SERAX

Rene Barba small glass hurricane vase 29cm

The name “hurricane vase” conjures up poetic images of dark stormy nights, but they come from a purely practical function: they’re modelled on the shape of a hurricane lamp, which shielded a flame from the elements by way of a tall glass cylinder. Cuban designer René Barba dreamt this one up for Belgian label Serax, and – as sleek as it looks – it’s just as rooted in utilitarianist principles as its predecessor. How? Well, it can be a vase for flowers, a candlestick, or a tealight holder (simply turn it upside down).