Gen Z are done with Ikea: kooky pottery and risqué ceramics from Loewe, Bottega Veneta and Henry Holland lean into the personality-driven trend for homeware that truly says ‘home’
- In a backlash against mass-produced uniformity, today’s homemakers seek unique objects that say something about their personalities – like Anissa Kermiche’s ‘butt vase’ or ‘breast friend’
- See also Laetitia Rouget’s characterful candleholders; Adrien Miller adds faces to his pieces and Alma Berrow’s dark humour has earned her fans including supermodel Kate Moss
Made from clay and hardened by heat, ceramics have always been popular in homeware. For years, this traditional art form has been used to craft classic objects like glasses and crockery, making it a great alternative for interior lovers looking for durable and eco-friendly options.
Now ceramics are in the spotlight again, thanks to a growing group of artists who are reenvisaging this time-honoured craft for a younger, cooler audience. Bold and tongue-in-cheek designs such as Anissa Kermiche’s “butt vase” (as it is often referred to by fans) are popping up on tablescapes and “shelfies” in interior design magazines, stores and influencer feeds.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in sales for decorative homeware. Our customers are looking for interesting, unique objects that complement their fashion aesthetic,” explains Libby Page, market director at Net-a-Porter.
“For example, the female form-inspired ceramic jugs and vases from Anissa Kermiche are one of the top performing products in our lifestyle category. Since their launch in late 2021, they have had multiple replenishments and sales of thousands of units,” she says.
Interestingly, Kermiche, who is a jewellery designer, never intended to create a line of ceramics. She made her first body-inspired jug for herself and it was only after years of friends and family begging her to produce more, that she launched a full-fledged line.
It’s easy to see why they were a hit. Each of her creations glorifies the curves, lumps and bumps of women (notably celebrated in her cheekily named Breast Friend vase). Their body positive aesthetic and bold look have made them a winner among homeware fans looking to make a statement.
Seattle-based Adrien Miller is another artist whose creations reimagine the human form. His full figure sculptures – some double as vases – often come with rainbow-coloured marbling for a bold look. His surrealist bowls with interior buffs are also a must-have, and include creations such as the Yin Yang lovers bowl: two faces on opposite sides, which symbolise their minds meeting in the middle as though they are in silent communication with each other.
What ties many of these designers together is the fact that their creations blur the lines between art and function as seen in the work of pastry-chef-turned-artist Alma Berrow, who started spending time in her mother’s ceramic studio during the coronavirus lockdown.