Leo Lei is the founder of design dealer and publication Leibal and he worked in collaboration with HB-AS, a multidisciplinary creation studio on the Berea collection. It marks the first activation of Leibal's curatorial branch which will be presenting exclusive collections with the help of emerging designers.
Lei explains, "Through this collection, I have come to deeply appreciate and enjoy the process of conceiving and collaborating on a project with designers I have long admired. I have always supported designers from afar through our publication, but to now be able to make such a direct impact with physical pieces feels incredibly fulfilling." The capsule is comprised of some offcuts that were collected from the Berea sandstone structures in Northeastern Ohio that have been transformed to minimally designed tables, stools, lamps, and trays.
Prehistoric Sandstone Lighting Capsules
Leo Lei Joins HB-AS On the Berea Collection of Lights
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Design - The Berea collection uses offcuts of Berea sandstone, merging sustainability with modern design aesthetics.
2. Collaborative Creativity - The collaboration between Leo Lei and HB-AS demonstrates how multidisciplinary teams can produce unique and exclusive collections.
3. Curated Design Collections - Leibal's move into curatorial projects underscores a shift towards designer-led, curated collections in the home decor industry.
Industry Implications
1. Home Decor - Incorporating sustainable materials like Berea sandstone offers home decor products a unique and environmentally-friendly appeal.
2. Design Publication - Publications like Leibal diversifying into physical product curation exemplify an evolving role in the design industry.
3. Artisanal Crafts - The Berea collection highlights a growing consumer interest in handcrafted, artisanal products that emphasize unique material origins.