We at Wallpaper* have long championed Turkey as an emerging hub of intriguing product design. So imagine our glee when for the first time some of our favourite Turkish names united under one banner - Ilk - to show their wares at Milan.
Speaking to some of the designers about the genesis of Ilk, they all agreed that it was as much an experiment for them as a business venture. They are all keen to see if there is a coherence of concept or vision that links their work, through their shared cultural background. And seeing all products together, there does appear to be a depth of narrative that unites the designers as a reflection of their nationality: an unusual depth of narrative and simplicity of design, incorporating traditional Turkish elements into modern pieces.
Alongside Autoban, the work of Inci Mutlu caught our eye. Based in Italy since 2000, she takes as a starting point for her work the bare essentials of function then builds-up an emotional significance into each piece.
This year she designed 'Potsink' for Droog by Vitra. A series of terracotta and porcelain bathroom attachments, she explains that she wanted to use terracotta (literally meaning baked earth) as the material so that washing in the basin was like watering the earth. A second product in the series is a plant pot, also from terracotta, that sits above the sink to remind the user of the natural process of water on earth and the life it gives.
INFORMATION
Check out our Ilk gallery by clicking on the thumbnail at the bottom of the page.
Podcast:
- Website
- http://www.ilkinmilano.com
