Mirror80

Reflecting on recent retro style

Love My Way

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A post on learning to run the race, even if you’re still figuring it all out…

The Hatch by Studio Toogood

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Earlier this week, I profiled Studio Toogood in an article I wrote for Decoist. This innovative design studio offers a full creative direction and interior design service, spanning brand development to the development of unforgettable interiors. When I came across The Hatch, a project from 2009, I was beyond excited. Truly ahead of their time, Studio Toogood built a “pop-up installation and architectural eatery…inspired by the colors and patterns of 20th century art and architecture.” Let’s take a closer look…

Mirror80 June Favorites

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On this last day of June, we at Mirror80 are taking a look back at our favorite moments from the past month. For us, June was all about celebrating art, design, and our favorite new television show, Halt and Catch Fire. In July, expect TWO Retro Foodie posts featuring ’80s-style summer party concepts, a couple of DIY projects that revel in modern geometry, and more of your favorite features on retro-meets-modern art, fashion and design. Read on for some unforgettable June highlights:

A Memphis-Milano Exhibition in Memphis, Tennessee

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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.

5 New Finds with Memphis-Milano Style

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I love it when I come across new pieces that channel one of my favorite ’80s design movements of all time: Memphis-Milano! If you know where to look, you can find new items with Memphis style at all times these days–and you couldn’t always say that about 1980s motifs. It will be interesting to see if other ’80s movements receive the same respect. Watching the 1980s revival unfold in the realm of interior design sure is fascinating!

So Sottsass!

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I have artist Dominic Joyce to thank for this post! Last week he brought today’s featured installation to my attention… London decor retailer Darkroom is currently honoring the work of Memphis-Milano designer Ettore Sottsass with an in-store tribute featuring a limited edition collection. The participants include the likes of Studiopepe, Jamie Julien-Brown, Stone Theatre and more. Titled “So Sottsass,” the installation includes upscale items such as marble trays, totem lights and hand painted ceramics, along with more affordable offerings such as wrapping paper. Check out the delicious finds below…

Retro Foodie: A Memphis-Milano Menu

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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!

Memphis-Milano Monday!

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Hi Everyone! This weekend I completed Part I of the latest Retro Foodie photo shoot. And yes, it’s Memphis-Milano inspired. You can see a sneak preview with the plate of donuts above. What’s better than donuts covered with chocolate icing? Donuts covered with chocolate icing and sprinkles! In fact, the sprinkle motif is the inspiration for today’s montage. We’re sure you’ll enjoy all of the tasty, colorful goodness. Stay tuned for the rest of the photo shoot images on Wednesday. In the meantime, enjoy today’s pics, which prove that whether you’re talking about furniture, art or food, great design in delicious!

A Memphis-Milano Mood Board

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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 Pastel Power

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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…

Friday Video Pick–DIY Makeover Edition: “Brand New Girl” by Julie Brown

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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.