julie Brown
Mirror80 wraps up DIY week with a makeover-themed music video from the movie Earth Girls Are Easy starring Geena Davis and Julie Brown. Stylistically, the film channels that magical blend of Mid-Century style and ’80s Modern flair. In the video for “Brand New Girl,” characters dance around a beauty shop that combines elements of 1950s decor and 1980s motifs a la Memphis-Milano design. Let the film’s sets inspire you and the makeover mood empower you to embrace DIY magic in the realms of interior design and fashion.
