DIFFA 2018

As part of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), we created a dining room design paying tribute to the late performing artist David Bowie and his alter egos, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane.

For inspiration and direction, we chose one of photographer Masayoshi Sukita’s iconic photographs of Bowie titled Watch That Man III (1973). Bowie’s alter ego Aladdin Sane captured against a persimmon background wears a samurai inspired costume by fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto. We were drawn to the conflict between theatricality and restraint: between the bright background and outlandish personality versus the restrictive black-and-white striped suit. We were also inspired by Bowie’s collaboration with Japanese artists, as well as his fascination and adaptation of the movements, costumes and makeup of the Japanese performing art kabuki.

MAYA ROMANOFF provided the wallcovering, which was custom designed to mimic the pattern of the Kansai Yamamoto designed jumpsuit. The side walls are covered with Beadazzled Geode to create drama and texture.

AKDO’s Diametric Black tiles line the floor creating an illusion of a performance stage.

WALTERS provided the Flow Talon Upholstered Dining Side Chairs by Henry Hall. The chairs resemble the jumpsuit in form and shape.

BUCK AGENCY provided black table runners by Chilewich.

FOCUS LIGHTING created custom lighting with internal faceted glass beads down the center of the table.

LASVIT’s And Why Not chandelier designed by Czech glass icon René Roubíček adds the final theatrical touch to the design.

Photographer: Alan Barry