Organic design by Victoria Yakusha

“I always try to re-think materials that we use, making it more natural and long-living at the same time. Adding local craft technique to a contemporary organic design approach also makes the object connected to our traditions, ancient lifestyle, which I consider very important in terms of respect to cultural roots and authenticity in design” – Victoria Yakusha

Last week I enjoyed all the inspiring images from the Dutch Design Week Eindhoven (DDW2019) that came along all social media channels. Unfortunately I could not go there myself so it was great to be able to admire all the photos of the installations and new designs at DDW2019 but also to find several press releases from surprising brands who exhibited at this event in our mailbox .

Made of recycled metal, cellulose, wood chips and clay – new design line ZTISTA by Victoria Yakusha has been released at the exhibition “Circular Materialists” in creative hub ‘Kazerne’ during DDW2019.

Ztista, organic design objects (which means - made of dough - in Ukrainian) is a new furniture line for Ukrainian design brand FAINA, made of simple organic materials with respect to nature. In developing these design pieces Victoria collaborated with local artisans who uses a 300-year-old modelling technique, known as “valkuvannia”.  For the frameworks, Victoria uses recycled steel, covered with ecological primer to avoid corrosion of metal and extend the life of design object. After that, the frame is covered by hand with special mixture of cellulose (recycled paper), linen, clay, wood chips and straw. 

Ztista chair received the first prize on Ukrainian design contest in Kyiv earlier this year, where Marcel Wanders, leading Dutch designer and co-founder of Moooi, acted as a Head of Jury and Guest of Honour.

FAINA is Ukrainian design brand created by Victoria Yakusha in 2014. Made in the style of ethnic minimalism, the collection items introduce “naive design”− simple in form, yet with a deep philosophy behind. At this moment the brand comprises 60 pieces of furniture, lighting, and decor. You will find them all here - Elvera -