Think alternative – like black-framed glasses with a tightly-wound piece of white tape for effect. For a more dated look, imagine that piece of tape to be a billowing tube sock, perfectly ruched at the ankle. Each of these images instantly came to mind at first sight of the springy Hippo chair by Mia Gammelgaard for Blå Station.

Hippo. Designed by Mia Gammelgaard for Blå Station.

Hippo is the Latest Modern, Wooden Chair by Mia Gammelgaard for Blå Station

As they put it, “Hippo is a wooden chair that has a feeling of traditional security at the same time as exuding an air of modern playfulness. The design is a balance between the playful dance of a ballerina and the stability and power of a hippopotamus.” Although Hippo may not have been the first idea that came to my mind upon viewing this chair, it was in fact a play on its thin profile that I enjoy.

The idea for the Hippo started when Mia Gammelgaard asked the folks at Blå Station if they would like to produce her contribution to the Snedkernes autumn exhibition, “White Out”. Blå Station agreed, and the chair found itself in the line up after hours of product development with the entire team on board and thrilled for its arrival. On October 29th, 2010, the lovely little Hippo was shown for the first time in Copenhagen.

In a variety of colors, including black, white, and red, the Hippo chair can be used as a desk or dining chair, displaying its great use of both contrasting colors and determined, charming lines.