Since its inception, the Vietnamese brand District Eight has been committed to a unique design vision, forging collaborations with internationally acclaimed designers. These partnerships have led to the creation of collections that reflect both global trends and distinct aesthetic. 'District Eight's collaborations with international designers continually replenish new perspectives into Asian designs, opening dialogues to unique interpretations,' Darren Chew, Creative Director of the brand, says. We interview Darren to learn more about the brand and its recent participation in Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Darren Chew, Creative Director of District Eight.
Could you tell us about the history of the brand?
'Established in 2010 in Sài Gòn, District Eight is a design brand realising contemporary perspectives across a multidisciplinary practice. Its name connects to one of Sài Gòn's vibrant 24 districts, Vietnam's cross-section of global outlooks and rich local heritage. Through distinct historical periods and the conflux of cultures, from neighbouring countries to French Indochina and the West, Sài Gòn deeply informs the continually evolving, international spirit of District Eight. Defined by an inherent sense of Asia in its designs, a journey of influences renders each piece unique and nuanced, one that is more felt than pronounced.
The rich cultures and heritage of craftsmanship in Sài Gòn resonate deeply with District Eight's innate passion for elevating crafts. This connection inspires the exploration of techniques and solutions that bring authentic ideas and premium materials to life. From the initial concept to development, from the artisan's touch to the meticulous production line, every detail is infused with intention and dedication, resulting in designs of exceptional worth and character. Beyond furniture, District Eight actively contributes to Asia's design scene, fostering creativity and collaboration to drive impactful innovation.'
In what markets is the brand active, and how are the market conditions right now?
'With a commitment to uncompromising quality, District Eight's distinctive works have propelled beyond domestic borders across markets with owned distribution in Vietnam, North America, and Europe, including opening an Italian division and dealers across Asia and the UAE, inspiring international recognition and elevating Asian designs onto a global stage.'
A look inside the District Eight factory.
You produce everything in-house. Can you tell us more about this?
'Since its inception, District Eight has been committed to a comprehensive approach that allows the brand to deliver products that truly represent its essence. By owning all processes in-house — from the initial design phase to research and development, mass production, and distribution — District Eight ensures that every piece not only embodies the brand's unique vision but also meets its rigorous quality standards.
We're dedicated to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation and strive to blend traditional artisan techniques with modern design concepts to create furniture pieces that are both timeless and functional. Our relentless pursuit of excellence drives us to push boundaries, experiment with new materials, and stay ahead of industry trends. We believe that every piece we produce tells a story of quality, creativity, and passion, and we're committed to continuing this legacy in everything we do.'
This is District Eight's second edition for Salone del Mobile, following your debut in 2023. What did you think of the fair this year?
'The fair was not just about showcasing our latest creations, but about asserting our authentic modern presence in the industry. It marked the inception of a new chapter of luxury inspirations, where we fused innovation with timeless design principles. Additionally, it provided invaluable opportunities to connect with partners, engage with customers, and learn from the insights of industry peers.'
What products were on show and how were they received?
'Jean-Marie Massaud and studioutte joined us in introducing the latest interpretations of Vietnamese contemporary design. The booth design, conceived by studioutte, mediated the dialogue between collaborators. Dark with subtle green undertones, the space reflects Vietnam's prolific use of dark wood. The moody tropical spirit, reminiscent of the country's monsoon and dry seasons, is balanced using natural materials, bamboo and wood, both backbones of traditional, rural Vietnamese architecture.'
District Eight at Salone del Mobile.
'We unveiled a selection of pieces from our core collections, a part of the brand's signature since its inception. Each piece carries a sense of intentional nuance and familiarity via a journey through several influences, one that is more felt than pronounced – from Vietnam, Asia and Europe. A feeling of Asia is inherent in District Eight. The collections include a modern interpretation of ancient Asian gates and traditional Vietnamese altars into everyday functional objects, while in others, intricate knots and traditional weaving patterns meet solid wood from the West. A new shuffleboard edition is part of an expanding games collection and the brand's sophisticated comprehension of recreation.
We received a lot of positive feedback from designers across Europe who are interested in featuring our modular wall partition in their upcoming projects. The Lodge collection was also highly admired for its blend of design and comfort, with particular praise for the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the Lounge Chairs. In addition to our designer collections, the Shuffleboard Table III and Odette Low Dining Table by D8 Studio garnered significant interest, especially for the new Dark Seared Oak finish, which was highly praised.'
What's in store for District Eight now?
'We have several exciting plans in the works following our recent participation in the Salone del Mobile in Milan involving new collections, new locations... While we can't reveal specifics just yet, rest assured that our future endeavours will leave a lasting impression on both our domestic and international friends. Stay tuned for updates!'
More information:
District Eight
www.districteight.com
Vietnam