FILO: the new must-have bookshelf by Charlie Crane
Our team is proud to introduce our latest addition: the Filo bookshelf. You asked for it, we made it! To decorate your children's room in the Charlie Crane style, a bookshelf was missing… and now it exists. Behind all our furniture is our designer Gaspard Tiné-Berès. The man who works hand in hand with our founder Thomas Lépine answers our questions. Let's discover the behind-the-scenes of Charlie Crane together.
How did you become a designer at Charlie Crane?
Gaspard:I studied at ESAD in Reims, then at the Royal College of Art in London. After graduating, I co-founded the Re-Do design studio with Tristan Kopp. In 2012, at the very beginning of Charlie Crane, the brand became one of our first clients. After six years of collaboration, I chose to work solo while continuing to collaborate with Charlie. This collaboration evolved over time and, since 2020, I have been in charge of the design and production of Charlie Crane products.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I am rather classic, even if I keep an eye on trends! Thomas, the founder of Charlie Crane, and I share a deep admiration for iconic figures. Jacques Hitier, a French designer who created a great deal of children's furniture from the 1950s to the 1970s, is one of our inspirations. Among my great references, there is also Jean Prouvé, the Eames and Hans Wegner. Among contemporary designers, I have great respect for the work of Jasper Morrison and Naoto Fukasawa. The innovation and creativity of these designers influence my work every day.
The FILO: was it a spur-of-the-moment idea or something you'd been thinking about for a long time?
The creation of the FILO was relatively quick. We had very few prototypes compared to our other products, such as the Tobo high chair. The idea of a bookcase had been on our minds for a long time… That is often how things go at Charlie Crane: a long period of reflection and theoretical design work that then allows us to move quickly through the design process once the idea has taken shape.
What challenges did you face when designing the FILO?
As is often the case, the main challenge for us was cost control. We maintain long-term relationships with our suppliers and work in close collaboration with them, but striking the right balance between quality and price is always a delicate matter. We had to find clever solutions to keep the FILO affordable. We are all very pleased with the final result.
How do you select the next Charlie Crane pieces?
Gaspard: Our creative process is built first and foremost on discussion. Within the team, and with Thomas. He always has a very good feel for the market, which is crucial in the process. Exchanges are many, sometimes passionate, but our main objective is always to create pieces that parents will love. Pieces that will be genuinely useful to them, rather than following trends. Authenticity and our personal satisfaction are very important to us. That is what guides our choices, beyond competitive pressures.
Thank you to Gaspard. Discover our Filo bookcase and let us know what you think on Instagram!
