Isabell Gatzen graduated the University of Zurich in 2005 with a degree in product design. After some time in Switzerland, she moved to San Francisco to be in the forefront of technological innovation. After working on innovative products with prestigious tech corporations such as Microsoft, HP and more, she grew frustrated of the short product cycles of technological wares. Upon returning to Europe, she decided to focus on traditional product design and established her namesake studio in 2010. Her mission is to create timeless pieces of design using long-lasting, quality materials. The studio's DEBUT collection, first shown at Salone Satellite was built upon this principle. 



Encompassing both furniture and accessories, the DEBUT collection was inspired by the works of M. C. Escher. Contrasting materials and shapes are explored, with a strong emphasis on symmetry and optical effects. The most substantial piece is undoubtedly the DON'T SCREW WITH ME shelf, uniting 2,5 cm thin sheets of Parthenon marble with black anodized aluminium. The precision engineered frame and shelves are interlocking, each supporting the other to create one unit, eliminating the need for screws.



The HOOK ME UP coffee table also uses luxurious Parthenon marble. Three carved-out pillars that can be hooked together to form a burr joint make up the base, contrasted by grey smoked glass. Escher's work is clearly referenced, with the base resembling some impossible objects of his creation. The marble legs pose a different sight from each side, and can also be seen through the glass surface.



The studio also presents a strong showing on the accessories front. The LET IT SLIDE bowl is made of two angled marble sections joined together by a contrasting anodised aluminium ring. Each bowl is made up of two internal sections and an external ring. The bowls are practical and adaptable as the internal sections can be swapped. The SEE RIGHT THROUGH ME mirror employs a grey one-way mirror, allowing the beholder to either see through it or catch a reflection, based on lighting conditions. It comes in three different sizes that can be combined a number of ways, and serves as a point of interest in any interior.





The only item to forego marble in favor of something else is the 721 CANDLESTICK, a modular candlestick system. Crafted from solid brass, it gets its name from its weight of exactly 721 grams per module. Similarly to the DON'T SCREW WITH ME shelf, the candlestick modules are precision-engineered to interlock securely. It's an interactive piece of design, as the modules can be configured in a number of different ways.



Get acquainted with Isabell Gatzen and shop the whole collection at the Studio's website.