Ini Archibong’s Pasadena Finds Are as Eclectic and Varied as the City Itself

According to the designer, you must visit a classical Chinese garden and pick up some grill tools for the discerning sneakerhead.

Ini Archibong’s Pasadena Finds Are as Eclectic and Varied as the City Itself

According to the designer, you must visit a classical Chinese garden and pick up some grill tools for the discerning sneakerhead.

Before moving to Switzerland, designer Ini Archibong grew up in suburban Pasadena, California. "One of the biggest influences was being able to be out in its peaceful streets,"he says. "It hasn’t changed that much since I left ten years ago." With a studio in Neuchâtel, the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry, the designer enjoys a bucolic setting while still having access to major urban centers. The setup reminds him of home—Pasadena, he says, isn’t all that different.

Ini Archibong is a designer from suburban Pasadena, California and currently lives in Switzerland.

Ini Archibong is a designer from suburban Pasadena, California and currently lives in Switzerland. 

Photo by Uzo Oleh

This tray was designed by my friend Frederick McSwain, and it was made by a company called Neal Feay, based in Santa Barbara and run by another friend of mine, Alex Rasmussen. His team has a way of beautifully capturing colors and textures. I always try to visit them when back in the area.

"This tray was designed by my friend Frederick McSwain, and it was made by a company called Neal Feay, based in Santa Barbara and run by another friend of mine, Alex Rasmussen. His team has a way of beautifully capturing colors and textures. I always try to visit them when back in the area."

Courtesy of Frederick McSwain

I love visiting Giant Robot’s store and gallery when I’m in town. This Totoro plush toy is for my daughter. She has a collection of them from every city I visit.

"I love visiting Giant Robot’s store and gallery when I’m in town. This Totoro plush toy is for my daughter. She has a collection of them from every city I visit."

Courtesy of Giant Robot

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