This month, Water Street Projects is playing host to Collectible’s second-ever New York edition. Among the singular designer treasures, the Brussels-based design fair presented one particularly unconventional offering: a line by comedian-cum-designer Julio Torres. The SNL alum, creator of the acclaimed indie film Problemista as well as the series Los Espookys and Fantasmas, and newly minted playwright (his off-Broadway caper Color Theories has a run at Performance Space through Sept. 22) debuted a collaboration with furniture brand Sabai that revels in New York life. To mark the occasion, the budding interiors savant highlights a few of the other pieces on view at the fair that he couldn’t stop thinking about.
CULTURED: Describe this object. Why does it call to you?
Julio Torres: She just got out of the shower and wasn’t expecting company… Now there’s a detective at the front door. Can she convince him she had nothing to do with the fact her ex suddenly went missing?
CULTURED: Who deserves it?
Torres: No one deserves it.
CULTURED: What would this object do to transform a space?
Torres: It would… raise questions.
CULTURED: Describe this object.
Torres: A scepter for a foolish prince.
CULTURED: Where does this belong?
Torres: Wherever this prince needs to go.
CULTURED: What will it do to transform a space?
Torres: It will make it say, “I’m here and I have something to say, but I can’t remember what.”
CULTURED: Describe this object.
Torres: It’s cartoonish but menacing.
CULTURED: Who deserves it?
Torres: Ratina, Minnie Mouse’s estranged half-sister.
CULTURED: What would this object do to transform a space?
Torres: I mean, look at it.
CULTURED: Why does this object call to you?
Torres: Reminds me of a Sailor Moon character mid-transformation.
CULTURED: Where does it belong?
Torres: Actually, I think it would be welcomed in most homes. It feels like it’s elevating what’s organically happening in design. We’ve all seen the wobbly pastels take over. This is that, I think, but grown up.
CULTURED: What would this object do to transform a space?
Torres: It will make it say, “I know what I’m doing.”
CULTURED: Describe this object.
Torres: Four brothers relying on each other.
CULTURED: Where does it belong?
Torres: A place in the home that feels untethered. Its density will counteract that.
CULTURED: What would this object do to transform a space?
Torres: It will anchor it.
CULTURED: Why does this object call to you?
Torres: I can’t tell if it’s life size or for a child. The disorienting proportions are very alluring.
CULTURED: Who deserves it?
Torres: You do.
CULTURED: What would this object do to transform a space?
Torres: It will make it welcoming, unless it’s too hot or too cold.
in your life?
