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The Bells and Whistles collection is designed by New York-based architect, designer and educator Kiki Goti for the Mexico City-based design gallery Toro Manifesto, and will be presented at the upcoming Collectible Fair's main section as part of Toro's installation. According to the designer, "'Bells and whistles' refers to non-essential features, visual or functional, that are an enhancement to an object."
The Bells and Whistles collection explores the essential character of non-essential features. The phrase 'bells and whistles' is both metaphorical and literal: metaphorically, it delves into the necessity of ornament, questioning what is truly essential versus what is merely decorative; literally, it refers to the forms and material techniques that draw directly from the traditional craft of bell-making. In this collection, what could be seen as ornamental becomes the core element of the product design, playing a functional role while maintaining its decorative essence.
The main design element of the collection is the bell; crafted from cast aluminium, this form is incorporated into every piece, forming the legs of the armchair, coffee table and cabinet. The bell not only serves as the primary visual element but also references the ancient tradition of bell-making, where skilled artisans would pour molten metal into moulds to create resonant, enduring shapes. By incorporating the cast bell into each furniture design and lighting design, the collection pays homage to this centuries-old craft, while the bell remains the most decorative element. Each piece in the collection—from the table lamp to the credenza—also features discreet drawers in unexpected locations. The knobs of the drawers, cast from aluminium and shaped like miniature whistles, playfully indicate the secret compartments.
Bells and Whistles celebrates the art of embellishment and its essential character because what is a chair without (shiny) legs or a drawer without a (sculptural) knob?
What do you think?