Fossils, shells, and marine life serve as inspiration for Shaha Raphael's exclusive line for House of Today, sparking debate: is the collection reminiscent of discoveries or deliberately crafted?
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Shaha Raphaël's latest collection, inspired by fossils, shells, and sea-life, is currently on display in Saint-Tropez. The collection, developed in collaboration with House of Today, showcases a blend of nature-inspired design and Lebanese craft heritage.
The creation of this collection began with Raphaël and her partner's shared passion for collecting shells. This passion led to the conception of hand-made models reminiscent of fishbones, and the collaboration with various Lebanese craftspeople, including stoneworkers, aluminium specialists, lampshade makers, and lace makers.
Notable pieces in the collection include the Spine coffee table, composed of four aluminium modules symbolizing vertebrae, resting on a comma-shaped base made from found she-oak wood. The table, with its natural 'vanilla' scent, exemplifies Raphaël's emphasis on natural materials and artisan craftsmanship.
Other unique pieces in the collection are the Claw side tables, made of unpolished onyx and resembling crab claws. Three pairs of candelabras in the collection feature an edgy fish-bone design, coated in three different patinas.
The collection also includes silver coffee cups with brass handles, sitting on brass plates, and a chess table laid with shells cast in two different patinas. One of the standout pieces is the Fossil table, made of pale southern Lebanese stone with brass legs.
The exhibition, titled 'Low Tide - Mareé basse', is taking place in Saint-Tropez until July 27. The town is hosting further creativity this summer with the group exhibition 'Une Maison á Saint Tropez'. It's worth noting that the limited edition designs of 'Triton et Sirène' by Astier de Villatte are also part of the creativity in Saint-Tropez this summer.
House of Today, a nonprofit organization, aims to support emerging Lebanese designers through mentorship, residencies, and exhibitions, challenging them to innovate beyond their comfort zones. The collaboration between Raphaël, Magrabi, and local artisans highlights Lebanese craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
This collection reflects Raphaël's organic, geology-inspired jewelry precision in its design, blending Brutalism and Art Nouveau. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and the interplay between natural object forms and functional design.
The collection, showcasing a blend of nature-inspired design, extends beyond fashion to incorporate home decor, fostering a lifestyle that integrates organic elements and artisan craftsmanship into one's home-and-garden environment. A perfect example of this is the Fossil table, made of pale southern Lebanese stone with brass legs, demonstrating Raphaël's commitment to natural materials and sustainable practices in her designs.
