As you may or may not know I am a tad obsessed with bold prints, and my current pattern-of-choice is waxed African fabrics (as mentioned in my previous post https://stylitz.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/a-riot-of-colour/). Following last month’s medley of international fashion shows it appears there is no abating the current trend for bold prints, with the SS14 shows illuminating the catwalk with a plethora of vivid colours. Today’s post however is of a more homely nature, with a focus on interiors rather than attire.
Last month I styled a streetstyle campaign for Gap and was delighted to meet a number of creative and inspiring people who were used in the ads. Each were selected for their own personal style and coaxed into Gap jeans in a ‘How do you wear yours?’ type shoot. One such person was the lovely Yinka Ilori, a talented furniture up-cycler who customises old chairs and tables using stunning African fabrics. A graduate from London Metropolitan University, Yinka hails from North London yet his use of colour and quirky twists on furniture are definitely inspired by warmer climes.
Some of his delightful customised pieces
Yinka exhibits at shows both in London and internationally, including the prestigious Milan Design Week. A solo exhibition of his work can currently be seen at The Old Shoreditch Station on Kingsland Road, in collaboration with Look, Like, Love. Entitled ‘It Started with a Parable’ he uses stories from his childhood and traditional Nigerian parables as an influence for his designs. He also holds regular workshops for Jaguar Shoes Collaboration teaching others how to breathe new life into old unloved furniture.
Yinka inspiring others to up-cycle
Working to order from his East London studio Yinka is available for commissions, so why not be brave this autumn and bring some colour to your home with one of his unique stools or tables. Guaranteed not to be available in Ikea.
‘It started with a Parable’ runs from 13th September – 24th November at The Old Shoreditch Station, 1 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA. www.oldshoreditch.com; www.looklikelove.co.uk; www.jaguarshoes.com
Check out Yinka’s work and more at www.yinkailori.com
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