++cataci.com topics/Simplicitas++

TD: I think that one has to consider the function, and something twisted. For example, the mirror is unbreakable. The opener is not just an opener - you can seal it as well. But simple. This is a trick we want to perform. We have a small range of products because we want to make something interesting. Functional, but twisted.

PD: When I look at your products, they seem more like inventions.

TD: It borders on that sometimes.

PD: The bottle opener, for example - I have never seen anything like that. Was there anything like it before?

TD:There was something like that in Italy in the 1970's. But if you look around at various products, it is difficult to find something completely new. More or less everything was made one way or another. Products are inspired by each other. I think some good old stuff, as well as some good principles of invention, were forgotten. New inventions tend to use electricity instead. Kitchen appliances are a good example. They are not always more simple than before. You have to use cables, and plug them and unplug them. Sometimes old stuff is easier to use. People tend to think that if you use electricity, it is more convenient. Furthermore, electrical appliances are easy to break. Then you have to call a repairman and wait for a week. Consequently, new electrical stuff is not always so convenient. Old things can be very useful and functional.

PD: Like a computer, right?

TD: Yes, exactly (laughs). When you go to a market or something, you find something old and think how smart it is!

PD: Do you think that there is any chance that this trend, being minimal and simple, will change?

TD:Now, the trend is a bit more ethnic and baroque. I think that we now see these two trends blending with minimalistic and decorative. I think these things are mixing.

PD:Will you add something new to your products depending on the trend?

TD:We are now working with new material. You can change colors, but we will never change the concept. Maybe a little bit....

PD: Are you thinking of setting up new series - special brands from your company?

TD: No, I don't want to do it. Sometimes it crosses my mind, but I don't think so. It is really hard for a small company to communicate two different brands.

PD: How many products do you have thus far?

TD: Around ten.

PD: How many designers have been involved so far?

TD: Let me see.... Seven, I think. We have had many contacts with known and unknown designers. There are only Swedish designers, so far. It is not part of the concept. We have many contacts with foreign designers. Soon, we will have some foreign designers.

PD: How do you choose designers?

TD: Sometimes, designers contact us. Other times, we contact them. Both ways.