A Mélange of Material and Tradition
Rikke Frost has skillfully combined the authenticity of traditional crafts with the boldness of modern design to offer a refreshing take on furniture and interior pieces. Her iconic Sideways Sofa, a collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, showcases this synergy. The usage of woven paper cord and wood is not just a throwback to classical Danish design; it is a narrative in itself—a story of how materials can evoke emotions and communicate the times we live in.
Nurtured in the Cradle of Danish Craftsmanship
Born in the quaint town of Bov, Denmark, Frost’s tryst with design began at an early age. The Danish tradition of craftsmanship had a lasting impact on her, shaping her vision and understanding of materials. The Aarhus School of Architecture, where she trained as an industrial designer, served as a crucible where her passion for furniture design was honed.
Industrial Design: A Defining Approach
While her training was in industrial design, Frost decided to specialize in furniture. However, the industrial approach was never forsaken; it remained a cornerstone of her design philosophy. The understanding of production capabilities forms an essential part of her initial design process. Frost consistently explores how her chosen materials and methods can be adapted for modern production facilities. This consideration is vividly evident in her work at Carl Hansen & Son’s factory, where ancient crafts like wickerwork coexist with high-tech manufacturing.
Coming Full Circle: Rikke Frost Design Studio
Upon her return from London in 2004, where she was engaged as a designer and buyer at Heal & Son, Frost set up her own studio, Rikke Frost Design. Not only has she been creating trendsetting furniture, but she also shares her wealth of knowledge through teaching at her alma mater, The Aarhus School of Architecture.
Rapid Innovation: ‘Denmark’s Next Classic’
In 2019, Frost’s talent was showcased on a larger platform when she participated in ‘Denmark’s Next Classic’. Her Sideways Sofa was conceived and executed in a mere three weeks. The rapid innovation didn’t compromise on quality or design intricacy; instead, it solidified Frost’s reputation as a designer capable of marrying speed with sophistication.
Accolades and Recognition
Her contribution to design has not gone unnoticed. With a series of nominations and awards like the Danish Design Award and Bolig Magasinets Design Award, Frost has firmly etched her name in the annals of design history. Her work has also been featured in various exhibitions, most notably the Women in Danish Furniture Design exhibition at the Trapholt Museum of Modern Art in Kolding, Denmark.
Final Thoughts
Rikke Frost is not just a furniture designer; she is a storyteller. Her design portfolio is a tapestry where each material, be it wood or woven paper cord, is a thread contributing to a larger narrative—one that pays homage to tradition while embracing modernity. Her designs are a testament to how the crafts of yesterday can seamlessly integrate into the narratives of today.