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A multidisciplinary studio and workshop that creates items with a blend of art and design.
Founded in 2007 by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, Como, Italy-based multidisciplinary studio and workshop Draga & Aurel produces furniture, lighting, decorative items and home accessories that straddle the line between design and art. The company’s founders have diverse backgrounds in design, fashion, art, and craftsmanship. As a result, the work of Draga & Aurel seamlessly blends these influences in distinctive products and items that are as imaginative as they are refined. The duo also pioneered the concept of upcycling in the high-end design industry. Working with vintage furniture and objects, Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow infused the designs with their own style.
The first two collections launched by the studio in 2009 fell in this category. Named Déshabillé and Heritage, the two ranges made their debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan. Ten years later, the studio introduced the third collection, Transparency Matters. Acclaimed by the press and the industry, it led to prestigious collaborations with international brands and galleries. Over the years, Draga & Aurel has exhibited work around the world, from Milan and Venice to Miami, New York City, Paris, and St. Moritz. Apart from the permanent collections, the studio has also created notable designs – from furniture to lighting, wallpapers and textiles – for companies like Baxter, Visionnaire, Wall & Deco, and Gallotti & Radice.
Bringing an artistic soul to vintage designs.
The Déshabillé collection marked the beginning of Draga & Aurel’s journey in creative design. To create the unique pieces, the duo dressed vintage armchairs and chairs in distressed textiles that also feature lettering, phrases, or decorative graphics. Infused with secret messages, these designs become much more than simple pieces of furniture, creating a poetic parallel between the 1800s and the present moment. Handcrafted in the studio’s workshop in Como, each Déshabillé chair and armchair is one of a kind and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Likewise, the Heritage collection gives new life to vintage seating and cabinets. In this collection, the studio used color and texture to give the designs an artistic character. This range comprises a wide range of vintage cabinets, sideboards and chests of drawers as well as armchairs and poufs. Sourced from local thrift shops and markets, the pieces of furniture feature hand-applied materials and finishes. Restored and finished by hand, the Heritage designs feature hand-printed and painted items, including products finished with embroidery, resin layers, and materials like fur and metal.
Transparency Matters, an exploration of translucency, color, and materiality.
Inspired by optical art, minimalism, and space age design, the Transparency Matters capsule collection explores transparency in art and design. This range comprises seating, bookshelves, tables, lighting, desks, and home accessories for both indoor and outdoor use. Simplified volumes, geometric shapes, and contrasting textures define these designs. A masterful use of color and eye-catching patterns also make these items stand out. Like previous Draga & Aurel collections, this one features handcrafted products. Made by hand in Como, the designs feature a blend of colored resin, glass, bronze, and vintage elements. Photography © Draga & Aurel.
