For Murata, luxury is being able to see how things are made. Sustainability is defined by the idea of buying well once, uncompromisingly crafted heirloom pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation. Aligned with current trends–monolithic forms, natural materials, and earth tones—the collection is also a celebration of multiculturalism, bespoke design, and the craft revival movement. These refined forms reflect a comprehensive vision, aesthetic, and philosophy that Murata has cultivated over the past decade.

Recent Exhibitions

Exhibition - Malibu Console - Milan Design Week - Serafini - 2024 Milan, Italy

Show - Materia Perpetua - Galerie Philia - 2024 Los Angeles, US - Feb 27.

Art Residency - Future Relics - Galerie Philia x Shifting Vision - 2024 Florence, Italy

Show - The Etérea Collection - Milan Design Week - Marie Claire Maison - 2023 Milan, Italy

Show - Etérea Chair - Dubai Design Week - The House of Lyria - 2023 Dubai, UAE

Show - Néo-Nomadisme - Lake Como Design Festival - Galerie Philia - 2022 Como, Italy

Show - The Etérea Collection - Milan Design Week - Superstudio - 2022 Milan, Italy

2024

MALIBU

The Malibu Console in Exhibition CONNESSIONE. @serafini_com in dialogue with @galerie.philia celebrate the connection between people, nature, technology and craftsmanship. Esteemed international designers from around the world were invited to present a collectible design piece for the debut of the permanent Serafini showroom in Milan. Malibu Console by KARU for SERAFINI.

The limited-edition collection is designed in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and handcrafted in Vicenza.

2024

Seijaku 静寂

Coinciding with the fifth edition of Frieze LA, Philia is delighted to present MATERIA PERPETUA, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition in Los Angeles (USA), featuring a collection of limited-edition onyx works by ten of the gallery’s international designers.

Karu (Melanie Murata) (USA) introduces a Seijaku chair, inspired by the feeling of stillness and tranquillity Murata experienced during her time in Kyoto, Japan. The chair is a fusion of the detailing and careful craftsmanship found in Japanese joinery, paired with the imperfections of Onyx as a raw material.

Please contact shop@karu.design for pricing and availability.

2022

The Etérea Collection

Announced at the 2022 Lake Como Design Festival in dialogue with Galerie Philia. The limited-edition collection is designed in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and handcrafted in Tuscany. Photography by Styling by Rerum Studio.

Please contact shop@karu.design for pricing and availability.

DUBAI DESIGN WEEK 2023

Exhibited during Dubai Design Week in dialogue with The House of Lyria, makers of the bespoke handcrafted boucle made in Tuscany.

2022

The Etérea VESSEL Collection

Announced in dialogue with 1,000 Vases at Superstudio during Milan Design Week 2022. The limited edition collection is available exclusively by Karu and Galerie Philia. Please contact shop@karu.design for pricing and availability.