Bless at Arnhem Mode Biennale

Tuesday 21 June 2011


The Arnhem Mode Biennale in the Netherlands is fast becoming one of the must-see events on the design calendar. Running for one month at the AkzoNobel building in the city of Arnhem, the show adopts music, scent, film and photography as vehicles for designers to express their visions in conceptual vignettes and innovative installations. The displays offer inspiration for a range of disciplines, from interiors to VM and retail.

Ines Kaag and Desiree Heiss, founders of fashion label Bless, tapped into the concept of Faux Real at Arnhem Mode with a leather-cloaked car installation. Bless subject matter is often surreal in nature, and by ensuring it retains some level of functionality, this deceptive accessories exhibition begins to reference a Radical Neutrality viewpoint.


A coloured chain curtain allows space for sunglasses and accessories that, when viewed from afar, became part of a pixellated image. A leather saddle chair also marries Bless’ art with a satirical take on luxury.

WGSN-homebuildlife subscribers can see all of the exhibitor highlights from Arnhem Mode in our full report.