Before I tell you about OBJECT Rotterdam, I have to say: I don’t think we’ve shown Rotterdam enough love on this blog yet. Yes, I know all about the rivalry between 010 and 020, but leave me out of it! There’s lots of room in my heart for more than one cool city.
In my mind, Rotterdam strikes an image that’s modern and forward-looking with a certain rebellious creative spirit (must be all those iconic modern buildings). This makes the city a perfect home for OBJECT Rotterdam, the contemporary design fair that brings together cutting-edge design, crafts, fashion, architecture, and art. You know, all the good things in life apart from good food, cocktails, and coffee, of course.
The best part: entering the ship’s engine rooms, which have never before been open to the public, for a special exhibition of 100 Dutch design chairs. It was like a steampunk adventure and Super Mario Bros. all in one, with a crash course in design history thrown in. Very Instagrammable and so much fun!
Welcome to the ss Rotterdam’s swimming pool, an amazing 1950s design by H.A. Maaskant (the tiles alone are a work of art). As if this place wasn’t mindblowing enough, OBJECT Rotterdam filled it up with beautiful design furniture. Can I just live here, please?
From just 20 exhibitors in its first year, OBJECT Rotterdam has grown to over 75 designers. This year’s focus is on up-and-coming young designers, but there’s lots of great stuff from more established designers as well. Here are some of my favorites:
Ceramics by Sellemen Brandsma
De Egelantier, a floral powder-coated steel wall decoration by Linda Nieuwstad
Give me that dress! Knitwear by Michael Barnaart van Bergen, throw by Orange or Red
Radiolaria, lamps inspired by plankton by Bernotat&Co
Deconstruct four-fingered rings by Zward
Knitwear by Thijs Verhaar. Check out that full knit suit! Not only did Thijs make my favorite scarf ever (I wear exactly that one on the left!), he also knitted all the scarves the volunteers are wearing at OBJECT Rotterdam this year.
OBJECT Rotterdam is this weekend only, from February 10-12. Explore the ship, pick up some cool one-offs and unique finds, and don’t miss the chance to score some vintage designer pieces at the design auction this Sunday!
OBJECT Rotterdam | ss Rotterdam | 3de Katendrechtsehoofd 25 | Rotterdam
