oursociety: a Brand Focused on Cultivating a Community

It has been quite some time since I have been captivated by a unique and intriguing furniture brand like oursociety. However, let us pause and explore the brand’s story from its beginnings.

I have been closely monitoring the designer duo Leclercq Viallet on Instagram after discovering their work at the “Slanted/Enchanted” exhibition. The event was organized by Jamie Wolfond, who was previously featured in an article on DesignWanted, and held at the Eric Stump Projects gallery. A particular piece that stood out to me was their Gardener’s Chair, a remarkable design crafted with an irrigation tube that left a lasting impact.

The co-founders of our community are Peter Seisbøll and Emil Hansen.

In more recent times, I observed their introduction of a new seating designed for a brand known as oursociety. This particular chair, appropriately titled the Dots Chair, is a raw and simplistic work of art, boldly featuring exposed screws.

The finding of this discovery filled me with excitement. It was refreshing to see a brand that was not afraid to incorporate the utilitarian look of screws. Curious to know more, I decided to explore the brand’s website and was immediately captivated by its modern and nature-inspired designs. However, there was not much information available about this newly established brand on the internet. In order to gain a deeper insight into the story behind oursociety, I organized a meeting with its creators to gain a better understanding.

The Dots chair, created by Camille Viallet and Theo Leclercq for oursociety, is a unique piece of furniture.

Peter Seisbøll and Emil Hansen, the co-founders of oursociety, originate from the western region of Denmark. They launched their venture at Maison & Objet in 2022, introducing it to the global market. Peter has a fashion background, while Emil specializes in innovation and entrepreneurship in the furniture design industry. After extensively exploring the design field, they established this brand with the aim of making a significant impact on society.

The clarity of their perspective greatly impressed me – one that goes beyond just creating furniture and instead includes a larger goal. Their aim is to build a real community, a supportive environment for up-and-coming designers. The individuals assisting Emil and Peter include Kasper Kyster, Studio Œ, and LeclercViallet.

The Table and Stools and Tribute Lamp Stainless Steel, designed by Kasper Kyster for oursociety, have been re-imagined and improved.

At this location, people gather, communicate, and acquire knowledge. It is a fertile environment where skills are recognized and properly acknowledged. This is in direct opposition to previous business owners who may only prioritize monetary success without a greater purpose. In our community, you will discover a deeper purpose, similar to the Japanese culture, with a long-term plan of 500 years.

Witnessing the empathy and innovation of brands that have a strong visionary stance is truly remarkable.

In today’s environment, the design sector grapples with a widespread uniformity in procedures, both in the development of products and in communication. Design instructions are sent to designers along with example images that outline the direction of the market, often with a time lag of several years, resulting in designs that seem overly familiar.

Kasper Kyster designed the RE-WORK bench for oursociety.

The uniformity of their communication strategy is apparent. If you were to switch an image from one catalog to another, it would be difficult to notice the difference. This approach is not necessarily flawed, but rather a reflection of the current state of the market. It is disappointing to see companies, which should be leading the way in innovation, choosing to standardize the term “design” that was once a symbol of innovation.

Although following a well-trodden path may seem simpler, the people driving our society have opted to carve out a new route in the realm of design. Their team of creators embodies boldness, youthfulness, skill, and a hint of nonconformity.

Kasper Kyster designed the RE-WORK stool for oursociety.

The key is to shift our viewpoint on the market and the design environment.

It can be difficult to break away from conventional ideas and styles when the majority of what you see in your industry are companies featured in expos and publications. This can hinder your ability to view the world from a unique perspective and reach new heights. This is why having a diverse mix of backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures can lead to the creation of something innovative and intriguing.

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