Michael Watier
WHO: imm Living (imm-living.com)
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Snowman shakers, designed by Tomas Kral (left) and Totem Cups, designed by Rob Southcott (right).
SIGNATURE PRODUCT: What are modern cultural artifacts? If you're product design firm imm Living, they're collectable housewares - like a set of ceramic totem cups designed by Rob Southcott - that mix history with pop culture in a quirky and often distinctly Canadian way.
USB keys, signalling east and peace (left) and Alice In Wonderland-inspired salt and pepper shakers (right).
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: OCAD grads Willie Tsang, Jasco Chan and Flora Lam create a diverse giftware lineup by collaborating with designers from Toronto and around the world. "Our products are designed as long-term keepsakes and are meant to appeal emotionally to gift givers and receivers," says Lam.
Dr Bird, a ceramic citrus juicer, designed by Lesley Look Hong
NEW WORKS: imm's existing collection includes signing-hand USB keys, flashlight-shaped pendant fixtures and dinner plates glazed with TV test patterns, while in-development work focuses on repurposing unexpected materials for home decor applications.
The IMM Living team members Ange-line Tetrault (left), Andrea Kezdi, Lesley Look Hong, Willie Tsang and Flora Lam
WHERE TO BUY IT: Totem cups are $72 for a set of four, available at Swipe (401 Richmond West, 416-363-1332), the Drake General Store (1144 Queen West, 416-531-5042 ext 101, and other), the Design Exchange (234 Bay, 416-216-2160) and Function 13 (156 Augusta, 416-840-1010).
Photos by MICHAEL WATIER