Omi Tahara

Background

Omi Tahara (born in Kanagawa, Japan, in 1977) is a self-taught designer based in Milan. He was impressed by the profundity of modern design while completing his studies in civil engineering in Japan, and soon afterwards began his own design work.

Career and awards

In 2002 he was awarded a special prize by the French design magazine INTRAMUROS. In 2003 he moved to Milan to collaborate with the Milan-based designer Kazuhiko Tomita, who is closely connected with Vico Magistretti, and he formed the basis of his design abilities through that collaboration. He then worked with the Italian designer Francesco Rota. In 2011 he set up his own practice in Milan, focusing on product design and creative direction for various clients. His awards include the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award.

Signature Style

His work is focused on shapes, materials, functionalities, eras, universalities and culture, and the dialogue with the manufacturers is also important to it.

Notable Works

For De Padova he designed the outdoor collection Afternoons (2024) and Softnoons, as well as the Blendy range, including Blendy Slowtime, Blendy Lounge, Blendy Movie and Tiny Blendy.