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DESIGN. BE IN IT

By InvestSMART · 7 Dec 2012

By InvestSMART ·
7 Dec 2012

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DESIGN. BE IN IT

Alex Stitt, the creator of Norm, the sport-loving couch-potato from the '70s and '80s "Life. Be in it" campaign, has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia's Hall of Fame. This tribute recognises some of Australia's best-loved objects and images - items that have filled our homes and coaxed us off the sofa. Joining the illustrator into the hallowed halls is the designer of the Wiltshire StaySharp knife, Peter Bayly, graphic designer Lyndon Whaite, and Melbourne Movement Founder Kjell Grant. The latter's CV is particularly impressive. As a furniture designer, Grant has worked under American design supremo Raymond Loewy, designed products for Knoll and Cartier, and his Montreal chair, which he designed for the Montreal Expo, is in the permanent collection of MoMA New York. But perhaps his longest lasting legacy is in helping new generations of furniture designers from his Melbourne Movement launch in Milan. As Norm would say, "Bewdy".

JOINING THE DOTS

Perhaps inspired by Takashi Murakami's doe-eyed icons blinking on Louis Vuitton luggage, Damien Hirst has gone dotty for the luxury market. In Howard Hughes' converted art deco compound in Los Angeles, Just One Eye sells luxury goods such as Ed Ruscha prints featuring the store's name and Ron Arad limited-edition chairs. Now it has commissioned Hirst to do a small series of signed backpacks with his signature dots. The asking price: $55,000. Unlike his dot paintings, there are only 12 on the market - until the black market cops onto it. While the knockoffs will be cheaper, they probably won't give a percentage to UNICEF. "We don't want to be involved with mass-produced fads," owner Paola Russo said. "Real luxury is something that is timeless and exceptional." justoneeye.com

POP-UP FUN

Home shopping "Watsonia Christmas List?" Perhaps it's "Gold Frankston Cense and Myrrh". From Able and Game's corny cards to Abruzzo Club scarves, Melbournalia 2013 celebrates local icons and products. As gifts for far-off friends and family it's a particularly useful way of making them extra homesick around Christmas. This time last year Melbournalia took to the streets in various pop-up locations. Now the local designer-run shop has popped up in the landmark Queen Victoria Market. Support local designers and in-jokes. Open market hours and until 10pm on Wednesdays during Suzuki Night Market; Melbournalia.com.au

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What is the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame and who was recently inducted?

The article describes the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame as a tribute that recognises some of Australia’s best-loved objects and images. Recent inductees include illustrator Alex Stitt (creator of Norm from the 'Life. Be in it' campaign), Wiltshire StaySharp knife designer Peter Bayly, graphic designer Lyndon Whaite, and furniture designer Kjell Grant.

Who is Alex Stitt and why does his Norm character matter to design fans and collectors?

Alex Stitt is the creator of Norm, the sport-loving couch-potato character from the 1970s–80s 'Life. Be in it' campaign. The article highlights his induction into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame as recognition of the cultural and design impact of iconic images that become part of everyday Australian life.

Which designers joined Alex Stitt in the Hall of Fame and what are their notable works?

Alongside Alex Stitt, the Hall of Fame inducted Peter Bayly (designer of the Wiltshire StaySharp knife), graphic designer Lyndon Whaite, and Kjell Grant. The article notes Grant’s extensive CV — he worked under Raymond Loewy, designed products for Knoll and Cartier, and his Montreal chair is in MoMA New York’s permanent collection; he also helped launch the Melbourne Movement in Milan.

What did the article say about Damien Hirst’s limited-edition backpacks and the luxury art market?

The article reports that Los Angeles store Just One Eye commissioned Damien Hirst to produce a small series of signed backpacks decorated with his signature dots. The asking price is US$55,000 and there are only 12 on the market. The piece also places this release in the context of luxury retail at Just One Eye, which sells items like Ed Ruscha prints and Ron Arad limited-edition chairs.

Does the article mention charity or provenance related to high-end art items?

Yes. The article notes that while knockoffs of high-end items may be cheaper, they probably won’t give a percentage to UNICEF, implying the store’s authentic pieces have charitable or provenance considerations that knockoffs lack.

What is Just One Eye and what kinds of luxury goods does it specialise in?

According to the article, Just One Eye is a shop in a converted Art Deco compound in Los Angeles that sells luxury goods and limited-edition art objects. Examples mentioned include Ed Ruscha prints bearing the store’s name, Ron Arad limited-edition chairs, and the commissioned Damien Hirst backpacks featuring his dot motif.

What is Melbournalia and where did it pop up for holiday shoppers?

Melbournalia is a local designer-run shop that celebrates Melbourne icons and products. The article says Melbournalia 2013 popped up in the Queen Victoria Market, offering items from local designers—from quirky cards to scarves—and was open during regular market hours and until 10pm on Wednesdays for the Suzuki Night Market.

What takeaways about design, rarity and value does the article offer for everyday investors interested in collectibles?

The article illustrates a few clear themes relevant to interested buyers: artist reputation (Damien Hirst, Ed Ruscha, Ron Arad) and limited runs (only 12 Hirst backpacks) can push prices high; provenance and charitable ties can distinguish authentic luxury from knockoffs; and local designer pop-ups like Melbournalia are places to discover unique pieces. The article doesn’t provide investment advice or resale data, but highlights rarity, creator reputation and provenance as factors that often matter in the design and collectible markets.