WORDS Nastasya Tay
The briolette – an oval or pear-shaped gemstone cut with geometric facets – has had quite a history. From its roots in ancient India, it was discovered by European royals, became popular during the Victorian period and re-emerged at the heart of the Art Deco era.
The Kohler Briolette basin echoes the same reflective facets in delicately textured glass – a jewel reimagined as a functional, translucent work of art for your bathroom. Hand-spun by a small fraternity of glass artisans in a modest Wisconsin studio, the time-sensitive process leaves tiny variances – minute bubbles, gentle undulations – so each piece is unique.
The US company has come to South Africa with the opening of four showrooms – in Johannesburg, Durban, Ballito and Cape Town – bringing with it four generations of bold design and innovative bathroom luxury.
Kohler fittings from its design teams in London, Wisconsin, Shanghai, Paris and India have found their way into some of the world’s poshest hotel bathrooms, including The Savoy in London, The St. Regis New York and Westin Cape Town.
The Briolette is part of the Artist Editions series – a range inspired by cultural and artistic traditions spanning continents, and generations of artisans who have crafted many of the sculptures and vessels found in the world’s great museums. But Kohler’s offerings in Africa go beyond the artisanal. Want to wash your hands in the sink without having to turn on the tap? There’s the Sensate touchless kitchen tap. Fancy yourself a vocal talent in the shower? The Moxie showerhead has a built-in wireless speaker, so you can play your favourite tunes via Bluetooth. The innovative Kohler Karbon articulating tap – all bends and angles – won a bronze IDEA award in 2009. There’s no reason not to add some art and innovation to your morning routine.
Kohler has a wide range of products, starting from R1 200 for taps and mixers, R2 000 for basins and R3 500 for toilets. The Briolette basin retails for R16 500 (excl VAT).
For more information, visit africa.kohler.com.
