Nicole Bargwanna
— Nicole Bargwanna (Co-founder of NiMi Projects)
MOHEIM OWN STORY featuring Nicole Bargwanna, co-founder of “NiMi Projects,” which represents some of the best Japanese brands across retail, interior design, and wholesale in the UK. The SWING BIN is one of her favorites—a happy discovery she made.
MOHEIM OWN STORY vol.31
—— How do you normally choose your home/interior items for your home? What are the important points of your choices?
I love simple yet functional items. Good design is important, and I love when an item or brand has an interesting story. I also like to mix old and new, as the contrast of textures and patina brings personality to a room.
—— How do you get inspiration to create your works normally?
I read books and magazines, watch films and visit galleries and independent stores for inspiration. However, travelling back to Japan and visiting artisans, craftspeople and designers is my greatest source of inspiration!
—— How was your first impression of MOHEIM? Please let us know what you think about MOHEIM as a brand.
MOHEIM has always stood out for its sleek, minimal aesthetic, but what I like about the brand is that there is always a warmth and joy in the design, materials and functionality of each product.
The cosy way the COLOR DROPS vase nestles into the palm of the hand; the pleasing smoothness in how the BY TRAY TABLE tray fits onto the table, or the way a pen seems to float above the table on the PEN TRAY – all elements that surprise and delight.
—— Which MOHEIM item is your most favorite now? What do you like most about it and how do you use it?
I love this SWING BIN – for its sculptural form, the beauty of the lid angle, the pleasing way the balanced lid swings shut, and that the plastic bag is hidden away inside. It is really difficult to find a stylish yet functional bin for the office or home, so I was so happy to discover this one from MOHEIM. I use it in our shop and office, and it brings us all much joy!
—— Any favorite things/area of your office? How do you like it most? Does the MOHEIM item match there?
Our office covers the top floor of the building above our store , an old Victorian laundry. It is one of the tallest buildings in Sevenoaks, so it is filled with light and has stunning views across the town and beyond. The building itself is quite industrial, with rough brick walls and peaked ceilings, so the sleekness of our Vitsoe shelving and the SWING BIN are a nice contrast.
—— Anything you would expect for MOHEIM’s new item/collection?
I love the combination of contemporary design fused with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, so I would love to see how MOHEIM can translate traditional techniques into something more modern.
Profile
Nicole Bargwanna
Nicole Bargwanna lived in Japan for over 20 years, with a career in the fashion industry as a buyer and PR expert seeing her work with the country’s leading retailers and media figures. She established her own PR and consulting agency in 2009, counting some of the world’s leading luxury brands as clients, while her deep-seated knowledge of brand positioning in the Japanese market saw her often featured as an industry commentator in major domestic and international fashion publications.
Upon relocating to the UK, she co-founded NiMi Projects with Mio Yamada in 2018, with the aim of introducing and promoting a wider appreciation of Japan’s exceptional contemporary design, artisanship and sustainable practices.
The NiMi Projects flagship store is located in Sevenoaks, Kent, with two floors of retail, an interior design service and a wholesale arm of the business representing some of the best brands from Japan.
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