Milan 09: former design-director and co-founder of Established & Sons Mark Holmes launched the first collection for his new brand, Minimalux, in Milan last month.

The range includes desk items, egg cups, salt shakers and trinket boxes made of solid brass, plated in 24ct gold or silver.

Photos by Peer Lindgreen.

See all our stories from Milan 09 MIlan 2009.

Here' some more information from Holmes:

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M I N I M A L U X

MARK HOLMES TO LAUNCH MINIMALUX IN APRIL 09

Mark Holmes today announces details of the April Launch of his new design brand MINIMALUX. The former Design Director and co-founder of British furniture company Established & Sons will present the debut collection of MINIMALUX desk and tableware during the Salone del Mobile 09 – a key point in the international design calendar. The exhibition will be hosted within the beautiful interior of the Sala Verdi at the Grand Hotel et de Milan, one of the city's best examples of classic Milanese architecture, from 22-25 April 2009.

Defined as a luxury brand with a stripped-down aesthetic, MINIMALUX utilises just a few basic but effective elements as the ingredients of its operational structure and product design. It is a uniquely contrasting combination of opposites, resulting in an identity that is as rigidly formal as it is preciously adorned.

The philosophy is clearly identifiable in this first collection of products that Holmes has designed for the company, all of which effortlessly combine simple, primary, solid brass forms, together with mirror polished finishing and a premium plating of 24k Gold or Silver. The 18 variations of cubes and cylinders present wide but harmonious extremes of form and finish.

They function as items for the desk - including pen holders and paperweights; items for the table - including salt shakers and egg cups, and items for general use including a series of pots and containers. The objects themselves have a lasting practical and material value, defining their potential as modern day heirlooms and providing relevance and longevity for future generations.

The arrival of the collection in April will be complemented by the launch of a comprehensive website in May. Products will be available to supply from June with retail prices between £175-£500. An online ordering facility together with a regularly updated list of retail suppliers will all be available on www.minimalux.com.