A story from Memphis

Some say the Memphis style is too extravagant, and not conventional. You either love it or hate it. We say it is iconic.

Memphis design founded in Milan – that’s right, not Memphis city – by a design collective known as the Memphis Group, challenged the prevailing design trends and led the 80’s into a magnificent era of design.

Memphis style has nothing to do with the city called Memphis.

It was the year 1981, in Milan, and during the collective’s first design meeting, Bob Dylan’s song called “Stuck Inside of Mobile (with the Memphis Blues Again)” was played repeatedly. It was apparently the word ‘Memphis’ that struck accord. Calling themself the Memphis Group, the collective was led by the Italian designer Ettore Sottsass.

(left) Memphis designers with Masanori Umeda’s Tawaraya boxing-ring-shaped bed, 1981. (right) Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass standing next to his Carlton Bookcase.

What is the Memphis design style?

Memphis design is a postmodern design movement that embraces bold, vibrant colours, asymmetrical shapes, and eclectic patterns. It rejected the notion of functionalism and minimalism, opting instead for a playful aesthetic. The designs often featured geometric shapes, squiggly lines, and abstract motifs, sometimes incorporating pop culture references.

Kartell’s flagship store. Ettore Sottsass designed these products in 2004, but they didn't make it to production until 2015.

How did the Memphis design style spread across the world?

The Memphis Group gained international attention with their debut exhibition at the Milan Furniture Fair in 1981. Their unconventional furniture, lighting fixtures, ceramics, textiles, and other household objects became iconic symbols of the movement. The designs were characterized by their clash of colours, materials, and patterns, creating a sense of visual overload.

(left) Karl Lagerfeld in his Memphis style Monaco apartment. (centre) David Bowie’s Memphis furniture collection. (right) Katy Perry wore this Dior Memphis-style outfit to an MTV awards in 2011.

The decline of the Memphis design movement.

While the Memphis movement enjoyed a surge of popularity in the 1980s, it faced criticism for being too extravagant and not conforming to traditional design principles. By the late 1980s, the movement began to decline, and the Memphis Group disbanded in 1988.

Memphis inspired some of the greatest designers of all time.

The Memphis movement had a significant influence on various creative fields, including graphic design, fashion, architecture, and interior design.

In the 90s the original Apple watch first emerged – this was 20 years before the smart watch we know of today. The Memphis inspired watch was a language used throughout the early Apple branding. The watch was a gift given to those who upgraded to the Mac system 7.5. Ettore Sottasass quotes: “When Charles Eames designed his chair, he was not designing a chair, but a way of sitting; that is to say he was not designing for a function but designing a function”. The philosophy behind the Memphis movement also resides in Steve Jobs creative thinking. Sottsass had made his name in 1969 with Olvetti’s cherry-red Valentine typewriter – a product Apple would later look to for inspiration when designing its iPods in the early 2000s.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and musician David Bowie had extensive Memphis collections inspiring both artists in their respective creative fields.

The Memphis style continues to serve as inspiration for fashion shows including Christian Dior haute couture collection Fall/Winter 11-12 and for Missoni collection Winter 15.

(left) First Apple watch. (centre) lipstick-red Valentine typewriter by Sottsass. (right) Alessandro Mendini's Supreme skateboards.

Why is it still relevant today, and should we care about it at all?

Historical Significance: The Memphis design movement marked a significant departure from the minimalism and functionalism of preceding design movements. It challenged traditional design principles and embraced a bold, eclectic, and expressive aesthetic. The movement's impact on design history, as a reaction against established norms, makes it important to understand and appreciate its contributions.

Influence on Contemporary Design: The Memphis design style has had a lasting influence on contemporary design. Its use of vibrant colours, geometric shapes, and playful patterns can be seen in various fields, including graphic design, fashion, interior design, and product design. Many designers continue to draw inspiration from the Memphis movement, incorporating its energetic and unconventional elements into their work.

Embracing Individuality and Creativity: Memphis design encourages experimentation and celebrates individuality. Its rejection of rigid design rules and its emphasis on self-expression and freedom provide inspiration for designers seeking to push boundaries and create unique, engaging designs. The movement encourages a more playful approach to design, allowing for greater creativity and exploration.

Nostalgic Appeal: The Memphis style carries a certain nostalgia and retro charm. Its bold colours, clashing patterns, and unconventional forms evoke a sense of the 1980s and its vibrant, exuberant spirit. This nostalgic appeal can resonate with people who appreciate the era or are looking for design elements that stand out and make a statement.

Despite its relatively short-lived existence, Memphis design left a lasting impact on design history. Its bold and unconventional style continues to inspire contemporary designers, and its influence can still be seen in various forms of artistic expression today. The movement's playful and daring approach challenged the conventions of design, opening doors for greater experimentation and creativity in the field.

It represented a departure from the clean lines and simplicity of modernism, embracing a more expressive and individualistic approach. It is iconic, and we have been inspired to create our own collection called Memphis, as well as taking the motifs and applying into our other collections. Bringing joy to those who are after something different and exciting! Don’t hold back. Go for it. Take a look here: 

Vase: "Salut" Vase and "Memphis" vase in orange

Glass: "Sweet" crystal burgundy glass