Cool Hunting

Despite their slick metal gleam, São Paulo designer Fernando Akasaka tends to look to nature when he's dreaming up his contemporary furniture pieces for his line FA Designs. "My inspiration comes from the everyday life...the past, present and sometimes imagining what may be seen in the future," he says. It explains the techy feel of his lamps, stools, side tables and decorative objects, which also come in versions of Brazilian natural wood.

Though he taps modern technology to help realize the designs, Akasaka is adamant about maintaining the classic art of handicraft. The pieces are fluid and smooth, lending a Zen-like sensibility, something a machine couldn't duplicate.

Customers come to FA Designs for the metal objects made from highly polished or chrome-plated stainless steel, brass or aluminum. A collection of fiberglass and carbon fiber pieces will follow soon and Akasaka's already started a preliminary launch of some unusual jewelry, plus a limited-edition line that builds on the concept of the metal pieces.

Contact Firma Casa in São Paulo or Via Manzoni in Rio de Janeiro to order FA Designs.