An inspiring podcast on everything you need to know about color!
Our next episode is with Draga & Aurel, a multidisciplinary studio working across art, collectible design, and product design, based in Como. They will talk about the synergy within their partnership and their materials of choice. Out end of June.
S7E05 Challenging Color Codes with Studio RENS
In this interview for the Color Authority podcast Studio RENS, the Dutch design duo composed of Renee and Stephanie, discusses their 17-year history of exploring the transformative power of color and material. Their creative synergy relies on a balance between Stephanie’s analytical structure and Renee’s creative, hands-on spirit, a partnership that allows them to embrace the freedom of experimentation without losing focus.
RENS is a design research studio specialized in the applied investigation
of colours and materials. Based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, we offer
customized designs and valuable insights through a multitude of practices
and services. RENS was founded in 2008 by Renee Mennen and Stefanie van Keijsteren. We pair a precise, almost mathematical approach to design research with hands- on material experiments and a keen eye for color. Across disciplines and in a variety of mediums, we work on collaborative, commissioned or self-initiated projects.
RENS collaborates closely with clients and partners to get to the heart of the matter (and the color). Previous projects and partnerships with museums, companies, brands, and labels from all over the world include:
Spectrum Design, Piet Hein Eek, Samsung, Auping, Wolfgordon, Lacq, Cor Unum Ceramics, Desso, Tarkett, Moooi Carpets, Lighting Laboratory Leuven,
Philips Innovation Services, Canon, Pode, Baars & Bloemhoff, Kruisherenhotel,
Design Museum Ghent & Zuiderzeemuseum.
S6E07 Color Out of Context with Nieves Contreras
Nieves Contreras talks about what inspires her and how she wants to take design, material and in particular color out of context. How material and processing can have become part of the innovative brand Lladrò, what are the challenges for the Spanish design market in the next years and how AI may influence the return to true craftmanship.
Graduated in Industrial Design as well as a Master's in Design Management from UPV in Valencia. She has developed a significant part of her professional career in Paris, France, collaborating with product design studios, creating designs and artistic direction for various sectors, from furniture and home appliances to luxury brands and connected objects, at studios such as Marc Berthier, Pascal Mourgue, and particularly eliumstudio, where she worked for 10 years. Simultaneously, she has been active as an independent designer, deeply involved in craftsmanship and its contemporary renewal, creating furniture for Expormim, and as the co-founder and creative director of the handmade ceramic brand sagenceramics (Manises).
Since 2019, she has been the Creative Director of Lladró, a Spanish porcelain company recognized internationally, heading the Creation and Development Department, consisting of a team of 15 people. She is responsible for the creation and implementation of the new creative strategy and the revitalization of the brand through product diversification and a contemporary approach.
“Excellent series about color. It’s a complex topic and Judith approaches it from a variety of angles with her guests. Always entertaining and insightful. I look forward to listening to each episode and learning something new about color and the visionaries in the color world.”
— Review Apple Podcast