Photography Via Azadeh Shladovsky's website
The iranian born Los Angeles based designer Azadeh Shladovsky 's Furniture Collection (May 2012 issue of Elle Decoration) features natural, organic forms and materials imbued with a sleek glamour. The debut-collection is currently on display at Jean de Merry in Los Angeles.
A self-proclaimed “materials junkie”, the Iranian-born Los Angeles based Shladovsky has the eye of a modernist architect and the finesse of a fine jeweler. Her Torre stool is a work of art – the humble stump transformed into a functional work of art with the addition of simple but striking linear brass inlays. “I couldn’t possibly, in my wildest dreams, create something that had as much interest and depth as this piece of wood”, Shladovsky remarks, whilst running her fingers across the top of the naturally creviced oak block that is the basis of her Torre stool.
The nine-piece collection is pared down, but rich with contrasting textures. A cocktail table is constructed of stacked oak four-by-fours wrapped with nickel bands. A bench mixes American rosewood, painted brass, and cushions made from clouds of Patagonian long-hair sheepskin. The same exuberant upholstery tops metal stools and maple ottomans that wouldn’t have been out of place in Jean Harlow’s boudoir. A collection which marries timeless refinement with rustic elements.
Drawing inspiration from Cy Twombly, Yves Saint Laurent, and Le Corbusier, Shladovsky treats furniture-making as an artistic pursuit. “Doing away with excess is what’s relevant now,” she says. “I’m not interested in contributing to the landfill. We can live simpler lives with fewer pieces that are more meaningful.”
