Happy Friday everyone!

And here we have it, the Winter issue of DQ magazine – crisp and bright in sunny green, and waiting for you… on the shelves of your nearest DQ retailer.

You can view a condensed version of the mag online here, but if you stick with us for a quick fiver, we’ve got a few highlights to share right here… before you hit the printed pages that is.

This issue we really take it to the people, engaging with designers across the spectrum on topics of practice, profession, opportunity and achievement.

Of course you can rely on us to fish out the best and most inspring products, across the areas of lighting, furniture, finishes, fixtures and more.

One of our favourites this issue is the Natura range by Hector Serrano, a series of lights and vases made using a combination of cork and glass (above).

People (ie. you!) make up the very foundries of DQ and this issue we take some time to meet with a series of really special individuals, who each contribute to the design scene in a very unique way.

Andrew and Mark (above) are the two creative directors behind Moffitt.Moffitt., a Sydney based creative agency with a global outlook.

Moffitt.Moffitt. work across a whole range of projects, and are the creators of DEMO magazine.

Of their practice they say: “We describe our business as the place where creativity meets commerce.

“We’ll work with a business which is looking to do something with creative flair and integrity.”

Melanie Katsalidis, photo by Ben Glezer

We also stop in to speak with Melanie Katsalidis, founder of Pieces of Eight gallery.

‘Irregular shape’, acrylic sculptures by Phillip Low

We have a great admiration for Melanie, who has made it her very business to engage with creatives from all sectors – whether it’s architects, interior designers or artists.

And she works with each to expand their specific skills sets into the realm of wearable work – with varying and always beautiful results.

X&Y is a particularly colourful interactive lighting project by Flynn Talbot.

This Perth-born design currently resides in Berlin and has been quite active since 2011 kicked off.

This image, and below courtesy of snook

On a (slightly) more business-like note, we investigate the burgeoning area of Service Design, and meet with four design firms who apply their design knowledge and problem-solving skills to businesses worldwide.

Much of the aforementioned problem solving encompasses workshops, brainstorming sessions, and kooky model-making – many of which we’ve happily captured.

Brera District, Milan, Image by Sue Stubbs, courtesy of Coco Republic Design School

We’ve been around the world in 3 months and are excited to bring you back all the latest coverage from the Milan Furniture Fair, sharing interviews with some of the world’s most recognisable designers, and highlighting a series of top products and great installations.

Brunner stand, Milan Furniture Fair, Image by Sue Stubbs, courtesy of Coco Republic Design School

And of course, we always save the best ’til last with a host of hot parties – this in particular is the launch of ‘Sayl’ for Herman Miller, in Sydney.

Special guest and designer of ‘Sayl’, Yves Behar, travelled to Australia especially for the event.

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