Matt Blackmore wins 2014 SMEG Art Design Award Competition

Press Release

Friday 12th September, 2014

Matt Blackmore wins the 2014 SMEG Art Design Award Competition

Matt Blackmore has been named this year’s SMEG Art Design competition winner with his travel-themed entry, ‘Round the World’ - inspired from a Blackmore family treasure of a travel trunk that belonged to his Great Grandmother.

The challenge Blackmore and three other finalists have faced has been to transform an iconic SMEG FAB28 ‘50s retro style fridge into a contemporary work of art.

When asked about his inspiration behind this original design, Blackmore called upon his views on the importance of family.

“My overall motivation for this design, other than SMEG being a powerhouse of design, quality and style - is the strong family basis still evident in the business after all these years,” says Blackmore.

“Family is super important to me - the icing on the cake of this whole design and fabrication journey is the most recent member of the Blackmore family, my little Pippa” he says.

The judging panel for the SMEG Art Design competition consisted of New Zealand’s most awarded kitchen designer Mal Corboy, sought-out kiwi artist Dave Sotogi, brilliant furniture designer Tim Webber and renowned fashion designer Kiri Nathan.

All the judges were suitably impressed with the extremely high standard of the 2014 finalists, and were most interested in the way Blackmore developed his original concept into a well- executed contemporary design.

“He’s obviously put a lot of thought and effort into the way the details work, even down to the labels and magnets,” says furniture designer Webber. “You can tell he put a lot of himself into that piece and you can also tell all the workmanship is top notch,” he says.

SMEG New Zealand Distributor and Managing Director Rachel Louie believes the competition stepped up yet another notch in 2014 with the amazing array of design entries received this year.

“SMEG supports fostering creativity and innovation, and it was fantastic to see how everyone rose to the challenge,” says Louie.

“Matt’s design blew the judges away. It was something that stood out right from his initial sketch concept, and translated beautifully into the stunning piece of work we’ve been delighted to display.”

Blackmore’s winning design is on display alongside his fellow finalists at the Auckland Home Show (September 10th – 14th) inside the SMEG exhibition area. The public are also given the opportunity to vote for their favourite design for the competition’s People’s Choice Award.

Recognition and congratulations must be given to the three other finalists; Julie Ashby (design: Eleganza), Nikolai Sorensen (design: Knit) and Aleisha Stanton (design: The Direction of the Future).

Following the Auckland Home Show, the four fridges will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

Further details, judges’ comments and finalist’s video diaries are available to view at http://smegart.co.nz/

Key Notes:

The SMEG 50s retro range features unmistakably vintage designs whose classic, sinuous lines and vibrant colours combine perfectly with cutting-edge technology. It's safe to say that this product line, developed by SMEG’s internal design studio, has definitively opened the door for personality conveyed through appliances.

Like other famous designs, the original and best FAB28 coloured refrigerator is more than just a mere fridge. It’s the focal point of the kitchen, just like the signature sofa or lamp in your living room.

SMEG has also developed a range of other appliances with exactly the same vintage theme: refrigerators in various sizes and with various capacities, dishwashers and soon to be launched small appliances. Always evocative and eclectic, they are the standard bearers of the "Made in Italy" design quality that is famous all over the globe for its blend of art and functionality.

About Applico Ltd:
Applico is a 100% family owned and operated New Zealand business. The company that introduced New Zealand to European appliances 28 years ago specialises in quality, fashionable European-designed kitchen appliances for discerning customers.

ENDS

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