REthinkthings
Launches the long awaited Flo Standing and Walking aid designed alongside
Philippe Starck on BBC Design for Life
2012
will see major changes for REthinkthings LTD. A design led product brand based
in Liverpool founded and Directed by designer Ilsa Parry. In just under 3 years
Ilsa has been on a mission to bring new and exciting everyday products to
market and this year they launch the much celebrated “Flo” standing and walking
aid, designed by Ilsa under the tutelage of world renowned designer Philippe
Starck.
The
Flo product is a change in direction for REthinkthings who have become known
for quirky and inventive home accessories and giftware. In just over a year
they have worked with over 25 retailers to distribute their new and exciting
designs though 8 international trade shows and have proved to offer meaningful
and quality creative products with a twist.
This
year as they enter the independent living market, the launch item “Flo” represents
the same human led thinking as it strives to offer an alternative tool for
transfer and mobility that is multifunctional, super strong, lightweight,
elegant and funky all at the same time. The product has an innovative USP as it
wraps around the lower leg, locking it in position whilst employing upper body
strength to allow the user to lever themselves out of a chair, it can then be
used as a walking cane.
REthinkthings
MD Ilsa Parry who originally designed the product whilst being filmed for a BBC
reality documentary said:
“I
have worked on this particular product relentlessly over a three year period.
We have created over 15 prototypes and we are now patent protected. This product
is the one I am most proud of due to its simplicity and clever functionality. I
hope it proves to be valuable item for consumers which they enjoy using.”
The
Flo product moves away from traditional “medical” aesthetics in its design and
actively seeks to introduce a new visual language to the industry. The product
which was coined by Starck himself as a “Salvador Dali stick” will be launched
at Naidex
international independent living show at Birmingham NEC, stand C177A on the
1st May 2012. It will be available to both trade and consumers in 6
vibrant colours made from carbon fibre and includes an elegant and replaceable
foot bung for grip, designed exclusively for the Flo product, and a wrist
strap, both of which are available in custom colours. The product is designed
to support up to 25 stone in weight when transferring from seated to standing
and comes with a lifetime guarantee on functionality. Currently available for just
£299rrp.
When
the product was first prototyped, Starck commented “It is one of the most
beautiful things I have seen in a long, long time.” Interested parties can pre
order Flo online from the REthinkthings
website or contact info@rethinkthings.co.uk
