Incollect Magazine Issue 7

122 www.incollect.com “Wood was the cornerstone of our collection when we first started making furniture in 2002 and it plays an important role in our design work to this day,” says the New York-based artist and designer William Stuart, who founded Costantini in 2002. Argentine rosewood, in particular, is his favorite material. “The Argentine rosewood finish that comprises a large percentage of our work is mesmerizing. Suitable for indoors or out, it ages gracefully and the objects we make are designed to be passed on for generations.” Nearly everything in the line is produced by skilled artisans in Argentina. One of their most popular pieces is the Andre Table, a simple rectilinear twin pedestal form that shows off the natural wood material. The table is customizable in shape and size as well as the wood species depending on client preferences or a desired finish. It is also designed to age. “Outside, the dark grain will turn a silvery blond with age. Unfinished, it will darken from contact with the oils from our hands, and with use,” says Stuart. Natural wood, its beauty and grain, is also highlighted in the Francisco series of tables which he has produced in different materials. “We made a series of about 50 pieces, sustainably sourcing logs from northern Argentina. No two are alike and each piece is carved based loosely on the grain of the piece when we receive it at the workshop. They are then sanded and finished naturally to show off the natural beauty of the wood. Each one is hand numbered. They’ve been installed in Louis Vuitton stores and a Saint Laurent pop-up store in East Hampton. We are also working on a custom piece in the same material for a private client in the Caribbean.” Costantini also uses veneers to do intricate inlay work, as on the Cherchio Cocktail Tables for the men’s lounge at Bergdorf Goodman. “We used sycamore, ebony, and Argentine rosewood to make round backgammon tables that double as cocktail tables for that project,” Stuart said. And the inspiration for the design? “We looked to ancient objects fromMesopotamia where the game originated to design the bases. That reminds me of one of my favorite facts about wood: how wood pegs were used by the Egyptians to split rock by wetting them so they would expand. Some of our newest pieces, like the Fortezza, are informed by this brilliant technique.” COSTANTINI DESIGN Intricate inlay work characterizes the Cherico Cocktail Table, which doubles as a backgammon table and was commissioned for the men’s lounge at the landmark New York City luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman. Below right: Each piece in the limited series Francisco Collection of hand- carved trunk tables is unique, with a live edge top tapering in an elegant curve. A selection of them was chosen for display in Louis Vuitton stores.