A bed in a cornfield - that unites us all
Social media is teeming with pictures of beds in picturesque landscapes. What some deride as a copy, I see as a longing for freedom that currently unites us.
"A bed in a cornfield, that's always free", sang German pop singer Jürgen Drews in the 70s. In the title, he celebrates sleeping "between flowers and straw". He thus paints a picture of the longing for freedom in a simpler, carefree life. This subject has been realised by a number of designers in recent weeks.
Under the open sky
Numerous photos and videos on social media platforms show scenes of different sleeping situations in unusual places. Sometimes with a model and even an entire bed frame. Particularly daring photographers such as Alice Grigoriadi set up camp in water or, like Elvira Valieva, on a slope. We don't find out whether they really sleep on them. Nor do we know who first came up with the idea. What's behind this trend?
Imitation or longing for more?
The fashion show by fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus recently went viral. It took place in a wheat field, complete with a bed and 100 lucky guests. It remains to be seen whether Jacquemus was the first to come up with the idea. Since then, numerous photos have been circulating online of bloggers in similar locations, sometimes with and sometimes without a bed.
Some Instagram accounts such as "Shitbloggerpost" are dedicated to such copycats. They show how often the supposedly creative scene copies from each other. While some laugh at the "stolen" posts, the user "Terriblehumanbeing" writes: "This is dedication to the craft. Imagine how long it takes to drive to a wheat field and create content."
Even if the comment is meant ironically, there is something to it. Since I have accompanied a few photo shoots as a stylist, I know how much effort goes into such pictures. You need a suitable location, the perfect light and arrangement as well as a well-rehearsed team. In the example of the Jacquemus fashion show, there was also a 600 metre long wooden catwalk that had to be built first.
The photos of outdoor beds are similar. Blogger Alice Grigoriadi gives an insight behind the scenes of her bed shoots: at least two people carry the mattress to unusual locations and sometimes even onto rooftops. This requires preparation time, manpower, time and the necessary small change for transport.
However, it doesn't matter which of the creative minds first came up with the idea of the outdoor bed. Even the images of beds on the net, which are created using 3D rendering, are elaborate in their design. The work behind all these productions deserves applause instead of an account that makes fun of itself. After all, no one just drags a bed, complete with pillow and blanket, into a cornfield.
The longing for a sense of freedom
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been dreaming of remote places. Travelling is still restricted. That's why the subjects of places of longing and open-air beds, some of which are imaginary, are so popular. Far away from civilisation, nobody needs to be afraid of not being able to comply with the social distancing rules. However, very few people go in search of dreamy landscapes and move their bed there. Bloggers probably don't do that either. Instead, they let us share in this longing for a little freedom, the bed in Jürgen Drews' cornfield, far away from any everyday worries.
Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.