Turkish design company Autoban was founded in 2003 by the duo Seyhan Ozdemire and Sefer Caglar in the Galata district of Istanbul. At the forefront of the burgeoning Turkish design industry, Autoban's ethos speaks for the wider qualities that are getting us excited about Turkey as the latest hub of creative talent on the global design scene. Mixing traditional elements with a contemporary injection gives their work a narrative quality with a very personal character. At this year's Salone, Autoban will unveil 'King', a 1950s inspired, wooden floor lamp, with a woodturning technique that resembles a life-size chess piece, hence the name. This will be shown under the banner of 'Ilk', a collective of contemporary Turkish designers.
What else are you presenting this year with Ilk in Milan?
We're also showing a piece called 'Bergere Armchair', which is Autoban's interpretation of the original French classic with a modernist edge.
How many years have you been attending Milan at this time either for the Salone or another event?
This will be our first time and we have a good feeling that it's the start of a long relationship with the event and the city.
What are you most looking forward to about being in Milan this year?
Ilk will have a worldwide audience in Milan, which will provide great exposure for Autoban and all the Turkish designers participating. The best thing about the Salone is that as many people as possible get a chance to view a huge variety of designs from around the world and this is the primary thing that excites us about being involved for the first time.
What are you dreading, if anything, about this year's event?
We're not dreading anything actually, we're just looking forward to introducing Turkish design to everyone who comes and sees our work.
