Mika Tolvanen designs minimal umbrella stand for NakNak

Maison&Objet 2016: Finnish designer Mika Tolvanen based the simplicity of this umbrella stand on a vintage cast iron model he found at a flea market (+ slideshow).

Tolvanen‘s Hoop stand features a slender wire frame, which is oblong-shaped at the top to support the umbrella.

Similar to the antique piece, which dates back to the mid-1900s, it has a cast iron base that keeps it anchored to the ground and collects water.

Tolvanen describes the minimal Hoop umbrella stand as a “modern take” on the antique piece. Its narrow shape is intended to fit small and crowded entranceways.

“Umbrella stands have a long history and have existed as long as umbrellas,” said NakNak. “A particular vintage cast iron stand from the mid-1900s had stuck in [Tolvanen’s] mind for being elegant yet robust.”

“Hoop became visually quite different, but the simplicity of the structure remained.”

The Hoop umbrella stand is the designer’s first piece for Taiwanese company NakNak. It will be unveiled alongside a collection of other homeware pieces during this month’s edition of the Maison&Objet trade show, which takes place in Paris from 2 to 6 September.

During the event, London designer Ilse Crawford will create a hub space, having been awarded its title of Designer of the Year.

Projects presented at the January edition of Maison&Objet include Samuel Accoceberry’s designs shaped like the curved forms of conch shells, and a collection of alphabet-shaped chairs customised by Jean Paul Gaultier.

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