Who is she?
Juliette Mutzke-Felippelli is the co-founder and designer of the Los Angeles-based studio Joogii. She and her husband founded the company in 2015 to create objects and art to cultivate a vibrant environment. Since founding the company, they’ve created a mixture of products ranging from furniture to wrist watches and have more items to debut later this year.
Tell us about some of your works, and name the one you are most proud of.
One of my favorite projects so far has been the French Touch art chair that I designed and manufactured for Joogii. It was inspired by 90s French house music, and how artists like Daft Punk, Cassius and Etienne de Crecy created the distinct music from that era. We utilized a dichroic film on clear acrylic to create a prismatic effect that would change colors depending on the light and angle. We even made a mixtape so that people could experience the project on a second sensory level. The project was a personal expression based of my time spent DJing with my husband and Joogii co-founder Diogo Felipelli, so it really brings me a lot of joy when I think about the design process from beginning to end. We were incredibly proud to be named as an honoree by Interior Design Magazine as an Emerging Talent during New York Design Week for the project.
Are you currently involved with any project?
I’m currently working on the French Touch collection inspired by the chair that will include new furniture and accessories. I also just wrapped up an art project called Casualties. It’s a two-part neon art series inspired my our communication culture that is accompanied by vignettes with real texts to illustrate the concept. Neon art has always been an interest of mine and it was amazing to learn about its early beginnings in Paris and how its popularity boomed in the mid-century. It’s a beautiful hand-made art form and I love to see other artists working in the medium.
Describe your design style.
I like pieces that are radical — objects that have thoughtful concepts or that try to push boundaries. I am always inspired by the works of designers and artists like Corbusier, Olafur Elliasson and Picasso.
Where are you most creative?
It might sound strange, but I think I feel most creative when I’m driving on the Los Angeles freeways. When I’m driving, there is a nice balance of focus and having my mind wander while in motion. I always keep a pen and pad available (digital or otherwise) to write down my thoughts.
What does your home mean to you?
My home is my happy place that I like to fill with my passions and creations. Right now it’s filled with dichroic furniture prototypes and my neon art so it’s always a conversation starter.
What do you collect?
I love to collect books, mostly about art and design. Next on my wishlist is Assouline’s “Fendi Roma.”
Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?
Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?
I’d love to check out M50 and see the beautiful art deco architecture by Laszlo Hudec.
What will be the next big design trend?
I think we are seeing a lot of designers experiment with new materials, many of which are eco-friendly materials. During New York Design Week 2016, one of the big successes of the show was a chair made from recycled plastic that had a candy-colored translucent glow. Designers are finding ways to make very beautiful objects out of waste from different industries and I am excited to see more.