Blue and Amethyst – The Soda Collection at James Richardson Furniture

Following on from the resounding success of the previous year, Miniforms has expanded its award-winning Soda collection. Designed by Yiannis Ghikas Design, Blue and Amethyst join existing colours of Amber and Petrol to complete the 2022 proposal, each hue supplied exclusively through James Richardson Furniture.

Since its establishment in 1970, Miniforms has grown into an iconic Italian brand, recognised internationally for its striking works featuring intricate detail and geometric form. Whilst maintaining its specialisation in chairs, tables and bespoke accessories, the modern-day Miniforms reflects the influence of a younger generation of leadership, presenting pieces that explore a broader and more playful palette. Soft shapes, exuberant colours and avant-garde charm define the contemporary iteration of the brand, seen championed in the Soda collection designed by Yiannis Ghikas Design. Embracing colourful simplicity, the range of tables expresses a light-hearted approach to design that sees materials of the past inserted into a modern context.

Delving into the processes underpinning Soda, it becomes clear that it is an immense artistic achievement.

Delving into the processes underpinning Soda, it becomes clear that it is an immense artistic achievement. “Throughout Soda’s research and design process, we were astounded at the lack of glass-blown products of this size and kind,” says designer Yiannis Ghikas. “It was only later that we realized it is because of the technical difficulties inherent in the handling of such an object, as well as the degree of expertise required to do so.” The specialist knowledge came in the form of several highly-skilled artisans on the Italian island of Murano.

“Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air,” explains Yiannis. “It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with three large petals forming the stem. In Soda, the glass vibrates – it’s tough, hammered surface fragments its transparency to give a primitive aesthetic.” As such, Soda meets one of the primary objectives of its creation, capitalising on the transparency of glass for visual reward. Inherently geometrical, the product manipulates light and shadow to propose different shapes as perspective changes. It is in the celebration of glass and its composition that Soda receives its name.

Blue and Amethyst – the latest colours within the range – build upon Soda’s reputation.

Blue and Amethyst – the latest colours within the range – build upon Soda’s reputation. Having earnt the title of ‘Future Design of the Year’ in the 2021 Dezeen Awards, Soda received critical acclaim for its poetic quality, enhanced by the traditional and featured elements of Murano glass. The sculptural impact of the product is elevated by its minimal nature – embodied by a strong, sinuous silhouette – and inimitable vibrancy. Bold and enticing in equal measure, Blue and Amethyst testify to the spirit of innovation permeating the collection and increase the accessibility of experimental design in residential and commercial environments.

“Since JRF launched the Miniforms collection in 2020, we have received such a great response from the Australian design community,” says Georgia Danos, Creative and Brand Director of James Richardson Furniture. The additions of Blue and Amethyst represent the exciting evolution of a unique table and distinguished brand.