Bless and Fendi Bring Ode to Artistic Ingenuity at Design Miami 2023

In the sprawling expanse of Design Miami 2023, a collaboration between Fendi and creative design studio Bless stands out. What initially appears to be an unassuming exhibit unfolds as a carefully crafted masterpiece, rich in hidden intricacies and meticulous artistry.

Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag, the innovative minds behind Bless, built the installation, Backfrontal, as a groundbreaking departure from conventions in a deliberate fusion of aesthetics that offers the audience an immersive journey into a world where every detail invites exploration.

The installation comprises four double-sided paravents that blend artistry with practicality. Life-size photo documents and graphic coverings reflect Fendi interiors on the front, while intricate utilitarian pieces like seating, tables, and storage—crafted in rosewood by Fendi Casa—are featured on the back. “This side [the back] holds the true richness,” Kaag says.

Among these items are opulent materials incorporated into everyday objects, like spray bottles adorned with furs and leather. It’s a whimsical yet luxurious encounter and a multi-sensory journey into Fendi’s distinctive universe.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the installation weaves a narrative of craftsmanship and community engagement. Heiss and Kaag’s immersion into Fendi’s universe exposed them to the Italian brand more intimately; their encounters with various employees across the company revealed a familial power resonating within Fendi—a spirit they hoped to infuse into the installation.

A creative dialogue

Backfrontal embodies Kaag and Heiss’s design philosophy—an approach that defies categorization and refuses to conform to conventional designer expectations. The two create through dialogue, focusing on self-expression and meaningful communication with the external world.

Reflecting on the evolution of Bless’s design ethos over the years, Heiss says, “It grows older together with us. Initially, we were adamant about avoiding fashion catwalk shows; we wanted to transcend predefined labels—fashion designer, artist, or traditional designer. We refused to confine ourselves to a specific category and instead embraced our unique field of activity.”

According to Kaag, it took time for others to comprehend their multifaceted approach. “For a decade, people struggled to classify our work,” she says. Kaag and Heiss’s first foray into product development some 25 to 27 years ago was driven by a quest for meaning. “It wasn’t about proclaiming genius; it was about understanding the true essence of creation—its connection to us and the world outside,” Kaag says.

Bless’s creative process is rooted in encounter—an initial point of inspiration that sets the stage for an intricate layering effect. “It revolves around dialogue; our intent is to make a statement,” Kaag says. “We always want to communicate, resonate with people, and engage with the surroundings.”

“What you visually perceive here [at Backfrontal] is the presentation of a luxurious global brand’s hidden, often unseen side,” Heiss says. “Even as you walk behind the installation, it suddenly appears glossy, revealing concealed facets. This interplay blurs the lines between the front and back, challenging perspectives.”

Through Backfrontal, Bless demonstrates the practicality of its designs, emphasizing that objects aren’t crafted solely for exhibitions or museums. They’re also designed for everyday domestic use. It’s a blend of functionality and artistic expression.

Designing for change

Learning from past experiences forms the cornerstone of Bless’s creations. “Our approach actively shapes the world we inhabit,” Heiss says. “As designers, we have the power to catalyze change—[it’s] an invitation for action rather than mere complaints about the status quo.”

Bless’s collaboration with Fendi at Design Miami beautifully exemplifies this design philosophy, which also champions pragmatism. Every creative decision the duo made—from their choice of surface materials to functional elements—underwent meticulous consideration.

Their venture into lacquered wood, for instance, blends tradition with innovation. “Our commitment goes well beyond the present; we aspire to a sustainable future. Rather than further saturate a world already full of designs, we prioritize purposeful creations, ensuring each piece serves not just as an exhibit but as a future asset,” Kaag says.

In the Fendi installation, Bless ensures that each design decision aligns with a conscientious, forward-thinking outlook. In its commitment to sustainability, Bless occasionally incorporates upcycling to repurpose designs.
“Sustainability is woven into our installations,” Kaag says. “We minimize waste—our wall fabrics are detachable and reusable, promoting practicality and sustainability.”

Beyond its inventive execution, the Fendi-Bless installation stands as a thought-provoking creation, blending creativity, pragmatism, and classicism. It’s more than a static showcase; rather, it calls on the audience to become immersed in a narrative that celebrates heritage, innovation, and the boundless spectrum of artistic expression.