Monday, March 28, 2016

The Magic and Mystery of L’Objet: Designer Elad Yifrach’s New Collection of Decorative Objects Is a Grand Allusion with a Dash of Dali-esque Dada

Come with me to see L’Objet’s glamorous new surreal and tongue-in-chic designs.  And stop in for a quick chat with my dear friend Elad. The new L’Objet collection includes gold-framed lapis clocks, porcelain white rabbits with gold ears, Venetian jeweled cocktail forks, tabletop games galore, and domino pieces and dice you’ll want to dabble with every day.



A simple game of cards (Solitaire, anyone) is elevated to a luxurious gesture. The chic black croc box has croc-embossed playing cards. The Joker? A smiling crocodile outwitted by a little bird.

There’s a surreal numbered Jasmin d’Inde candle, an amphora incense holder, and a swooning swan in ceramic with delicate gilding.



I love this new collection. The pyramid boxes, the Art Deco trays, the scented candles, all somewhat surrealist. They look like pieces that Babe Paley or Jean Cocteau and Marie-Laure de Noailles would have collected or given as gifts, and surely the Duchess of Windsor would have given pieces to her Duke for their amusement.

Diana Vreeland would have loved the playing cards, the rabbits, no doubt, and the ‘croc’ vide-poche. I love the croc boxes. Oh, and if you like the rabbits—buy a three-some or a five-some. Odd numbers are lucky.





DDS: Elad, it is such a great pleasure to chat with you. What was your inspiration with this new collection?
EY:
Smoke & Mirrors is inspired by the timeless allure of games, magic and mystery. This collection expresses the playful side of L’Objet and really encapsulates the mischief of the after-dinner moment. I love mischief after dinner.


DDS: You always create glamour. Here there’s humor.
EY:
I wanted to try something a little different and Smoke & Mirrors combines textures and finishes, including natural shell inlays, antiqued brass, ebonized mahogany and signature satin/matt Limoges porcelain, but with sly wit.


DDS: These new designs are clever—and they are beautiful and timeless.

EY: Smoke & Mirrors is an homage to rare and fine craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with these materials. 

The collection also has a number of new product categories, including trays, games, and timepieces. I’m using wood for the first time, so the focus was on the materials, ceramics and gold and exotic wood.


All About Elad Yifrach: Founder and Creative Director, L’Objet

Elad is passionate about creating luxury tabletop pieces and accessories for home decor. All of the company’s products are his original designs.

Elad began his career as a young interior designer in Beverly Hills. He recognized a void in the marketplace for luxury tabletop products that embraced beauty, meticulous craftsmanship and functionality. After many months of inspired research, L’Objet was born in 2004.

Born and raised in Israel, Elad was exposed to the region’s rich culture. A passionate traveler and devotee of the Mediterranean, he draws inspiration from the region’s traditions and crafts.

Elad works with a diverse group of manufacturers around the world. Candles in Portugal. Porcelain in France. A dinner plate is layered with 24 kt gold and fired three times to achieve the optimal rich glow.

Elad currently resides in New York City. When he is not traveling and designing, he enjoys yoga and entertaining.







WHERE TO BUY:
Selections of L’Objet are at Bergdorf Goodman and at Harrod’s, and at Neiman Marcus, along with Tanagra, and at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. Check also L’Objet a la Plage in the Hamptons.

Prices for this collection range from $26 for a bread and butter plate to $295 for the gold-eared white Limoges rabbit.

The website: www.l-objet.com

CREDITS: 
All photography here courtesy of L’Objet.


6 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning designs! I would love to play these games!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Featuring Artist Scott McBee

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  2. I usually think of "surreal" as a slightly derogatory adjective, resolving the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality. Although it was ideologically based, surrealism seemed to be the opposite of good design, or perhaps of design altogether.

    Yet Elad Yifrach's objects are tightly designed and are gorgeous. With the exception of the silly rabbit, I would love to have every object you photographed.

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  3. Hello, Hels!

    Thank you for your wonderful message. I agree that Elad's collections are gorgeous. Yes, they are very desirable.

    Surreal is not at all derogatory. Not. It means 'super-real' or 'enhanced real' or 'remained real'…and is not the opposite of good design. Surreal…is hyper-real way of looking at things, and in a way is an extra element of design. Elad uses it very well…the clock, the cards, the trays…all have a super-real element.
    Be sure to stay in touch. I appreciate your fresh way of looking at design.

    best--DIANE

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  4. You always lead me to another dimension!

    BRAVA!!

    DIVINE BEYOND!

    THANK YOU DIANE!!!

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  5. DEAR PENNY-


    It is indeed wonderful to hear from you.

    Yes…you are right that ELAD'S new ideas takes design into a new dimension. I love that concept.

    The games would make such glorious gifts…hostess presents, family gifts, or even personal presents. The clock for you! The dominoes or the playing cards for you. The golden boxes.
    Elad is the most polished and lovely person. I spent time with him in Paris once…Biennale etc…and he is wonderful company, extremely polished and fun as well.

    Wishing you a glorious summer, full of surprises and travel and family adventures.

    much love DIANE

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  6. Dear Friends-


    Everyone loves L'OBJET…and already we have eyes on card games and dice and boxes for host/hostess gifts.

    I received a lovely note from Elad: I will keep you posted on his news:

    Good morning Diane,
    This is so fantastic , I truly feel blessed to have your continued love and support !!!

    Thank you again, I hope to see you soon.
    Have a beautiful spring

    Hugs
    Elad

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