IKEA Turns to Regional Makers and Artisans for a Handcrafted Summer Collection
The new LOKALT line of housewares features expressive designs from Jordan, Thailand, and India.
The new LOKALT line of housewares features expressive designs from Jordan, Thailand, and India.
This summer, IKEA is launching a vibrant new collection of handmade textiles and ceramics designed, inspired, and produced by regional artisans. Titled LOKALT, which translates to locally, the collection "will be a modern take on traditional handicraft," says Maria O’Brian, a creative leader at IKEA’s design headquarters.
Named after the Swedish word for locally, LOKALT puts a modern spin on traditional handicrafts while creating better opportunities for vulnerable communities in Jordan, Thailand, and India.
Courtesy of IKEA
Although IKEA is known globally for its subdued, factory-produced minimalism, the new collection adds to the company’s growing repertoire of handmade crafts that appear downright lively. "The collection is full of quirky details: ceramics with a tribute to a Thai way to serve food; home textiles with glimpses of everyday life in Amman; and shapes inspired by the Indian heritage," says O’Brian.
To bring the collection to life, IKEA brought on four young designers: Amman-based Tania Haddad; Ploypan Theerachai and Decha Archjananun from Bangkok; and Akanksha Deo of Delhi. The designers collaborated with social entrepreneur organizations in each region to create job opportunities for members of vulnerable groups who are skilled in handicrafts. For LOKALT, they teamed up to produce tufted cushion covers, rugs, ceramic bowls, and woven baskets.
The ceramics, produced in Thailand, are made of locally sourced clay, and are inspired by the Thai tradition of serving food with two hands.
Courtesy of IKEA
This LOKALT serving plate was produced by makers hired by Doi Tung DP in Northern Thailand.
Courtesy of IKEA
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