Want to work on those biceps at home but embarrassed to have the dumbbells lying around? Like the idea of carrying a cane but feel less self-conscious with an umbrella? Think a pocket mirror would be handy but not sure it will go with your suit?
Swedish designer Tove Thambert's collection of Objects in Disguise includes dumbbells disguised as candlesticks, a cane with the profile of an umbrella and a mirror on a pocket watch chain.
The series also includes a stirling silver card-holder to sit in place of a handkerchief in the top pocket, a tasselled brooch resembling a pen and a bracelet that could be mistaken for a watch.
Thambert presented the series at the Swedish Ambassador's Residence during the London Design Festival as part of an exhibition entitled Hemma: Swedish Design Goes London.
See all our stories about the London Design Festival in our special event category.
Here are some more details from Tove Thambert:
Objects in disguise
A collection of objects designed on the theme of camouflage: a cane masquerading as an umbrella becomes an elegant accessory.
What first appears to be a couple of candlesticks is in fact a set of dumbbells, designed to blend in with the home environment.
Silver jewellery and accessories are disguised to be discrete enough for the man in suit.
In this collection I have explored the concept of camouflage within the design context.
These objects are my interpretations of a new kind of functionality and are also questioning preconceptions about gender and design traditions.
The collection features:
- Dumbbells "Light&Heavy". Cast iron. Three different weight levels
- Walking cane "Walk Me" Lackered wood, aluminum and leather details
- Card holder "Double Fold". Sterling silver
- Pocket mirror "Watch Me". Sterling silver, metal
- Brooch "Got a pen?". Polished aluminum, sterling silver
- Bracelet "Half Time". Sterling silver, crystals.
All objects - prices on request. Some of the objects will be in production soon, others will be made by order.
Tove Thambert
Educated at Konstfack in Stockholm (industrial design) and Parsons in New York (fashion studies). Holds an MFA in industrial design. Lives in Stockholm. Works with product design as well as her own jewellery design and strategy/trend analysis.