Like many lasting designs, Jean-Claude’s Core vessels were created out of a need for the product by the designer:

“The idea to create a pot came from a succulent installation I saw on a trip to Tokyo a year and a half ago. It reminded me of my mother’s love for plants and the life it added to my family’s home as a child, something i’ve been trying to emulate ever since.  This inspired me to buy a succulent for my bedside table so I always had this life form to wake up to. After searching, I couldn’t find the right pot. I then began designing my own, knowing I wanted the finished product to be made from marble.”

The shape was inspired by Architect Rem koolhaas’ Casa da Musica in Portugal (above) – one of his favourite buildings.

When friends saw images of Jean-Claude prototype they expressed interest in buying them. This encouraged him to resolve the final details and packaging in order to have a product that could be resold.

Shown in the images above, we see the large marble slab in its raw form and stages of the fabrication and forming processes.

Jean-Claude Leblanc’s pots are currently on display in the front window of our 50 Water St location. Additional sizes and colours are on the way.

On their way home from imm cologne this year, Niels and Nancy stopped by the Fritz Hansen headquarters in Allerød, Denmark – approximately 40 minutes north of Copenhagen. Receiving a warm welcome from Jacob Holm, CEO of Fritz Hansen, they toured the offices and museum taking in the vast amount of historical pieces. Fritz Hansen was one of the first brands that Niels distributed when he opened his first retail store nearly 50 years ago.

They ate lunch, connected with Hans Mannerhagen and left reassured as to why Fritz Hansen has achieved legendary status and will continue to develop as an industry leader.

Click here to view the rest of Nancy’s photos.

As always, please feel free to send us an email if you’d like more info on any particular piece(s).

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PP Mobler – Flaghalyard Chair

‘FANTASTIC. Period. There really isn’t anything in modern design better than this. This is every design lovers dream come true.’

- Kyle

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Tal – Gudari Bedcover

‘I love these handmade quilts because they add warmth and they have a real homey feel. But most importantly, they remind me of my Iola, my grandmother, who taught me to sew.’

- Erica

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Edward Wohl – Maple Cutting Boards

‘Who would not want to cook with these? Solid maple and hand carved by artisans. Their smooth tactile quality and large size inspires me to get in the kitchen and slice, dice, chop, and create.’

- Michael Y

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‎Dyson - Bladeless Pedestal Fan

‘I love the innovation of this fan; that it keeps you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. You just have to choose the temperature.’

- Tim

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FLOS - Glo Ball Floor Lamp

‘This, designed by Jasper Morrison, has such a big presence in the interior space without being loud. The beauty of the glass shade creates the perfect ambiance, while producing no distracting glare, floats atop a simple stand. Simplicity.’

- Robyn

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La Palma – Lem Stool Black Chrome/Mud Leather

‘This is one of my favourite barstools not because of it’s classic look, but because of the sharp black chrome finish. It reminds me of car rims. The kind you would put on your Mercedes or BMW and the mud coloured seat pairs perfectly with it. Best of all, it spins!’

- Jon

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Wallace Sewell - Blankets

‘Wallace # Sewell is a UK based textile design studio with a unique signature style distinguished by the use of natural textiles, combined with confident but understated colour palettes. Their innovative design approach combines the use of traditional weaving techniques with a unique understanding yarn properties, manifested in a varied collection of must-have blankets, scarves and accessories.’

- Sherry

Venini - Bolle Vases

‘I have some of Tapio Wirkkala’s vintage Iittala pieces at home; I love his work. These Venini vases remind me of vessels that would be found at the bottom of the sea, sunken after a shipwreck. The colour combinations are beautiful and unexpected.’

- Thea

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Bocci - 28D

‘The 28d is a great light. I love the way that no two are the same, and the woven cord gives it a crafty look. It’s also great to have something that’s so local.’

- Elaine

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Montis - Floor Cushions

‘I was thinking about a winter afternoon, it’s raining outside (of course…) and three of these cushions on the floor and a blanket are all you need to curl up and enjoy a nice book and a cup of coffee…’

- Barbara

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When Objects Work - Pottery by Vincent Van Duysen

‘I love that these are totally useable. The matte finish keeps them from looking precious, and the use of the materials creates tactility. You really just want to touch them.’

- Danielle

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Bensen - Brix

‘I love the Brix for it’s contemporary, stylish look and the endless configuration possibilities. It’s so versatile. They can be put in any room of a home and look fantastic!’

- Phyllis

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Herman Miller - Eames Eiffel Base

‘Very easy on the eyes and comfortable too. You can’t go wrong with this classic Eames design. I especially love the Eiffel Tower base.’

- Rob

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FLOS - Piani Light

‘The Flos Piani light designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec is a fun and practical hallway entry light. It is a colourful piece with just the right amount of LED light that doesn’t try to look like a typical table light. My keys would happily sleep here.’

- Paul

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Tse Tse – 7 Day Vases

‘Each vase in this set is a different mutation of the same ball of glass. It starts out small and gets bigger and more complex as the days progress, much the way that the flowers you put in them bloom and change over time.’

- Karyna

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Maruni Wood Industry - Hiroshima Armchair Walnut Natural Urethane

‘It is tradition in Japanese culture to elevate any created product to the utmost possible quality. The Hiroshima chair, with it’s Scandinavian-inspired lines, is an example of their ability in manufacturing a product that reflects their century-old woodworking tradition to it’s best. Each joint is created to give the most possible strength without losing elegance.
Each line and curve is a pleasure to eye and hand.’

- Georg

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FLOS - Tab Floor Lamp

‘This light is so minimal and unobtrusive, it does only what a lamp should do: illuminate. But at the same time, it’s very practical and you could basically stick it anywhere and it would fit in with it’s surroundings.’

- Lizzy

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Satia – LP1 Rug

‘These rugs came from my weekly walks in the forest. I’ve always been struck by the incredible graphic beauty and colouring of the rocks and trees, and this just seemed like a perfect way to show it.’

- Nancy

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Pallucco – Fortuny Lamp

‘Fortuny was a Spanish fashion designer, who was so impressed by Wagner’s operas that he started to do set design for him. He was the first to use indirect lighting, and this was the first ever umbrella light. You can have the original and make your home look like a photography studio.’

- Dustin

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Maruni Wood Industry - Hiroshima Armchair Beech

‘This chair exemplifies design and wood craftsmanship. When I sit in it I can’t take my hands off the armrests, very satisfying to the touch. I prefer the beech also for this reason, because it gets a much smoother finish than the other woods.’

- Kaito

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Iittala - Tools Pots & Pans

‘I really do need new pots and pans, and I know that these are the best. They are the perfect tool: they do what they’re meant to do, they last forever, they work incredibly well, and their look isn’t going to distract from the more important thing: what’s going on inside them.’

- Danielle

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Artemide - Tolomeo XXL

‘Who wouldn’t love a ten foot tall table lamp? It might seem quirky but it’s actually really practical, lighting the centre of a room instead of just the corner.’

- Dustin

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Georg Jensen - Henning Koppel Pitcher

‘Georg Jensen’s silver-working is exquisite, delicately balancing function and beauty. Henning Koppel’s background in sculpture is apparent with this design, pushing the simple form of a traditional water jug to an end that epitomizes classic Danish aesthetic sensibilities while respecting his love of functionalism.’

- Michael Y

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Bocci - 38 Series

‘The organic forms of the wire and the hand-blown glass are echoed in the plants they hold. It also reminds me of my grandfather’s still.’

- Craig

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Alessi – Tonale Series

‘Dinnerware doesn’t have to be pretentious or overly formal. Taking cues from Asian inspired ceramics, Tonale is simple, clean and inviting. The wonderful blend of colour tones allow you to mix and match to suit your tastes with a multitude of different combinations.’

- Edward

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Vitra – Kast Cabinet

‘Maarten Van Severen has a way of making something so simple and logical, equally beautiful. I think what I love about the Kast is the mix of pine and metal and the colours he chose to use. Simply perfect.’

- Stephanie

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Bensen - Homework Desk Wood Top

‘love the simplicity of the homework desk, particularly the new wood top and gunmetal finish on the frame. I can see myself using the desk as a dining table too.’

- Michael H

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Established & Sons - Lighthouse

‘This light is special every time you see it. The shapes are beautiful and clean, a delicate balance between the hand-blown glass shade and the manufactured marble base. I think the name is very fitting to it, reflecting not only it’s shapes but also the Bouroullec brothers’ inspiration.’

- Meriah

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Tom Dixon - Hex Champagne Bucket

‘Who doesn’t like shiny things and champagne? The copper is beautiful, a great departure from silver metals and glass. This piece has a artisanal feel with it’s hand-pounded hexagonal pattern.’

- Thomas

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Georg Jensen - Love Keyring

‘All you need is love…
But in all seriousness, this is elegant and understated, plus it makes it easier to find your keys!’

- Erica

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Herman Miller - Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman

‘I appreciate strict and clean lines in furniture, and the Eames lounge chair is just a great embodiment of simplicity and classic style.
It represents the whole era of timeless designs and reminds me of the wonderful 1950′s Pop culture!’

- Natalya

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Ingo Maurer - Wo Tum Bu

‘The soft, warm light emitted through the Japanese-inspired paper shades poetically illuminate the room. It’s a confirmation of Ingo Maurer’s capability and sensitivity, playing with tradition and technology. His products functionality might be to illuminate, but never without poetry, wit or lack of innovation.’

- Georg

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FLOS - Kelvin LED

‘I really like this lamp because of it’s simple and streamlined look. It also has two brightness settings which I’m a fan of and it I think it works well in either home office or work office environments. Lastly, my favourite thing about this lamp is that it doesn’t have a normal on/off switch but a soft touch key like my smartphone.’

- Jon

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Magis - Chair One

‘At first it might seem a little harsh, the chair is actually extremely versatile and comfortable. It’s also pretty much indestructible. A great vintage 2000’s design!’

- Darren

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When Objects Work - Primitives Bowl

‘This is a bowl that gets it right: the large size and proportions perfectly match the clean lines and finish. I love that it’s made of pine, which is a very humble material. ‘

- Rupert

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Driade - Ping Table

‘The name of this table so suits it; it reflects the act of putting down your glass on it! To me it’s also a great representation of the “KISS” method: Keep It Simple, Stupid!’

- Todd

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Republic of Fritz Hansen - PK22 Chair Leather

‘This is the first piece of Poul Kjaerholm’s that I saw and it really drew me to him. I really love all of his work, and this chair is a good example of it. It’s very spare and clean, and I think it’s best in the leather.’

- Daniel

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Ingo Maurer - Looksoflat

‘I love Ingo Maurer. Everything of his is done with wit, and this is no exception. This is a playful interpretation of the 1937 desk lamp designed by the Norwegian designer Jac Jacobsen.’

- Noah

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Ingo Maurer - Lucellino table lamp

‘Ingo Maurer lights are pure beauty, they do remind me of poetry. And Lucellino is a tiny cute sparkle of joy! I love Ingo Maurer for his humour. And light is after all the best way to bring magic into reality!’

- Barbara

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Bocci - 28.3 Pendant

‘The great thing about the Bocci 28 series is the way you can choose exactly what kind of impact you want it to make. It’s easy to change the colours of the glass once you have it installed, and with a range of different colours and opacities, it can be very subtle or very bright.’

- Kaito

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Nanimarquina - Digit 2 Rug

‘The Digit rug is a perfect solution to not only brighten up your room but also your day! It’s like having a small digital rainbow on your floor.’

- Natalya

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Vitra - .04 Chair

‘In my opinion, the Vitra .04 chair achieves the perfect combination of modernist form & function. Maarten Van Severen pares down a task chair to an extremely minimalist shape and material that appears to be hard and unforgiving, but because of the flexibility of the inner frame and rubber shell, and Vitra’s hydraulic piston, it is surprisingly comfortable. I would happily put this in my home office.’

- Paul

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Alessi - Sapper Espresso Maker

‘There are coffee shops everywhere now, but there’s something about making your own coffee at home. You can make yourself the perfect cup, and think of all the money you’ll save!’

- Darren

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Riva 1920 - Mollaro Bench

‘This bench is a great conversation piece. It’s solid cedar and will scent the entire house beautifully. It’s so tongue in cheek; it makes it ideal for a games room or a child’s playroom.’

- Jim

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Waterrower – Walnut

‘Rowing is a great way to exercise, and this machine uses the force of water as your resistance. Though you can tuck it away in a closet on it’s end, you don’t have to because it’s so beautiful.’

- Tim

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Cassina – LC4

‘The LC4 is the most classic chaise there is. It’s sleek lines mirror the body perfectly and provide incredible comfort. Anyone can adjust it to fit themselves. It was called the relaxing machine and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.’

- Jim

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Vitra - Eames Elephant

‘The Eames elephants are really cute while being modern. They’re also a good way to get kids interested in design from the start.’

- Elaine

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Herman Miller - Eames Walnut Stools

‘Even before I attended design school I always loved the work of Charles & Ray Eames. Today, after being exposed to so many other amazing designers, their architecture and furniture continue to make the top of my list.
I have a small collection of their pieces at home but the Walnut Stools are next on my wish list.’

- Stephanie

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Magis - Cu Clock

‘I love how traditional but completely modern this clock is. Leave it to Naoto Fukasawa to breathe new life into a classic Black Forest cuckoo clock. There’s something so nice about hearing the hour chimed out by a sweet little bird.’

- Thomas

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Dyson - DC45 Handheld Vacuum

‘I like this vacuum’s compact and powerful features, and it’s so lightweight. Because it’s easy to handle, it makes vacuuming much easier and enjoyable! ‘

- Phyllis

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Ingo Maurer - My New Flame

‘I have loved this since I first saw it. Though you know it’s an LED light, the flame is still mesmerizing. Grouped together on a table, they are yet another example of Ingo Maurer’s poetry through light and innovation. ‘

- Karyna

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FLOS - Parentesi Lamp

‘The Parentesi lamp by Achille Castiglioni is so great because it really just fits anywhere and with anything. It’s completely reduced to the essential parts, and I like it’s industrial look.’

- Daniel

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Iittala – Kartio Vase

‘Kaj Frank has designed the perfect, simple vase with this. Flowers are so incredible and this vase doesn’t take away or distract from them; it holds that incredible beauty.’

- Nancy

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Santa & Cole – Tripode Floor Lamp

‘An elegant and modern classic. The natural fabric of the pleated shade evokes a more classic feeling, but it’s then juxtaposed with the modern and bare base.’

- Rupert

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Carl Hansen – CH24 (Wishbone Chair)

‘These chairs are simple and timeless, well made with honest joinery and a hand-woven papercord seat. Hans Wegner was influenced by Chinese chairs from the 17th and 18th century and though this design isn’t as some of his others, the echoes are still there. I have these chairs at home and everyday I look at them and say, “I love you”.’

- Thea

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Riva 1920 - Celerina Table & Bench

‘I chose the Celerina table because it reminds me of a storybook version of Christmas, when family gathers together at the farmstead or cabin to celebrate over a meal crafted with love… at a table that also has a story and was crafted with love from solid wood. I pictured the children wriggling together on the bench while the adults relax on chairs before retiring to the fire. ‘

- Cynthia

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Bensen – Torii Chair

‘The rhythm of each component, combined with the perfect proportions, constructed with such brilliant simplicity, make this my favorite chair.’

- Robyn
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FLOS – Toio Floor Lamp

‘I have a 70s Volkswagen bus, and it uses the same bulb. It’s really like you just took it out of my car and put it in the house, but done with the simplicity that you would expect from the classic designer Achille Castiglioni.’

- Noah

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Isaac Reina – Weekend Bag

‘I’ve wanted this bag forever. I feel like it suits me perfectly, and if I had it, I would not be able to wait to go away. But only for a weekend.’

- Lizzy

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Vitra – Eames House Bird

‘The fact that it is black, like most of my other decorative items is probably why I like it. This has always been a gift I would like to receive rather than buy it myself.’

- Michael H.

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Bensen – Edward Sectional

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‘With it’s tufted seat and careful attention to proportion and detail, the Edward sectional is a beautiful modern take on a classic theme …and it also has a great name.’

- Edward

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Established & Sons – Font Clock

‘This clock is so fun and different, but still really subtle. It doesn’t jump out at you, but as you watch it it really draws you in, and you keep watching the minutes click past, always feeling curious.’

- Todd

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Zanotta – Quaderna Console

‘The graph pattern reminds me not of math class, but of tiling, of a swimming pool. While graphic and restrained in it’s shape and colouring, it’s airy and unobtrusive. It also reminds me of my favourite Dries Van Noten collection from spring 2009.’

- Meriah

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Vitra – Girard Dolls

‘These hand painted dolls are great because they are so quirky and charming. It’s nice to have just one, but it’s also a collection you can build over time because they look so good all together’

- Kyle

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