'Divine Decadence' by Richard Yasmine exudes opulence and provocation at 5VIE

Lebanese interior architect and product designer Richard Yasmine is presenting Divine Decadence at the upcoming Milan Design Week 2025, an art de la table collection that explores themes of opulence, sensuality and playful provocation. The series, set to debut as part of the 5VIE production at Via Olona 4 – Le Cavallerizze in Milan, Italy, during the design festival from April 7 - 13, 2025, comprises vases, vessels, reversible bowls and candleholders, each sculpted into voluptuous forms from marble. Some pieces are adorned with stainless steel spikes, while others remain unembellished, but an air of luxurious allure marks all. Nestled within the spikes are delicate, handcrafted jasmine flowers, blooming in double silk organza—a symbol of glory.

"A poetic and emotionally charged take on art de la table," as Yasmine notes, each product design from Divine Decadence is crafted with a detachable sculpted mother-of-pearl rod that slides discreetly into the form. Together, these elements evoke 'the fruit of sin', "an ode to temptation", as the project's press release states. While exuding elegance and refinement, the rods contain a daring twist, subtly reminiscent of intimate objects, merging functionality with eroticism in a bold celebration of desire.

At the design event, the collection aims to provoke thought and ignite conversation, blurring the lines between art and fetish. Rooted in the theme of enlightenment, it uncovers the shadows of human longing and taboo, giving voice to what is often hidden and fostering a dialogue about personal expression with a subtle nod to the forbidden.

"This bold and decadent body of work celebrates the tension between softness and rigidity, intimacy and audacity. It was brought to life in close collaboration with six extraordinary Lebanese artisans, including a remarkable female artisan who meticulously crafted the silk florals," shares the creative based in Beirut, Lebanon.

"Through Divine Decadence, the contrast between the timeless purity of marble, the shimmering allure of mother-of-pearl, the aggressive presence of spikes, the sensual fragility of jasmine and the nostalgic intimacy of crochet invites viewers to experience a visual tension intertwined with tactile audacity. The collection flows effortlessly from a poetic sensibility toward a more dramatic, fetish-infused expression. It encourages a revelling in the unexpected, a search for splendour in the unconventional and an embrace of the divine within the decadent, ultimately celebrating the bold, the daring and the enlightened," as the press release mentions.

Keep up with STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2025, where we spotlight the most compelling exhibitions, presentations and installations from top studios, designers and brands. Dive into the highlights of Euroluce 2025 and explore all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5Vie, Brera, Isola, Durini and beyond—alongside the faceted programme of Salone del Mobile.Milano this year.