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 school, I co-founded the Re-Do design studio with Tristan Kopp. In 2012, right at the 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. That 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 though 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 among our inspirations. Among my greatest references are 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: a spur-of-the-moment idea or a long-held one?
The creation of the FILO was relatively quick. We had few prototypes compared to our other products, such as the Tobo high chair. The idea of a bookshelf had been on our minds for a long time... This is often how things unfold at Charlie Crane: a long period of reflection and theoretical design that then allows us to move quickly through the design process once the idea has taken shape.
What challenges did you encounter during the design of the FILO?
As is often the case, the major challenge for us was cost management. We maintain long-term relationships with our suppliers and work in close collaboration, but the balance between quality and price is always delicate. 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 driven above all by discussion. Within the team, and with Thomas. He always has a very good intuition for the market, which is crucial in the process. Exchanges are numerous, sometimes passionate, but our main goal is always to create pieces that parents will love. Pieces that will be 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 bookshelf and let us know what you think on Instagram!
