Is there such a thing as over-hype? The answer to that would depend on what is being hyped - its substance and depth, or lack of it. When it comes to Karim Rashid, both can be found in abundance.
Well-deserving of every inch of newsprint spent on his work behind those thick-rimmed spectacles, Rashid is one for looking ahead, no matter how high the last accolade may be. "I believe design is one of the vital tools when it comes to progression of our society," says Rashid about the power of design.
"Design has been the cultural shaper of our world from the start. Today, design is not about solving problems, but about a rigorous beautification of our built environments. Design is about the betterment of our lives poetically, aesthetically, experientially, sensorially, and emotionally," Rashid muses. "I believe that we could be living in an entirely different world - one that is full of real contemporary inspiring objects, spaces, places, worlds, spirits and experiences." Year after year, exhibition after exhibition, Rashid's work explores new dimensions of his chosen medium of change. Last year was no different. In between ruling the interior design award circuit and being inducted into the ‘Interior Design Hall of Fame' Rashid found time to deliver another gem of a space - the Cupid jewellery boutique in Singapore.
This duplex jewel box concept is a visual and sensory feast that defies all staid notions of the traditional jewellery store. Rashid's vision of the ‘radical' jewellery store transports you into a futuristic, yet organic space lined with bold gold, silver and black details. Iconoclastic "360 Blob" displays with their multifaceted forms and hi-gloss shine are "little gems strewn across" and are as arresting as the unique jewellery pieces within. "I believe the store which I have designed is like no other in Singapore, if not the world,'' he says. "Like the finest jewellery pieces, the boutique is rich, yet minimal, precious yet audacious, skewed yet organic. The space also is totally functional and democratic in its presentation. It is a project I am very proud of."
Since Rashid became involved with the ambitious MGM City Centre in Las Vegas, the neon city has got two sensational eateries the whole world is talking about! Before anyone walks into the Silk Road restaurant, nestled in the Vdara Las Vegas resort hotel one can immediately sense the rich history of the Silk Road re-envisioned today.
"History needs clever interpretations", says Rashid about the theme. "Through design, that translation into the now is a whole lot easier and makes the past fresh and more approachable. The organic forms hark back to the days of the spice trader's tent."
White, pink and mirrored gold in glass, metal, light wood ceilings and fibreglass create an understated opulence - a perfect match for the city's bright lights and beautiful people.
Another MGM City Centre restaurant, Sweet Chill at the Aria Resort is as pink and as flamboyant as its designer himself. "The clients wanted a space that was as fresh and fun as the old-fashioned ice creams, sorbets and gelatos they planned to serve," says Rashid. The result is a relaxing, yet dynamic atmosphere perfect to chill your heels. "Evoking the swirl of an ice cream treat, Sweet Chill's interiors are a singular, continuous gesture, with a ribbon-like pink design flowing across the curved ceiling and onto the walls." Candy-coloured butterfly chairs further the candyland appeal. "Every aspect of our existence should be completely concerned with beauty", he says. This unending search for beauty has led him in many directions. As a result, he can help you at chess with his psychedelic Bozart chessboard, help you stay healthy with Bobble - the water bottle with a built-in filter, or spin the decks for you if you hire him as DJ for an event.
From Kenzo perfume bottles to designer scissors, those who love Karim's quirky take on life will find enough on the shelves to take home. "I want everyone to have a little beauty in their lives. That is why I do what I do."
