Sans Souci x Karim Rashid play with perceptions at Milan Design Week 2023

Sans Souci, leading designer and producer of glass and lighting installations, and renowned designer Karim Rashid unveiled their unique collaboration—CHIN CHIN. Launched at Milan Design Week 2023, the exquisite design was opulent and contemporary, drawing intrigue as it played with perceptions.

Designed by the prolific New York-based designer and recipient of the American Prize for Design Lifetime Achievement award, Rashid, the CHIN CHIN collection features flowing installations in golden hues. The installations are formed of crystal components shaped into different-sized golden drink glasses, each suspended from flawless glass rings and finished with gradient nanocoating. The effect is a perfect paradox—the glasses look full but they are empty, as they hang upside down but nothing spills.

“I love a noisy party filled with good wine and good food, great music and perfect lighting. Friends and loved ones gathered around a peaceful beautifully lit dining table that brings beauty and elegance as well as contemporaneity into our lives. I designed CHIN CHIN to embody all these aspects. Sans Souci makes the most beautiful and sculptural hand-crafted lighting, and I was pleased to contribute to their opus. CHIN CHIN is a lighting design that toasts to their artistry. Glass is one of my favourite materials because the possibilities are endless. It contributes to such joy and wonderment. I hope CHIN CHIN celebrates that feeling,” comments Rashid.

Adding to that, Martin Chab, the founder and CEO of Sans Souci, says, “Karim is such a respected visionary in the design industry, so we were delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with him. His design for the CHIN CHIN collection is both opulent and playful and uses the best materials and glassmaking techniques. The unique colouring of the components allowed us to showcase Sans Souci’s expert nanocoating technology, creating a golden ombre on the components. We can’t wait to show this collection at Milan Design Week and allow the industry to experience these one-of-a-kind pieces.”

The CHIN CHIN collection was displayed as part of Sans Souci’s exhibition The Harmony of Contrast at Fuorisalone 2023 at gallery Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea, Via Goito 7, Milan, from April 17 to 23, 2023. 

STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2023 showcases the best exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands, and special projects to look out for. Explore Euroluce 2023 and all the design districts—5Vie Art and Design, Brera Design District, Fuorisalone, Isola Design District, Tortona District, and Milano Design District—with us.