I’ve been admiring the creativity of Dima Loginoff’s furniture, photography, and interior design for a minute now. In magazines, and on the web—you don’t have to look too far to find things. Editors love him—especially the furniture. It probably has something to do with the fact that there’s a particular message or cohesive theme in what Dima creates. It’s wrapped in uniqueness—and producers are starting to take notice. Furniture, interior design, and photography are all in the mix.
To be published in the world’s best magazines and books, you just need to develop a good design. But to draw the attention of producers, a miracle is sometimes necessary.
—Dima Loginoff
What’s it like being Dima…the day-to-day stuff?
You know, that’s funny—I had so many interviews in my life, but I guess I had never been asked such simple questions about my real everyday life. That’s funny! Actually, I have the absolutely same lifestyle as many, many other people around me. I prefer not to think about questions of fame, how many people know about me—it’s not my way of life. I am trying to be a private, simple person without any exceptions. For example, I don’t like being a part of any TV shows or any celebrity parties—it seems really boring to me. What turns me on? Hmmmmm…many things: love, music, the sound of the city; I love it when people on the street are smiling, so as I said, very simple things. I don’t like ignorance, cheaters, and corruption.
My typical day: get up around 9-10 am. Espresso. Computer. Emails. News. Walk with my dog. Other parts of the day I could spend designing something or in meetings or searching for some design news on the net. Sometimes I don’t have breakfast or lunch; I just could forget about it while designing. I like to cook, actually. And I love to cook something for my friends, watch movies together, talk about anything new, etc. I’m not a big fan of alcohol; I may surprise you that I have never drank vodka in my 33 years. (And yeah, I am real Russian.)
Music is one of the most essential parts of my life. I guess music is the most magical thing in the universe! Anyway, I don’t know anything that could touch my soul as much as music. It could be different for me. Jazz. Classical. Operas. Alternative. My favorite for many, many years is singer Tori Amos.
My house is usually clean because I’ve noticed I can design much better if everything is beautiful around me! But sometimes it’s not as clean and beautiful as it should be. I don’t have a lot of free time. Because “designer” is not my job—it’s the way of life. But I like to travel and explore new places. In the summer, I often go out of town for the weekend, so I’m not doing anything except eating and reading!
I never planned to design furniture. It all has happened casually and quite unexpectedly. Even though I used to work as a hairdresser stylist, interiors were my greatest hobby in life. But there was no place to study at that time in Russia. As soon as I understood that I could receive a good interior education, I started to study interior design. As to the furniture design, I have thought up a pair of objects for a local competition, which received first place. Then the internet blogs enthusiastically accepted my objects. After that, my designs got into magazines and books.
What made you go from being a hairstylist to designing furniture?
Of all the work you’ve created, or at least the ones showcased on your website, can you name a couple that you have a special love for or connection to?
In general, I love the most ironic works, for example, Psyche Lounge or Male Lamp.
Do you remember what you were doing/where you were when the idea for those two pieces came to mind?
Nothing special. You know, sometimes you’re just sitting and drawing something in a sketchbook without any reason and suddenly in your head comes very strange, funny or beautiful shapes and ideas. That’s how those two objects were designed. I wasn’t sure concerning Male Lamp, actually. After rendering, I realized that it was “too much” for me. But all my friends insist that this is my best! And I should show it to the world! I am not sure about “the best,” but “the funniest” is for sure.
I work at home by myself and do not need any help now. You see, all I do is always conceptual design—that is almost pure art. In such a process, other people will disturb only. It is unnecessary to have a studio or a command to think up any object. It’s enough to understand what you want and have a computer. And yes, I forgot the coffee machine as well.
Do you discuss or exchange ideas with other designers?
Never.
The world is already full of stuff; why do you make/design more?
Well, the same question can be asked of Steve Jobs. Why does the world need so many new products from Apple? The market demands new products and new inspirations. But again, I’m not in the market that strong. Initially, I invented the idea simply because it arose in my head. It’s like the energy output. You will not ask the photographer why he shoots photos if there are so many pictures in the world.
If to speak seriously, the furniture companies (mainly middle class) have a significant shortage of original ideas. Their problem is that they do not know how to search effectively for young designers and new ideas. Despite the designer’s segment, often very conservative people are working there. At the Milan Salone, producers came to me and said: ‘What a pity that another company will make this lamp. We also would be happy to produce them.’ But the irony is that two years ago, all of them have already received emails from me with the concept of this exact lamp. To be published in the world’s best magazines and books, you just need to develop a good design. But to draw the attention of producers, a miracle is sometimes necessary.
Did something miraculous happen to you? How did you get your first idea produced?
They found me. It’s not hard to find my concepts on the internet or in magazines now.
If you were starting out now, would you do anything differently?
Absolutely nothing!
What designers/artists do you look at and think, “Damn…I love that.”
I really like the philosophy of Ross Lovegrove, the concepts of Ron Arad, design of Philippe Starck. Same with a lot of designers… I find things in common with almost everyone!
What’re you working on right now?
I have a lot of speeches this month, mostly for the students. Besides, the summer came to Moscow at last… I walk a lot in the city. As for the design, I’m negotiating with several companies to create various collections, including in the field of sanitary. This is a new area for me.
Sanitary project? Do tell…
It’s a secret, a collaboration with this huge and famous company, and we’re just in the beginning. But I hope I can show you the first results of our work this fall.
How are you spending your free time lately?
Like all ordinary people! I love to watch movies and invite friends over to walk and travel. But most of my spare time I think of design, even when I sleep!
Have any of your pieces been inspired by one of your dreams?
Right now, I am designing a new conceptual thing. I had a dream about it. It’s a horror object, but at the same time, it’s very funny. But the design is not finished yet. It doesn’t mean that I have horror dreams… most probably amusing.
What is your ultimate career dream?
Not to be disappointed by what I do once.
Are you living the dream so far?
Well, I am not disappointed yet!
All right, last question: I’m curious what your favorite toy was as a child, and when/why did you stop playing with it?
You are a very smart interviewer! I was a black sheep being a child. Mostly I didn’t have any friends, I didn’t like school, and I didn’t play with others. My favorite play was “creating a shop brand” at home. I love to create shops, exclusive goods for it, unique designer interiors, signboards, etc. I loved to cut, glue, sew, and make compositions with all that stuff. The funniest thing is that it seems I didn’t stop playing this game yet.
We hope you never do…
Thank you! I love the excellent, smart questions!
