Fluid curves: Soap that soothes the senses

The Netherlands – Simple ideas are the best and most inspirational. And Dutch designer Ilse Waltjen’s soap-in-a-dish concept is decidedly more inspirational than many of the hundreds of products we have viewed this year. Called Fluid, it is a cosmetic soap line composed of bowls, dishes and gourds made of solid and liquid soap. Over time, these dissolve, merge and become one and the same.

‘The packaging becomes an integral part of the product and slowly disappears with use,’ says Waltjen. ‘The two types of soap fuse together to form a product that can be used in its entirety.’ As value becomes key to cracking consumer reserve in 2009, so too will the need to deliver wonder and awe. Waltjen achieves this in a way that makes products more comfortable and familiar as they age in our presence. This is the essence and inspiration behind styles such as Wear In.