Rafinesse & Tristesse: repurposing with community impact.

Article written by Chauncey Zalkin - founder of What Women Make

Of all the repurposed items form the now common whimsical light fixtures made out of unexpected objects to innovative recycled newspaper pulp, one of my very favorite items are the Rafinesse & Tristesse use of discarded olive oil canisters from around the world. For me, A hefty and vibrantly decorated olive oil canister evokes garlic simmering in a pool of rich virgin olive oil or a tawny light oil snaking around fresh tomato sauce or pan fired shrimp, or sauteed vegetables crackling in the head - a sensorial, rich daily life of cooking, good food, abundance and warmth.



Designers Karim Egger and Petra Schultz have been making these lively household design items as a duo since 2005 and throughout the cycle of the products, they are giving back to the community. First of course, the products have had a previous function. Then they are manufactured in Switzerland and Germany in partnership with two social projects: one of these social projects if Trivia which employs addicts trying to make a fresh start in Bern and USE which is working starting for handicapped person in Berlin.



To learn more about their impact in the community, visit them at Rafinesse & Tristesse.

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Chauncey Zalkin is a writer, brand strategist, ethnographer and curator. To learn more visit us at www.showloveworld.com if you need someone who respects and appreciates your story. Visit www.whatwomenmake.com to find the best female-made art, industrial and graphic design as well as innovation led by women.