A light born from simplicity of form and flow
With the launch of the Nannova Collection, Malcolm Taylor Design pays homage—as with Ray and Charles Eames and our Light of Ray and Ormonde Collections—to another of mid-century modernism’s most impactful designers and collaborators: Nanna Ditzel.
Known for her sculptural furniture, especially the much-loved Hanging Egg Chair (1959) and one of our favourites the Nanny Rocking Chair (1969); Nanna’s enquiry into rattan—a radical material at the time; and her approach to form (simple, functional); Ditzel brought a unique, characterfully approachable and curvy aesthetic to post-war design. Her work blurred the boundaries between art, design, and architecture — a philosophy that resonates deeply within the MTD design ethos.
Who was Nanna Ditzel?
Born in Copenhagen in 1923, Nanna Ditzel became one of Denmark’s most celebrated designers.
A graduate of Copenhagen's School of Arts and Crafts, Nanna and her husband Jørgen Ditzel built a studio that redefined what modern furniture could be — functional, fluid, and full of life.
Her designs embraced natural curves, woven textures, and human-centred modernism — from her now-iconic Hanging Egg Chair to her silver jewellery collabs with Georg Jensen and an extensive archive of textile patterns (Sis was relaunched in 2021 for an exhibition at Denmark’s National Gallery). Ditzel believed in design where creativity and material intelligence worked in harmony.
“I have always believed that beauty lies in form, not in ornament.” — Nanna Ditzel
Design philosophy meets modern making
Nannova draws from this philosophy — through the inspiration of Nanna’s design values and aesthetics. Its elongated silhouette captures the flow and the curve—a resolution of movement. The open ribs allow light to breathe, creating an interplay of geometry and shadow that feels at once architectural and organic.
Every Nannova is designed and made in Aotearoa, using the contemporary, eco-acoustic panelling material our studio is exploring as an alignment with our product development.
From Copenhagen to Aotearoa
Nannova continues Malcolm Taylor Design’s tradition of creating New Design Classics — pieces that connect past innovation with present sustainability.
Just as Ditzel reimagined modernism through material exploration, Nannova reinterprets her sensibility through the lens of our design ethos: both functionally appealing and ecologically aware.
Discover Nannova
Explore Nannova — a celebration of form, flow, and function.
A design inspired by the past, crafted for the future.
About Malcolm Taylor Design
Malcolm Taylor Design creates New Design Classics — lighting and objects that combine sustainable materials with architectural precision and historical inspiration.
Each piece is designed and made in Aotearoa New Zealand for discerning architects.
