Limited-edition items, now available, designed by famed designer Karim Rashid
Fusing Art and Craftsmanship: HydroTuiles and Karim Rashid Unite
Sometimes a random meeting ignites a creative spark. Such was the case at the Montreal Complete Design Show last year, where Ivan Bornes, the mind behind Quebec-based HydroTuiles, stumbled upon iconic designer Karim Rashid.
This serendipitous encounter, fueled by boldness, birthed an unparalleled team-up. Bornes boldly approached the towering figure in design hailed by Time magazine as "the most famous industrial designer in the Americas," and proposed a joint venture on an innovative collection of cement tiles. Recalling the encounter, Bornes says, "He told me, 'I appreciate your audacity.'"
Enthralled by HydroTuiles' artisanal methods and the imaginative potential of the product, Rashid accepted the proposition. For the New York-based designer, better known as the "Prince of Plastic," this endeavor represents a foray into uncharted territory, showcasing his avant-garde and vibrant style in a unique, ancient medium. Harnessing artisanal craftsmanship with modern technologies, the cement tiles embody Rashid's signature color blend and intricate designs.
The cement tiles are handmade, but the innovation lies in using 3D molding technology, allowing the tiles to be customized easily. Bending traditional limits, the artisanal techniques make every tile a unique masterpiece.
Crafting a Future by Embracing the Past
Typically associated with luxury goods, Rashid's career has been characterized by furniture, lighting, and interiors. This project serves as a fresh start, pushing him into the world of artisanal products. Similarly, HydroTuiles gains an opportunity to exhibit their talent and expertise, standing alongside a renowned figure in the industry.
With a fusion of color being Rashid's forte, every detail in the tiles represents countless hours of labor in molding and preparing the pigments. This intricacy notably pushed the boundaries of artisan craftsmanship, making each tile a valued masterpiece.
The collaboration's fruits were unveiled at Complete Design 2025 and are now a part of HydroTuiles' permanent collection. Each tile is made by hand, featuring mineral pigments. Customizable colors are available, and the product is tailor-made according to individual orders.
Delving Deeper: A Closer Look at the Karim Rashid & HydroTuiles Collaboration
The collaboration involves the creation of four exclusive tile designs blending the artistic visions of both Bornes and Rashid. This union of artisanal craftsmanship and Rashid's renowned design style has the potential to spearhead a revolution in the tile industry, elevating the artistic appeal of its products and pioneering a new standard for collaborative design projects.
The process likely began with a close exchange between the two artists to balance the artistic vision with the artisanal craftsmanship that HydroTuiles is known for. This groundbreaking partnership is expected to draw significant attention, setting new trends and inspiring other designers and manufacturers to venture into similar artistic endeavors.
With innovation, reimagination, and a fusion of visions, this partnership between Ivan Bornes and Karim Rashid promises to enhance the artistic appeal of the artisanal tile industry.
Learn more about Ivan Bornes: HydroTuiles: Breathing New Life into Artisanal Tiles
Discover Karim Rashid's journey: Karim Rashid: The Black Sheep of Design
Explore the world of HydroTuiles: HydroTuiles' Official Website
- The collaboration between Ivan Bornes of HydroTuiles and renowned designer Karim Rashid has ventured into the home-and-garden arena, showcasing Rashid's distinctive lifestyle approach through an innovative collection of artisanal cement tiles.
- The union of Karim Rashid's modern designs and HydroTuiles' interior-design skills has resulted in a unique, handmade tile collection that blurs the line between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary living, thus offering a fresh perspective on home and lifestyle dynamics.
