THETo the specialty of Laila Gohar, he wrote the New YorkerIt is to offer “both snacks and shows”. In the fabulous refreshments that organizes for the world of fashion, from Prada to Hermès, there are salary cakesmountains of five thousand marshmallow, sponge cake chairs and many other exquisite surprises.
Together with his sister Nadia he created the home accessories brand Gohar Worldand every now and then it also draws for others: tablecloths, pots, dishes, a table inspired by the Egyptian dovesses, This year a collection of bed linen with Marimekko. He presents it at the Litta Theater in Milan with the installation What we do in Bedwhat do we do in bed.
Here are five things that Laila Gohar told us about her
He is a convinced New Yorker
«To bring me to New York was a combination of curiosities, opportunities and desire to creatively explore beyond the boundaries of my education. I grew up in Egypt, where I was immersed in a world full of tradition, crafts and culinary heritage, but it has always attracted me the idea of merged those roots with a different perspective. When you are young, willing and curious, New York is a fantastic place to stay ».
Laila Gohar. From 7 to 13 April Gohar presents with Marimekko the installation “What We do in Bed” in the Foyer of the Litta Theater in Milan, and a capsule collection of pajamas and bed linen. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
Play with food
“I started my study because I wanted a space in which all my worlds could intersect, where food was not only something you eat but an experience. The idea was to blend the boundaries between culinary art and design, creating pieces and experiences that were beautiful and personal. The first times were all focused on experimentation: I organized intimate dinners in which food, dishes and general atmosphere were part of a single vision. From there, I started collaborating with small artisans, to understand how traditional techniques could be reinterpreted in a modern context. It was a gradual process of building a community around my work “.
The edible “cake chair” created for
an exhibition
From Sotheby’s.
He loves fashion
«Fashion shares many parallels with my work: attention to detail, the celebration of materials, the narrative behind every creation. The entourage of fashion – the fashion shows, the ateliers, the manufacture – remind me of a beautifully set table or a meticulously prepared dish. It is a matter of creating an experience that persists, that you tell a story and that invites people to a world made with care. There is something magical in this, and continually feeds my creative path ».
He hates the word “catering”
«I think the image you evoke in the minds of people is that of boring ham sandwiches. For me a memorable experience, whether it is food, fashion or anything else, is the one that makes you feel alive. Something that delights, excites, invites you to dream. “
For the preview of a line of glasses of lobmeyr, Laila invented a set of sugar.
She likes to sleep
«My desire is to create objects that are functional but also poetic, blending the boundaries between design, art and daily life. The for Marimekko collection has extended this philosophy to a more intimate space, the bedroom. It concerns comfort, consistency and creation of a space that looks personal and cared for. The fabrics, the shapes, the stratification of the materials, everything connects to the idea of making daily experiences richer and more significant. Personally, I spend a lot of time in bed, sleeping yes, but also on the phone, playing with my son, eating (even if I shouldn’t), speaking with friends, dreaming of both a wake up and asleep. So design sheets and pajamas came to me natural ».
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