Co-founded by eccentric Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and his money-minded partner Casper Vissers, Moooi (pronounced "moy") has been a key exponent in the expansion of Dutch design, promoting work by the likes of Maarten Baas and Kiki Van Eijk - designers who can now be counted among the biggest names in the industry - for the past decade. Oh, and Moooi were also responsible for the production of Swedish design house Front's giant horse lamp back in 2007, but don't let that disengage you.
Following recent showroom openings in Antwerp and Milan, Moooi last night unveiled its first London base, and it's rather impressive. Set on the edge of the Canal in Portobello Dock, the Grade II listed "White House" stands in marked contrast to the futuristic, plastic fantastic designs to be discovered inside.
The 250 sq m showroom is shared by Dutch resin flooring specialist SENSO, who have provided the groundwork for the space, though the characteristically bright, geometric design was thought up by Wanders himself.
The showroom houses a host of new and established products including Wanders' completely bizarre "Monster Chair", Nika Zupanc’s "5 O’ Clock" table & chairs, the elegantly oriental "Emperor lamp" by Chinese designers Neri & Hu and of course Front's equine light-piece, whether you like it or not.
The Moooi London showroom is now open at 555 Harrow Road, White Building, London, W10 4RH. www.moooi.nl
