Paloceras Method with Mika Matikainen

The Paloceras Method
Eyewear That Remembers Your Dreams

written + interview MONICA DE LUNA

Paloceras spreads across the table as frames bloom from sketches and colors press against translucent daylight. At the center, Mika Matikainen, co-founder and creative force behind the brand, shapes eyewear that grows in his hands, each form a quiet hallucination, a new skin for identity.

The old stable turned studio gathers objects with stories—large sheets of paper, bamboo handles, a loyal Olivetti typewriter humming, sculptures from vanished journeys. Every shelf leans toward experiment, every corner pulses with possibility.

Lines gather mythic form, softening at the edges while lenses shimmer with the quiet promise of change. Mika drifts between drafts, old ideas, bursts of color, textures pulled from the edges of the seasons. Candlelight flickers next to stacked books, loose archives of obsession and plans. Pebble, Velvet Rouge VX, translucent blue, wild honey—each frame gives off a subtle current, a pulse charging the everyday.

Paloceras, named for butterflies and lost afternoons, gathers light and memory in a single gesture. The process moves at its own rhythm, tuned to curiosity and the feel of weight and absence. Limited editions drift out of the stable-studio, carried by collaborations and the slow choreography of design, always searching for a new edge, another fiction, another face. Mika’s practice fills space with resonance, objects settling in the psyche and gently nudging the face toward the unreal. Frames move past accessory, falling into ritual, calling for a new kind of gaze at the reflection in glass. Paloceras skips across language and function, alive in the space between hand and dream, echo and artifact. Eyewear dreams up its own mythology and writes new bodies, all in the flash it takes for a stranger to see themselves—shifted, for a moment, by the promise of another form.

“It’s in our DNA. We imagined something magnetic without limitations, then found ways to make it real. It’s believing in self-transformative distortion in the ordinary. If you feel it, you go for it.”

Mika Matikainen speaks with Monica de Luna
for LE MILE Offline Edition - FW 2025 Nr. 39

Monica de Luna
You design objects that sit on people’s noses and rewrite their entire sense of self in under four seconds. At what point did you realise that glasses are less about vision and more about fiction?

Mika Matikainen
Straight from the beginning, so I would say it’s in our DNA. When it comes to eyewear, it’s all just repeating the same, and to us as outlier designers it felt appalling, so we took a step back, imagined something magnetic without any physical limitations, then scratched our heads finding ways to make it physically possible. But I believe it was worth the hassle for the good of people’s excitement. I really like that you paired fiction and vision, because that’s exactly what it is: believing in magical self-transformative distortion in the ordinary. If you feel it, you go for it.

There’s something about your frames that feels allergic to branding, or drama, even allergic to anything that moves too fast. How do you keep things quiet without making them disappear?

What a question! Maybe by revisiting older drafts, ideas, and concepts quite occasionally with Alexis, my co-founder, and trying to intuitively embrace or focus on details that feel relevant after they’ve had a beauty nap in our design archives. When it comes to a physical design object like eyewear, there are some limitations (that we don’t respect) that set the table for something in which a few creative key decisions define the product. If you just nail the details, it’s not enough.

Do you believe good design should leave a mark, or is it more like perfume, something people can’t quite name but keep turning their heads for anyway?

I’m not a big fan of perfumes, even though I love the conceptual thinking behind them, so yes, definitely a perfume-like floating shadow that absorbs into your psyche when you least expect it.

“Anything that comes from within is genuine and interesting. Time is a subjective pocket of life for each person. Focus on what resonates instead of seeking validation. Resonance to the max.”

Mika Matikainen speaks with Monica de Luna
for LE MILE Offline Edition - FW 2025 Nr. 39

A Paloceras customer walks past their own reflection and forgets it’s them for a second. Is that the point?

Exactly, the whole point is about embracing the paradox of multiple realities simultaneously. I see this as a bigger societal issue when people rationalise themselves into their fact-based truth bubbles. We need imaginary spikes piercing the imaginary bubbles between individuals, thus making life less imaginary through real presence. Those spikes can and should be used also on yourself. PUFF!

Walk us through your studio, what’s always within reach? What’s broken but never thrown out? And what’s there just to remind you that not everything needs a purpose?


Recently, a journalist who visited my studio called this space a Stable Studio, since this used to be a stable for three racehorses. Now, more boringly, it’s a set of two large desks with a lot of shelf space for objects of interest, a repository for ideas. Always within reach: large sheets of paper, ink, brushes, markers, pencils, candles, books. An old, fully functional Olivetti typewriter that just inspires by its presence. A bit broken but not thrown away is a set of bamboo handles and their parts for a bag project that’s been way too long on a to-do list. Objects without purpose are small statues or sculptures from adventures; they light up something in me even though I can’t remember the origins of all of them.


People keep romanticising analog, but most of them still refresh their inbox with two fingers. What’s your relationship with being unreachable/offline?


Love it. Still waiting for the era when it’s possible to transform sensations more directly into something tangible. A small, bitter forest cherry into a frame, or the feeling of wet moss after rain under bare feet as the haptic feel for a product. When you think about it, using digital devices is basically tapping glass or plastic with your fingers for hours. Numbing. Anything else is easily more interesting as a sensory experience. Respecting offline moments alone and with friends, and always having Do Not Disturb mode on.


Do you think your glasses look better on people who don’t smile?

Whatever makes people more themselves is desirable; then it’s up to them if they feel like smiling, writing, observing, or whatever connects them more with themselves. Our dopamine systems are so entertained by external stimuli that we should wear eyewear with mirrors on the inside of lenses to highlight what’s in there. Not AR but AS—as in augmented self.

How do you feel about people calling things “timeless”? It usually sounds like something you say when you’re afraid of death or passing trends. What do you call it instead?

If one is after trends then it’s acceptable to be afraid of death. Anything that comes from within is more genuine and interesting and “timeless”. What is timeless, or time, is a different thing. It’s a subjective pocket of life on each person’s own timeline and means something different for each individual. Briefly, our time is limited so why settle for something ordinary? But to answer the question, I’d focus on sensing what resonates on an individual level instead of relying on external validation points. Resonance to the max!


You live in Finland, does the weather there teach you anything about surfaces?

I’ve also lived elsewhere in Europe—in the UK, Switzerland, Portugal—and what I really appreciate back here in Finland is the stillness, especially outside the urban areas in real connection with nature. Maybe because Finland has one of the oldest bedrocks on the planet, more than three billion years old. Maybe it’s the silent grounding effect it evaporates if one’s open to it. Weather-wise, we have all the seasons quite clearly, so there’s the possibility of experiencing all surfaces with different additions such as water, slush, ice, snow, all in different light and air density conditions. I believe it’s the layer of details and conditions paired with experiences of similar things in other places, through different cultural and climatic lenses.

What do your eyes look for when they’re tired of being fed?

As far as possible, looking at the horizon, the sky, the sea, the leaves of trees. Also just looking around and pausing auto-labeling of what the eyes communicate, and sensing visual surfaces just as they are.

all visuals (c) PALOCERAS

MOEBE *Rewriting the Rules of Design

MOEBE
*Rewriting the Rules of Design

written + interview Monica de Luna

MOEBE is rewriting the language of design. With Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd, and Anders Thams leading the charge, this Copenhagen studio is all about pushing boundaries.

Their latest project, the Modular Sofa, premiered at 3daysofdesign 2024, embodies a new era of design thinking— modular, sustainable, and unapologetically forward-looking.
MOEBE’s design philosophy challenges conventions, blending modular innovation with an uncompromising focus on sustainability. Each piece is carefully thought out, designed for flexibility, and built to endure, reflecting a future where furniture adapts to life’s changes.

In the AGE OF CHANGE, Fall/Winter 2024 edition, we sit down with the visionaries behind MOEBE to explore the ideas and processes driving their work. This is design that moves with you, built for the ever-shifting rhythms of modern living.

Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd and Anders Thams

“Versatility and sustainability are a compound subject at MOEBE, and all of our designs adhere to these principles in one way or another, whether it’s through their construction or their adaptability.”

Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd and Anders Thams
speaking with Monica de Luna

first published
LE MILE Magazine, AGE OF CHANGE Nr. 37 Edition, Fall/Winter 2024

Monica de Luna
The Modular Sofa made its debut at 3daysofdesign 2024. What was the core inspiration behind creating such a versatile and eco-friendly piece?

MOEBE
Versatility and sustainability are a compound subject at MOEBE, and all of our designs adhere to these principles in one way or another, whether it’s through their construction or their adaptability. Our commitment to designing in this way has only strengthened over the years as our collection grows, and the Modular Sofa is really a natural extension of this design philosophy.

MOEBE is renowned for its modular design approach. How does the Modular Sofa elevate this concept in the world of adaptable furniture?

The Modular Sofa is a continuation of that modular, component-based thinking, perhaps even taking it a step further. Of course we are not the first to have the idea of a sofa split into sections, but we have tried to push the boundaries of what modular design can do and what a modular sofa can be.
For example, not only is the sofa constructed from individual modules, but the modules themselves can be separated even further to their constituent parts. Modules can be easily reconfigured, the cushions can be changed out without affecting the rest of the sofa, and everything is designed to arrive flat-packed. You have more choice when it comes to colour and form, and you are not tied to one specific configuration. When most people think of modular design they tend to think of flexibility, but we are just as interested in its other benefits, such as how easy it is to assemble, and how parts can be repaired without needing to be replaced. All of this can be found in the Modular Sofa.

Sustainability seems to be a cornerstone for the Modular Sofa, with certified oak and EU Ecolabel- compliant foam. How crucial is sustainability in MOEBE’s overall design philosophy?

Sustainability is really important to us, and something we consider through every step of the design process. That said, it’s also an incredibly broad area, and sustainability means different things to different people. So we decided to build our own framework to operate in, and we came up with six guiding design principles that feed in to everything we do, and help keep us in the right direction.

For example, we also have a commitment to producing spare parts for all of our designs. We believe that it should always be easier to repair than to replace, so this commitment is our way of helping people keep their furniture for longer, instead of always having to buy something new. It sounds simple enough, but it actually takes a lot of work to make sure that our designs are made in such a way that they can be repaired. Looking again at Modular Sofa, the way it is constructed and put together means that it can be shipped flat- packed, which has the environmental advantage of reducing the carbon footprint of shipping, and the component-based design lets us focus on producing a set number of parts, which helps avoid overproduction.

Flat-packed and easy to assemble – what were the biggest challenges in designing a piece that balances simplicity, durability, and style?

Aside from the technical challenges that come with designing any piece of furniture, we really wanted to create something that could stand by itself, without needing to rely on its label as ‘flat-packed’, or ‘easy to assemble’ to be attractive. In short, we wanted to create a sofa that people fall in love with because of how it looks, as well as how it is built.
When you design a sofa to be as modular as possible, with modules that work in any angle and configuration, you are really challenging yourself. You have to put that extra bit of effort in to make it look just as sharp. To make sure that the corner module works just as well on the left or the right side, and so that the middle section can turn both ways. It needs to look good as a pouf, or as a two-seater sofa, or as a much larger configuration that can turn corners and even accommodate people sitting at opposing angles. It’s a challenge for us as designers, but it’s also an opportunity to show what modular design could do. All of this flexibility from four basic modules, without compromising visual appeal. Now that’s a challenge!

Your Modular Sofa is the first large-scale seating option. What does this launch signify for MOEBE's growth and future direction?

It underlines our commitment to our design principles, as we continue to grow into a full-scale design studio. MOEBE started over ten years ago, and in that time we have gone from making small accessories and design items through to bigger interior and furniture pieces. We design everything in-house, and we only add products to our permanent collection that we fully believe in.

Everything needs to be born of the MOEBE design philosophy, whether it’s a small Key Ring or a Shelving System that spans a whole room. The Modular Sofa will definitely not be the last big piece, but rather the start of the next phase of MOEBE. Perhaps we’ll push even further into architecture and finally build that little shed in the woods we always dreamt about?

“We really wanted to create something that could stand by itself, without needing to rely on its label as ‘flat-packed’, or ‘easy to assemble’ to be attractive.”

Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd and Anders Thams
speaking with Monica de Luna

first published
LE MILE Magazine, AGE OF CHANGE Nr. 37 Edition, Fall/Winter 2024

Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd and Anders Thams

From single pouffes to multi-angled sofas with integrated tables, the Modular Sofa’s flexibility is impressive. How do you see this versatility fitting into modern living spaces?

We designed the Modular Sofa to work in many different situations, and we thought a lot about how it could help facilitate a more modern, dynamic lifestyle. We see two main scenarios where the flexibility can help achieve this. To start with, the modules can be added and changed over time, meaning that you can start with a single chair or pouf and add it to at a later time. You don’t need to start with a four-seater sofa from the beginning, but instead you can slowly work up to it as your living situation changes and evolves. Secondly, we wanted the modules to be adaptable in real-time, meaning that you can re-arrange and re- configure when the need arises.

We think the sofa looks beautiful in a big empty space, but we know that most of us live in smaller spaces or apartments where there is always the challenge of shared spaces. You want a comfortable sofa to watch TV, but perhaps you also want a more spread-out seating arrangement for when guests come over for coffee. With the Modular Sofa, you can simply break up the modules and move them around, easily adapting it to different needs at different times. It can do all of these things, and we think that’s super nice, especially over a long period of time. It’s a system you can build on, but you can also use its flexibility on a daily basis.

The smart construction of the Modular Sofa becomes evident in the details. What were the key considerations in ensuring the piece remains both easy to assemble and durable?

We think a lot about construction and how we put things together, so we love that you can see it. As designers, of course we are interested in forms, shapes, and colours, but it’s also incredibly important to remember that a sofa needs to be durable, hard-wearing, and suitable for years of everyday use. The requirement we set ourselves to make it both robust and easy to assemble was perhaps the real challenge of designing the Modular Sofa. Without getting into too much technical detail, we tested out hundreds of different construction methods in the design stage, and ended up finding elegant solutions that facilitated both of these demands.

Even if some of the details are hidden from view, you can see the constructional simplicity of the modules when you turn them upside down. The construction is easy to understand and never gets in the way, which is what we’re always aiming for.

How do you see the Modular Sofa challenging traditional furniture design and impacting future innovations?

Danish design has a unique heritage, and when we started MOEBE ten years ago we wanted to build on that, demonstrating that it can be done differently, with more focus given to making things that are easy to repair, and can adapt to changes in how we live. And this of course has an impact on future innovations too. We are part of a movement showing how sustainable thinking can be designed in from the start, and the Modular Sofa is our biggest statement yet of that way of thinking. It’s proof that you can make a sofa that follows these design principles, that is flat- packed and component-based, but is also beautiful, functional, and comfortable. We are always seeking out better materials or design solutions, and we know that our customers are too. The more designers that are active in pushing for these things, the more chance there is that the rest of the industry will move in the same direction. That’s our hope for the future.

“We are part of a movement showing how sustainable thinking can be designed in from the start, and the Modular Sofa is our biggest statement yet of that way of thinking.”

Martin de Neergard Christensen, Nicholas Oldroyd and Anders Thams
speaking with Monica de Luna

first published
LE MILE Magazine, AGE OF CHANGE Nr. 37 Edition, Fall/Winter 2024

William Fan *Crafting Futures

William Fan
*Crafting Futures

written Alban E. Smajli

William Fan is scripting a new narrative in modern design, fusing his rich cultural heritage with an avant-garde approach to fashion. His designs emerge as an eloquent dialogue between architectural rigor and fluid dynamism, boldly questioning the industry's entrenched norms.

With each collection, Fan weaves together Asian heritage and European design sensibilities, crafting a sartorial rebellion that defies traditional boundaries and celebrates sustainability. Through his latest endeavors, Fan explores themes of gender fluidity and inclusivity, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion. Fan's staunch commitment to using dead-stock materials and partnering with family-run businesses underscores his devotion to ethical fashion practices. This journey sets a bold new standard for what it means to be a designer today but also cements Fan’s status as a visionary and a profound storyteller in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

William Fan
seen by Clemens Poloczek

“I feel the most empowered when I work close to my heritage because it feels the most authentic. The many travels to Hong Kong influenced my perspective on beauty, craftsmanship, and tradition. I look for the balance between Asia and Europe in every season.”

William Fan speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Alban E. Smajli
William, your journey in fashion has been inspirational and transformative. Could you share how your cultural heritage influences your design philosophy and how it has evolved over the years?
William Fan
When I started my brand, and also during my studies, I wanted my collections to be personal and close to my identity. I feel the most empowered when I work close to my heritage because it feels the most authentic. The many travels to Hong Kong influenced my perspective on beauty, craftsmanship, and tradition. I look for the balance between Asia and Europe in every season. In the beginning, the contrasts were more hard and visible. Nowadays, it has become a grey zone where you can hardly see the lines. It's more diffused now, like we work on the theme of unisex. You hardly notice which gender it's meant to be.

In your creative process, how do you enter a state of flow or "trance" to conceptualize and bring your visions to life?
I like to build up a storyline. At first, we started with a party night, 'THE DAY AFTER' came as a consequence. Then we had an afternoon in Chinatown and ended up in a karaoke bar. You know, it’s almost like a biographical film book; I try to visualize every occasion.

Now we've entered the 'CEREMONY' era, which is the current collection. Every season has a theme, and from that feeling, we create a full-vision world. From the set design to the music, we want to escape with our community and dive into 15 minutes of dreaming.

Your designs are known for their unique blend of architectural precision and fluidity. How do you balance these elements, and how has this signature style evolved in your SS24 collection?
I like to think about a functional wardrobe with a twist—things you can wear and be real about. Our garments are built to function and always have a little twist in color, texture, and material. I think clothing needs to move and flow and give the customer enough space between the body and the garment itself. I’m not a big fan of a very tight fit. If so, it’s knit where you still have the stretch element. I like to empower with simplicity and precise tailoring. Sometimes more formal, sometimes more playful. This season was a lot about textures and fabrics. The colors were mainly inspired by the LGBTQI+ Flag, which is mainly represented in monotone, single-color block looks. Furthermore, we questioned how we dress for ceremonial occasions and which general rules are given.

Can you give us a glimpse into the making of the SS24 collection? What were the key inspirations, challenges, and breakthrough moments during its development?
The SS24 collection was named 'CEREMONY,' and it's all about the special days we celebrate in our lives. Big Birthdays or Weddings. I got married myself in 2022 and was quite critical of what you have to do and all the rules you need to follow. We started researching Asian and European traditions—for example, for marriage. The red wedding in China and the white wedding in Europe. I wanted to be inclusive and make a statement through the rainbow color flag from the LGBTQI+ community. I wanted to put a sign out that everybody should have the same rights to celebrate, for example, a wedding independently of your sexuality. I gave a male model the veil or the final bride look a black short-sleeve tuxedo with feathers. For me, it felt very adult and emancipated.

Sustainability is a critical conversation in fashion today. How are you integrating sustainable practices into your work, particularly with the SS24 collection?
We work exclusively with dead-stock materials. I like that way of using non-wanted resources and having a limited choice. That also means that most of the products are limited in their availability. All the manufacturers I am working with are visited personally a few times a year. I'm lucky to build up great relationships with family-owned businesses.

Everyone is very innovative when developing new styles. We don’t overproduce our products, and we never go on sale. I want to create a value that is hopefully long-lasting and sustains many trends and decades.


Reflecting on your career, who has been your most significant mentor, and what was the most valuable lesson you learned from them?
I had many people supporting me from the beginning. To be honest, I would say my parents. They always taught me to be bold and proud, regardless of where and who you are at the moment. I always keep saying: Fake it till you make it. This helped me through many moments :)

“I feel privileged to be able to have the runway medium and the city of Berlin, which offers so many monumental spaces. From the TV Tower to the Underground, I've tried all levels in Berlin to express my emotions through many spectacular locations.”

William Fan speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Fashion shows can be mesmerizing, almost trance-like experiences for the audience. How do you aim to evoke this sense of immersion and emotion in your runway presentations?
I feel privileged to be able to have the runway medium and the city of Berlin, which offers so many monumental spaces. From the TV Tower to the Underground, I've tried all levels in Berlin to express my emotions through many spectacular locations. I love to tell a story when it comes to runway presentations. Mostly, I'm looking for a space that has a certain power and an interesting history to tell. I also like to work with all senses. The moment you come into the venue, you will immediately experience a certain smell, texture, or lighting. Then the music starts, and I have 15 minutes to tell the concept of more than 6 months of intensive work.

From all the pieces you've created for the SS24 collection, is there one that stands out to you as a personal favorite or holds a special meaning? If so, why?
I’m a big fan of the 'Are you a friend of Dorothy?' jumper. A "friend of Dorothy" (FOD) is a euphemism for a gay man, first used in LGBT slang. Stating that, or asking if someone is a friend of Dorothy, is a furtive way of suggesting sexual orientation while avoiding hostility. I like the way to use historical references to hopefully remember we never need to talk in euphemisms again to express our sexuality.

What's next for William Fan? Are there any new projects, collaborations, or directions you're particularly excited about exploring in the near future?
Many new product groups will be added, and our new gift shop 'FAN PLAZA' just opened its doors a few months ago. We now have spaces for new visuals in partnership with artists, partners, and friends. I like the idea of bringing networks together that share the same love for small details and art.

follow artist @studiowilliamfan
discover online www.williamfan.com

all images (c) Clemens Poloczek

Studio GdB *Transforming Clay Tiles into Art

Studio GdB
*Transforming Clay Tiles into Art

written Benjamin Schiffer

Tiles are rarely the first object you notice when entering a room. Not so with the designs of Studio GdB - the Dutch design studio makes clay tiles the absolute center of attention.

The two founders and former graphic designers Gilles de Brock and Jaap Giesen challenged the status quo within the tile industry after realising that their ideas could not be translated with any of the conventional methods out there. Consequently, the duo created their very own custom digital printer allowing for a computer-controlled application of liquid glazes. The results are vibrant, unique and customizable tiles in a range of uplifting colours and extraordinary patterns.

Studio GdB
Gilles de Brock + Jaap Giesen

“There was never really a particular reason or planning behind working with tiles. It was more or less the instant idea ´Let's make tiles´. Apparently, we both thought that this was a really good idea.”

Jaap Giesen speaks with Benjamin Schiffer
LE MILE Magazine ISSUE, Nr. 35

Benjamin Schiffer
Your backgrounds are similar, right? Tell us about how you both met.
Jaap Giesen
We met in graphic design school eight years ago and since then our friendship has matured.
After that we decided to do an internship in Antwerp together, we moved there together. Gilles decided to keep on studying in Den Haag, so I went to Rotterdam. Luckily, the two cities are not too far apart from each other, so we got to meet every weekend.

When did you develop your first interest in interior design?
JG
We are both trained graphic designers and I started to grow a great interest in vintage furniture design. Gilles was more interested in technology and building machines. Looking at it now, it is the perfect collaboration and we found a middle way bringing together contemporary designs and technology.
Gilles de Brock
There was never really a particular reason or planning behind working with tiles. It was more or less the instant idea ´Let's make tiles´. Apparently, we both thought that this was a really good idea.

…and you successfully found your niche in the market. Congratulations!
JG
All by accident though! It started as a blind passion. Once the business started developing, our fascination also grew and we became very dedicated.
GdB
During the process, we developed an entrepreneurial understanding. We were always self-employed before. You are not really a business owner then. If you want to sell a product it will have to entail certain qualities and all these qualities that we needed were just there. We could pretend that it was a super calculated move and that we are very business-savvy. If it did not work out, we´d probably still do it, but be broke. We were lucky that everything worked out.

JG: There were surely many obstacles that we needed to overcome. Tiles are very heavy, so the question arose on how we would ship them around the world without breaking. Luckily, we got to solve most problems. At the beginning we did not think everything through. Youtube tutorials definitely helped us a lot in the beginning! We did not really have people that had the level of expertise that we wished for. We still do not know much about ceramic glazes, everything is more or less a trial and error procedure that takes time.

When did you realise that conventional methods would not work for your ideas?
JG
When Gilles was working as a graphic designer for a client, he wanted to print some ceramic goods.
GdB
In an arts and crafts store we saw these beautiful glazed samples. We just thought that it would be enough to use those ceramic glazes, but it turned out to be much harder than we thought. We quickly found out that what we had in mind was not realisable with the conventional methods. That's when we had to come up with our own.

I could personally scroll through your Instagram feed forever. The number of colour and pattern combinations seems infinite. Which designs are particularly difficult or impossible to realise?
GdB
We definitely have tiles that are hard to produce, but we don´t put those on Instagram, because then everybody would ask for those. We have a set infrastructure of production, therefore experimenting within that system is not the easiest and not the most efficient. Certain things just do not work in it. This does not necessarily mean that they are objectively more complicated, they just do not fit into the regular production line. It also does not mean that they won't become available at a later point. For now, we want to keep things simple and organised.


Do you guys have a personal favourite colour/pattern combo?
GdB
It's so funny, it is always the designs that we put on Instagram that get the least response. Everybody just seems to like the same patterns. It's not like we don't like them, but it's comparable to listening to the same song over and over again.
JG
I personally love the classic striped patterns with the moody colours. Everybody seems to love the rain and the marble pattern. At this point we start curating some designs a bit more carefully, combining different tiles together.

I assume there are little to no marketing budgets at this point. How do you get your product out there?
JG
We indeed have no marketing budgets. The only thing we do is post things on Instagram. Maybe we will spend money on marketing in the future. For now, what comes in through this organic method, we are fully booked. We never needed to invest in proper marketing - this is an incredible luxury. As soon as we were ready to manufacture the tiles, we put them on Instagram and people started to immediately order them - it sounds almost too good to be true.

(c) John Tods

“In an arts and crafts store we saw these beautiful glazed samples. We quickly found out that what we had in mind was not realizable with the conventional methods. That's when we had to come up with our own.”

Gilles de Brock speaks with Benjamin Schiffer
LE MILE Magazine ISSUE, Nr. 35

Which artists or artistic epochs inspire you?
JG
Sean Scully! He is the best!
GdB
He makes nice paintings with interesting colour combinations.We are inspired by some of the Dutch designers who also have innovative ways of production. It is less their outcome, but rather their principle of creating machines to do what has not been done before.

I assume your bathrooms and kitchens are also tiled with your own designs. How do you decide which designs can move into your homes?
JG
I have to ask the wife! I prefer the more classic styles with a modern interpretation and more muted colours.
GdB
To be honest, I have a hard time choosing, even though my kitchen actually needs some tiles. It is scary to put tiles in my own house, I might grow too tired of them too quickly.

In what way do you consider your work approach typically Dutch?
JG
t´s very straightforward. If we decide on doing something, we are going to make it work and we are going to make it fast.

Let's talk about interior trends in general. What trend do you think we'll see everywhere next year?
JG
I think that things can be a bit more fun, less serious. Warmer and brighter colours could be a thing.

Where would you like to see your tiles?
GdB
At the very beginning we wanted to do tiles for metro tunnels and hotel lobbies. I guess that this is still the goal. Those metro stations in NYC seriously need renovation. What we also learned is that you can actually use tiles on the exterior of buildings such as facades.
JG
Yes, having tiles on a skyscraper would be amazing! Very high on our priority list.

What advice would you give to someone who is seeking to make a career from their creativity?
JG
Commit to one thing and keep on doing it very well!

follow artist @studio.gdb
discover online www.studiogdb.nl

all images (c) Studio GdB