Carry Away and Emoji by Alain Gilles

Two new designs from the Alain Gilles design studio.

Launched at this year’s Maison & Objet, the Carry Away pen holder and tray along with the Emoji bookends combine function and playful design. Alain Gilles has created the two items for XL Boom, designing the products to fit into living spaces or work environments in equal measure. Both products have a minimalist aesthetic. Their design puts a focus on function, but never compromises on style or personality.

For example, the expressive Emoji bookends feature elegant curves and curved planes that create a balance between solidity and weightlessness. The two volumes look different, depending on their placement alongside books. Placed on their short side, they can support larger books, while resting them on the longer section suits smaller tomes. At the same time, the Emoji bookends work well on their own, as sculptural decorative items.

Simple and practical, the Carry Away pen holder and tray features a 2-in-1 design that takes into account different requirements as well as different spaces. A convenient handle provides an easy way to carry the pen holder around a home or an office, as needed. The pen holder is large and tall enough to hold various accessories and keep them hidden from sight. It can even hold larger items such as staplers, to help keep work areas clutter-free. Divided into four sections, the interior offers a practical way to keep small items organized.

The extra tray works in perfect synergy with the pen holder, which stacks neatly on top of tray, if needed. It suits everything from letters and a smartphone to desk accessories. For the two designs, the studio used only quality materials: cast aluminum with a golden finish, marble, or aluminum in various colors and finishes. Photographs© Alain Gilles.