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From his If Chairs Could Talk collection: Backbone, Helping Hand and A Trapped Star. -
Yinka Ilori studied Furniture and Product Design at London Metropolitan University. -
One of six chairs Yinka designed for his A Swimming Pool of Dreams collection, showcased at London Design Festival 2016. -
If Chairs Could Talk -
If Chairs Could Talk -
If Chairs Could Talk -
If Chairs Could Talk
WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES Dan Weill, Andy Stagg, Veerle Evans
London-based designer Yinka Ilori, who specialises in upcycling vintage furniture, surrounds himself with nostalgia, colour and creativity.
The Nigerian parables that he grew up with left a lasting impression on Yinka Ilori, who we previously featured here. Using traditional African fabrics and eye-catching colours, he transforms vintage furniture into functional pieces of art.
Making use of discarded objects is integral to his work. “Sustainable design is important in the current climate, as it can enable us to all live better lives. We need to be more conscious of how we use our natural resources.”
His use of fabric is a key component in all of his designs. One fabric in particular, a hand-loomed cloth woven by the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria, has particularly influenced Yinka’s aesthetic. “I remember both my parents wearing this beautiful pink aso-oke cloth with shimmering embellishments to a family wedding,” he says. “I remember it being very luxurious. Everyone was wearing the same cloth, and I remember the whole night looking like a movie. It was magical.”
His memories of growing up, of his family and his faith are re ected in his latest collection, A Swimming Pool of Dreams. “It is a presentation of my earlier childhood memories of going to church with my parents,” he says. “One thing that stood out for me was how the congregation would go to the seaside and pray holding hands; everyone shared their problems together, no matter their colour, race or background.”
Yinka grew up and currently lives in North London, something that has become a daily creative inspiration. “London is a cultural melting pot. It is fascinating and refreshing – I mean, I could people-watch all day and be inspired to create a new collection. Being surrounded by different cultures has always been a starting point for subject matter that I discuss in my work.”
Having attended the Design Indaba Festival in March 2017, Yinka is excited about possibly collaborating with a local creative in the near future. “There is so much talent in South Africa! I would love to collaborate with a few fashion designers and furniture makers, but I can’t choose whom just yet. I will just say, watch this space.”
View more of Yinka’s work at yinkailori.com.
