In the realm of contemporary design, Yinka Ilori’s Epin Rere collection emerges as a standout masterpiece, destined to captivate dinner party hosts and design enthusiasts alike. Named after the Yoruba phrase for ‘My Destiny,’ this exclusive stoneware collection includes an array of hand-finished pieces such as plates, a jug, platter, and vase. Each piece is an exquisite blend of elegance and art, promising not only to serve as functional tableware but also as artistic statements that transform any dining space into a gallery of serenity and beauty.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Yinka Ilori
Collection: Epin Rere
Inspiration: Beaches and sunsets of Lagos
Material: Hand-finished stoneware
Production: Small supplier in Portugal
Textile Collection: O Dara Lati Dara
Inspired by the tranquil shores and awe-inspiring sunsets of Lagos’s beaches, the Epin Rere collection exudes the calming essence of nature’s end-of-day tranquility. The collection’s vibrant designs evoke the magic of a sun-soaked day transitioning into the serene embrace of the evening. Available in four soothing colors—Orange, Blue, Purple, and Green—the plates invite an aura of peace to the dining experience, while the intricately designed jug, platter, and vase add harmonious sculptural elements to the table.
A unique feature of the collection is its mesmerizing ombre stoneware, distinguished by ribbed rims that mimic the gentle ripples of water. This design choice pays homage to nature’s cyclical beauty, where earth, sea, and sky meet in a seamless dance of colors as daylight fades into dusk. The hand-finished gradient of colors on each piece encourages reflection, drawing parallels between the innate charm of nature and the crafted elegance of the tableware.
More than mere tableware, the Epin Rere pieces embody dual roles as both art and utility. Through collaboration with a small supplier in Portugal, Ilori’s vision materialized into functional sculptures that inspire wonder and joy. The ombre glaze, expertly applied using hand-sponged and spray techniques, encapsulates the unpredictable allure of the sky within each piece, bringing a touch of celestial beauty to domestic rituals and elevating the everyday dining experience to one of aesthetic delight.
Complementing the pottery, Ilori’s new textile collection, aptly named O Dara Lati Dara, meaning ‘It’s good to be nice,’ adds a vibrant touch to any tablescape. Drawing inspiration from the natural world once more, the textiles reinterpret blossoming flowers into modern, bold designs. With a spectrum of bright colors and artful arrangements, they introduce a dynamic edge that enhances and harmonizes with the pottery collection, completing the sensory experience and enriching the dining environment.
For those looking to explore these captivating creations and infuse their spaces with Ilori’s artistic vision, both the Epin Rere ceramics and O Dara Lati Dara textiles can be found at the designer’s website. Whether adorning a dinner table or displayed as standalone pieces, these collections by Yinka Ilori are testaments to the transformative power of design, bridging nature’s beauty with human creativity in an inspiring celebration of form and function.
