Now, let me just start by saying I’m not making this shit up. Seriously, people.
This industrial look stacking system was designed by Allessandro Zambelli. Now I’m not saying it’s not a bit funky or wouldn’t be a talking point. But let’s look at the price of what is essentially a black metal stand with a bunch of lockers that wouldn’t have looked out of place in my high school gym.
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| Yes, really. Click on the image to make it bigger but the price is really £1,386. |
Here’s the latest promotion that Achica sent to me. These look similar to what I have sat down in my basement waiting for me to makeover.
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| Ummm yeah, it really does say £310.00. |
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| Just in case you didn’t believe me. There it is again. £310.00. |
Here’s my version:
Ok, yeah, they are a little rusty and dirty and they need a little love but I have no doubt they will look great once my W gets a hold of them. Oh yes, have I mentioned that he works as a car paint sprayer? So they will be sanded, cleaned, primed and painted professionally and will cost me zilch to do so. See, he does come in handy for some things (j/k babe! mwah!). They will be painted a bright pillar-box red for the office.
This is what it says on the madeindesign website:
Metal cabinet programme. A real pile of furniture, inspired by old warehouses, in a fascinating order/disorder of styles and periods. The intention is to create a memory, bringing to mind the fragments of past lives. Each detail taking us back to a common object instilled in our memories, a potent and enjoyable mix. The evolution of industrial furniture, in the most contemporary of modular systems. Offering the most combinations possible, the system offers five sizes as a support base and eight smaller pieces each with a different function: safe with combination lock, file cabinet, drawers, day closet, small wardrobe, and three different storage pieces. All for co-ordinated or singular use. It comes in two versions offering a choice of warmer or cooler tones. Play/create your dream combination.
Ok, ummm. Fragments of past lives? The fear and dread of getting changed in the girls’ locker room before my mom relented and bought me a bra – ok, maybe potent but certainly not an enjoyable mix of memories.
I can’t help but think it’s a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes. It’s colourful lockers, people. You can search on ebay and do this yourself. And you don’t even need a W in your life, a bit of sanding, cleaning, priming and spray paint and Bob’s yer uncle.
Now, I’m not mocking the designer – he’s obviously a talented man and if he can get people to part with their hard-earned cash with a bunch of colourful metal boxes on a stand, then he’s obviously doing something very very right. But for those of you who have better things to spend your money on, it’s time to look beyond the designer label and see if we can create our own fancy junk for a lot less.
