About Parsha Gerayesh
Based in London, Parsha Gerayesh holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the University of Westminster. Working in various practices from Savile Row to high street design studios developed Parsha’s interests in construction and manufacturing techniques. This led to pre-occupations with developing ways of appropriating techniques between disciplines and eventually to an MA in Design Products from the Royal College of Art. Parsha’s body of work relies on a multidisciplinary approach to an object’s structure and medium. As such, the focus of his work is in challenging the processes of manufacture through design, creating new directions for textiles, furniture and objects.
How do you measure the success of a product design?
For me it comes down to the interaction a person has with an object. Whether it is functional or more artistic, the success of that interaction justifies the work. The first time people try on Mono they usually have some reservation due to their perception of the material or the overall construction, but once they realize how comfortable and forgiving the glasses are, they react positively. For me, this type of interaction is the success of the product. I also think the success of products today comes down to a respect for the material and manufacture, using the appropriate techniques to maintain the integrity of the initial design.
Why did you design this piece in particular? Does it fill a lack?
I designed Mono because I've been wearing glasses since I was a teenager and a traditional
pair of glasses is comprised of many components which are constantly at risk of
breaking or being lost and damaged. As a result, I wanted to make a robust desirable pair of glasses made from one single component.
My practice focuses on applying existing industrial techniques to different projects and purposes: the frames were made by a company who specializes in manufacturing springs for the automotive industry. Together, we were able to adapt their technology to make the manufacture of the frames possible.
What do you think makes a good design? What is the best designed product you've seen?
I think a good design is the right material processed in the right way, keeping in mind the integrity of a product all the way through the design and fabrication process. It would be too difficult to name a single best designed product but I love the APOC collection by Issey Miyake.