A Cocoon for Newborns: Oszkar Vagi's Award-Winning Design

Little Nest: A Cradle Inspired by Nature's Simplicity and Protection

Embracing the simplicity and protection of a silkworm's cocoon, designer Oszkar Vagi has created a unique cradle, 'Little Nest', that offers babies a gentle and natural resting place. This innovative design, which won the Golden A' Baby, Kids and Children's Products Design Award in 2018, combines traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to create a product that is not only functional but also a work of art.

Little Nest is a baby bed designed to mimic the protective shell of a silkworm's cocoon. Shaped out of a single piece of wool felt, the cradle wraps around the baby, providing a sense of safety and comfort. The cradle's design allows it to react to the baby's movements, gently swaying in response and offering a sensation similar to what the baby experienced before birth.

The use of 100% natural materials and a single-point suspension system further enhances the cradle's unique properties. The minimalist design, devoid of unnecessary details, and the use of traditional hatter techniques to shape the wool felt, contribute to the cradle's aesthetic appeal and functional effectiveness.

The production process of Little Nest is a testament to the designer's commitment to quality and sustainability. Two layers of merino wool felt are hand-worked and dried in a hot room for a day. This process is repeated for the second layer. Once the layers are stitched together by hand, leather straps are applied and fixed. The result is a product that is not only beautiful but also durable and environmentally friendly.

Little Nest's design was inspired by a comprehensive research on historical cradles and production methods. Oszkar Vagi collaborated with Master Hatter Laszlo Harsányi, who was instrumental in achieving the desired quality of the product. The design process, which took place in Budapest over a year, was a challenging yet rewarding journey of transforming a traditional Hungarian felting technique into a modern design solution.

The award-winning design of Little Nest is a testament to Oszkar Vagi's innovative approach and commitment to quality. As the designer himself notes, "The design is kept simple, timeless and beautiful just as it would be shaped by nature itself". This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the cradle, from its cocoon-like shape to its natural materials and gentle sway.

In conclusion, Little Nest is more than just a baby bed. It is a piece of art, a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of design. It is a product that not only serves a practical purpose but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space it occupies. With its unique design and high-quality materials, Little Nest is indeed a worthy winner of the prestigious Golden A' Design Award.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Oszkar Vagi
Image Credits: Photographer: Csaba Barbay
Project Team Members: Laszlo Harsányi, Master Hatter
Project Name: "little nest"
Project Client: Oszkar Vagi


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