One of those designs that defies its age – the Martin Visser Spectrum sofa bed.
No, that date isn’t wrong – this contemporary-looking sofa bed was designed in 1959 – and is back on the market in 2008. The Spectrum is made of matt chrome plated steel, upholstered in a choice of fabric or leather and with an optional armrest. Ideal as a sofa or with a shift of the mechanism, you can convert to a single bed.
Prices start at £1,771.
The bib front is a wardrobe staple which just keeps coming back season after season. The distinctive shape conjures up the sixties dolly dress and Mod looks for me with its high collar and oversized buttons.
This Jazmin cardigan from Mango has a real touch of the 60s with both the bib front and an A-line cut. Sharper than most knitwear, this structured yet casual cardigan is a great cream colour that always looks sharp.
It’s available online or in Mango shops now for £30.
The fifties prom dress has been pulled off with varying degrees of success all over the high street this season. While many are going down the Lily Allen 80s-update avenue, the high end designers are often staying truer to the quintessential prom dress’ roots.
This Donna Karan dress is a sublime example which ticks all the boxes. A halter neck, sweetheart neckline, full skirt and slightly saccharin cream shade make this a summer dress straight from the film screen.
It’s currently on sale at Browns, which can only mean one thing where price is concerned. It’s £3135 (yes, you read that correctly)
Gio Ponto has been described (rightly or wrongly) as the ‘father of modern design’. So it’s no surprise to see some of his more interesting designs getting a reissue – like this Gio Ponti Rosalinda coffee table.
Amazingly, this first hit the shelves of the finer design stores in 1940 – probably not the best year to sell designer furniture, but it has certainly earned its keep since. The frame is lacquered wood (with a choice of colour) with a glass top to finish things off.
As you would expect, this reissue isn’t cheap at £2,800.
Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website
Kat Boon Design uses vintage fabrics with bold retro patterns (florals and geometric shapes) alongside simpler, classic materials to create interesting pieces and her Long Cushions are a perfect illustration of this style.
There are currently three cushions to choose from. Pictured here is the Hawiian Blue cushion that combines 70s Hawaiian florals with silk. The other designs feature an unusual 60s metallic fabric and a 50s style floral print respectively.
The cushions cost £30 each and can be bought from the Kat Boon Design website.
Robert Brownjohn was an influential figure in graphic design in both 1950s New York and 1960s London. His work included titles for James Bond films and artwork for the Rolling Stones. The Design Museum recently had an exhibition of his work and although it is too late to see the show, it is not too late to buy one of the limited edition Peace prints commissioned to accompany it.
The Peace poster features the ace of spades between a scrawled P and E with a question mark and was the last piece of work he completed before his death in 1970. It was commissioned to support the New York Peace Campaign in 1969.
This edition consists of 100 numbered prints, on sale for £75. If you like the design but not the price, there is also a poster version available for £5. Visit the Design Museum Shop to buy.
