Swiss architect and designer Aurel Aebi, co-founder of atelier oï alongside Armand Louis and Patrick Reymond, brings a tactile, storytelling approach to design. Visiting Manila for the Louis Vuitton Savoir Rêver exhibition, Aebi shared insights into their philosophy and process, demonstrating how everyday objects can transform into elegant, functional art pieces.
At atelier oï’s studio in La Neuveville, Switzerland, the team’s creative process begins at their “möitel,” a vibrant workspace filled with prototypes and samples. Central to their work is the materiothèque, a library of 20,000 materials. “It’s prototype after prototype,” Aebi explains. “Even what looks simple can go through many iterations.” This meticulous approach is guided by their philosophy of storytexture—creating unique textures to narrate new stories in every design.
Since 2008, atelier oï has collaborated with Louis Vuitton on 13 projects, exploring the brand’s signature leather and craftsmanship. For the Objet Nomades collection, their designs embody artistry, functionality, and emotion, each piece reflecting Louis Vuitton’s heritage of travel and innovation.
One standout piece, “The Hammock,” reimagines a daybed using interwoven Louis Vuitton leather strips secured by 786 engraved rivets. Inspired by farfalle pasta, the hammock captures the tactile and visual qualities of the Italian dish. “It’s one thing to feel the pasta, but tasting it gave us the structure,” Aebi recalls.
The “Serpentine Table,” another creation, reflects the fluidity of traditional dances. Its beveled glass top rests on walnut legs connected by blue leather straps. Available as a coffee or dining table, it symbolizes human connections. “Around the table, there’s a network,” Aebi explains. “We tried to represent that in its structure.”
Other designs include the “Quetzal,” a hanging mobile inspired by Mexico’s sacred bird, with twisting leather feathers in vibrant blue, green, and red hues. The piece captures the bird’s dynamic flight, with a central red feather balancing the mobile’s striking symmetry.
At Palacio de Memoria, Savoir Rêver transformed the neoclassical space into a labyrinth of artistry. Atelier oï’s creations, including the “Origami Flowers,” “Spiral Lamps,” and “Folding Stool,” stood alongside pieces by Campana Brothers, Marcel Wanders, and Marc Newson. Guests engaged with designs that bridged interaction and reflection, discovering Louis Vuitton’s heritage through new perspectives.
For atelier oï, leather serves as both inspiration and medium. Aebi recalls their visit to Louis Vuitton’s birthplace in Asnières, France: “You see the brand differently there. It feels like coming back to your grandmother’s house.” Immersed in Louis Vuitton’s history and craftsmanship, the team drew inspiration for designs that evoke the spirit of travel and home.
This connection is exemplified in their “Swing Boat,” a hanging sofa inspired by collapsible boats on Switzerland’s Lake Biel. The piece features orange leather reminiscent of Vuittonite, Louis Vuitton’s waterproof material. “It reminded us of the lake and the brand’s inventiveness,” Aebi shares.
Aebi’s creative philosophy transcends physical forms. “I try not to design products, but moments—moments with special stories,” he says. At a Vogue Talks event in Manila, he emphasized the importance of observation in design. “Inspiration comes from material, design, or function. But with Louis Vuitton, the material guides us, showing us the depth we can reach.”
Atelier oï’s designs embody a seamless blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling, making their contributions to Louis Vuitton’s Objet Nomades collection a celebration of creativity and emotion. As Aebi concludes, “We bring moments of nomadism into your home, creating atmospheres that inspire connection and reflection.”
Photographed by Jar Concengco.
Read more: Designing a Dream: Michael Leyva Honors His Family Through His Home
Running from November 27, 2025, to May 31, 2026, the exhibition traces how Art Deco moved from global design movement to localized expression through Philippine architecture, furnishings, fashion, and everyday life. The National Museum of Fine Arts’ Art Deco: Modernity and Design in the Philippines 1925-1950 explored the history of the Art Deco style in […]
Flooring can profoundly influence how a space is experienced. Long before furniture and finishes are introduced, the floor establishes a visual field that shapes movement, light, and proportion. This is where large-format tiles are particularly effective. By reducing the number of grout lines across a floor or wall, they create a more continuous surface. The […]
Since setting up her design firm, MB Architecture Studio, in 2007, Ar. Micaela Benedicto has built a diverse portfolio of architectural projects. Her works, whether residential or commercial, showcase a distinct spatial quality, “I like to create things that can go from something static to something that is alive and reactive,” Benedicto states. “In creating […]
Located in Pasig City, Kapitolyo is a small village that is known for its food and beverage scene. From karinderyas to local bistros, the area is a popular hub for young professionals and families. The cafés in the neighborhood reflect the dynamic community they serve, offering more than just a cup of coffee. What Makes […]
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
On May 9, 2026, DXT opened its new Kohler Showroom on the 7th floor of its Quezon City Office. Alongside the launch is the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers’ (PIID) General Membership Meeting (GMM). The theme, Designing for Possibility, underscores this significant milestone. Three speakers were invited for the featured talk: PIID’s National President, IDr. […]
