Stiletto​
January-May 2023
Project in collaboration with Daniel Sapin
Brief: Manufacture the high heel Louboutin inspired coffee table designed in my 100 Alternate Designs Project
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Stiletto is a coffee table inspired by the traditional shape of a high heel pump, and the iconic look of the Louboutin red bottom.
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The design is sleek, geometric, and aims to remain simple while still having the potential to be a statement piece. This is further possible due to the possibility of colour variants, that could help it fit in any interior.
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The idea is also for the piece to still pay homage to the high heel inspiration, whilst having its own formal identity and not feeling like a prop or gimick.
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Design
After my 100 Alternate Designs project, there are some objects I couldn't get out of my head. I kept thinking it was a shame none of the pieces had come off the screen. ​​So I was really excited when speaking to my grandfather, an amateur wood worker, and finding out he really liked some of the objects, and was also very eager to make this happen. And the Louboutin inspired table having been my favourite concept to come out of the project, it felt like the obvious choice.
This would however be a challenge as the objects had been designed only for the screen. As such, some more technical aspects had to be considered, mainly exact measurements, and the most appropriate manufacturing process (especially considering the artisanal scale.) This did involve some minor changes, for example making the sides straighter, with smaller curved corners. The changes would not affect the shape too much, but allow for much more precision. I also chose to replace the Louboutin red with my 'signature' color, yellow, to further make the design my own.
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It was really interesting having to plan in this way, knowing I wouldn't be doing most of the making, and as such I had to clearly communicate what I wanted and bring what I could to the table, whilst also listening to technical advice, ultimately leading to the best piece possible.
Making
Step 1
2 metal pieces were bent to create the table's profile, and 2 layers of aeroply with channels dug into them were glued and screwed on.
Step 2
2 more layers of aeroply were added, to create a thicker, more solid structure, and the edges were sanded to create a smooth result.
Step 3
The legs were cut and connected directly to the inner metal frames, for optimal solidity.
Step 4
The whole table had to be sanded really smooth, especially the sections that would have to look lacquered, and finally everything was spray painted.
