Think Black Lines by Nendo was originally conceived for an exhibition (curated by Phillips de Pury and Company) at the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2010 based on condensed expressions of meaning. Whereby the designs gently break the relationship of before and behind, and traverse at times the space between two and three dimensions. The exhibition was a series of utilitarian items, envisioned on this similar principle of lines, in particular the theme of ‘outlines’. The resulting series of coat racks, all exhibited as minor transgressions of one another, were the play on two and three-dimensional principles. The slightness of these outlines I think is quite beautiful. While the practical functions of the item are still represented in the form, it is the less-ness of the outcome that is emphasized. This series of experimentation with lines, cast in black metal, is quite timeless. The structures represent the ultimate fusion of form, diverging from its original functional aesthetic.

Swedish design student Erik Hellstrom of NFNSSFS recently introduced me to his latest project, Hanger A – a minimal and efficient clothes hanger. The design itself is based on simplicity and practicality. Hellstrom also wanted the hanger to subtly blend into its surroundings whilst maintaining an elegance. Hanger A consists of basics, that is, omitting extraneous materials and decorative elements. A lot of hangers/systems take too much attention away from the function and also the clothes on display. However, this does not mean that the design aesthetic of a simple hanger is not important, and so I worked on not “overdoing” it. The hanger is handmade, comprised of Swedish pine measuring 2x3x80 cm, painted in white egg-tempura and is suspended from white linen string. A larger version of Hanger A has also been designed in black and measures 2x3x125 cm.

Sarah Böttger, a Wiesbaden born industrial designer is fascinated by simple and easy things which are thus out of the ordinary. Her most recent design is the multifunctional wardrobe Skale. Comprised of coated metal and measuring 85cm x 155cm, Böttger describes the design: Skale can be what you make of it – a wardrobe, side table, shoe shelf or simply to display your favourite outfit. Its form is based on a collage of one original shape that has been multiplied, scaled and nested into one another. All shapes are connected to each other and thus form a stable structure. The result is a harmonious acting helper for those who like order. Although this design may not be for everyone’s everyday storage, I really enjoy the use of a single shape throughout the design.

Austrian designer Klemens Schillinger, currently based in London, has produced Oneline – a lightweight clothes rail with beautiful simplicity. Oneline consists of only a single component – a mild steel tube. With four simple bends, the tube becomes a structurally stable yet lightweight object. The design considered the maximum available standard length mild steel tubing (6 metres) in order to produce a clothes rail that leaves no offcuts and requires minimal material investment. I always enjoy seeing minimalist wardrobes and although I’ve yet to invest in one, this is certainly another I admire. Coated in white and I think I’m sold. Photography by Leonhard Hilzensauer.

In search of a minimal, lightweight yet practical wardrobe, I recently came across German furniture designer Florian Saul‘s elegant clothing rack, Servus (Latin for servant). The wardrobe, with its simple and reduced form, leans against a wall, supported by two small rubber feet. To accommodate small items such as gloves and scarves, there is a removable leather bag attached to the frame. If additional space is required, two frames can be combined. The cross-connection could subsequently provide space for conventional hangers. Although there are many similar concepts available and indeed several have previously been featured on Minimalissimo, Servus, I feel, would serve me well.

Milan based contemporary design manufacturer Lettera G, who work closely with a number of Italian designers, have produced this attractive and minimalist collection of animal wall-mounted clothing racks – Caccia Grossa Bianco (Big White Game). We are assured no animals were harmed in the production of this collection. The scientific nomenclature of each animal is printed in Latin on its white stainless steel face. The collection includes a horse, rabbit, parrot, deer and zebra. One for the young hearted, animal loving minimalist.

London Metropolitan University graduate Adrian Bergman has designed Poles Apart – a modular retail display system. Each unit is assembled using rubber o-rings as its only additional fastenings. The units are free from any glue and are constructed from ash and plywood. The components that comprise each unit can be customised in a variety of formations to suit a particular environment. Although questions may be raised on the stability of the rubber o-rings, the simple assembly and modulation would prove quite beneficial for retail displays.

Darmstadt based industrial design duo Marcel Kieser and Christof Spath of Kieser Spath have created a simple and intelligent clothing rail concept in Mr. T. The rail consists of two wooden T-shaped strips and a metal rod sitting between them. Featured at this year’s DMY International Design Festival in Berlin, the freestanding Mr. T is available in two different sizes, and when not in use, the item can be disassembled and quite intelligently stored flat even in moderately small closets. Simple and adaptable storage. Perfect for any small space. I pity the fool who disagrees. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Bench Rack is a great answer by Vik & Fougere to the lack of closet and storage space in the average apartment. It will make its debut at the IDS Prototype Exhibit in Toronto next week. Bench Rack is made of powder coated steel tube and a single piece of solid elm. Elm gives the product an interesting finish and a warm feeling. Visually, the continuation of the leg into the hanging bar makes the design very clean without anything unnecessary.

South Korean designer Ramei Keum created Axis, a stand hanger made in stainless steel. Interestingly, the side of the frame mimics the shape of the hangers. As a result, it allows you to hang your coat on the frame just as good as on the hangers it supports. How smart! Axis is still a prototype, looking for a manufacturer.