An ’80s Design Movement Makes a Comeback
First embraced by the Memphis Group of Italian designers, wild-child patterns and playful geometry are back in vogue
The bold and playful patterns of the Memphis Group are making a vibrant comeback, bringing 80s design back into the spotlight. With their signature geometric shapes, quirky lighting, and dynamic colors, these iconic elements are redefining modern interiors and adding a fun, retro touch to contemporary spaces.
1 HAT TRICKS
American Apparel covers this adjustable baseball cap in a new pattern by Nathalie Du Pasquier, who frequently collaborated with the print-loving Memphis Group. $45, at American Apparel, 499 Queen St W americanapparel.net
2 SEE YOU ’ROUND
Curved pieces of marble, purple-painted ash and Russian birch orbit Montreal designer Zoë Mowat’s circular Ora mirror. It’s perfect for deciding which top goes best with that high-waisted spandex. Contact for pricing, at zoemowat.com
3 TWISTS AND TURNS
Lighting studio Lambert & Fils arranges five bulbs in a quirky composition that resembles a bizarro circuit diagram. We love the brass accents on the powder-coated aluminum frame. $2495, at LightForm, 267 Niagara St
4 WONDER WALL
Wall & Decò goes polygon crazy with this X-Ploded pattern by Talva Design. Featuring triangles and squares in shades of blue and pink, it’s sure to appeal to adventurous geometry teachers. $10/sq ft, at Are & Be, 1213 Bathurst St
5 BOX STARS
Stash trinkets in this trio of wooden storage crates from BoConcept. Playfully patterned openings in the yellow, green and pale-pink lids offer previews of the scrunchies and hoop earrings inside. From $20, at BoConcept, 230 Adelaide St E
6 RETRO REVIVAL
Ettore Sottsass, a founder of the exuberant Memphis Group, designed this collection for Kartell in 2004. Including shapely vases, stools and a lamp, it’s finally in production. Call for pricing, at Quasi Modo, 789 Queen St W
Originally published in our Fall 2015 issue as ’80s Revival.
