FEAST FOR THE SENSES

We had the pleasure of speaking to Emelie and Shalony to learn more about their guiding design principles, creative process, craftsmanship and environmental considerations they implement into each design. They share their approach to highlighting some of Norrland’s traditions and how they present genuine craft and ancient knowledge in new contexts, with a more modern take. 

We are keen to learn more about the creative process between you two. You have described your work as a meeting between poetic and timeless aesthetics. How do you address this meeting/balance in your work and design process when working together?

E & S : When designing new products much revolves around the interplay between material and crafting technique. Bonni Bonne’s assortment is mainly designed by Shalony van Stralendorff and produced by skilled, local craftsmen. Emelie is part of the early brainstorming phase and the final stage but we have an open-mind approach throughout the whole design process. The final product aims to fulfill an obvious function while still being interesting. Shalony often works in dialogues between traditional crafting techniques and contemporary design. Bonni Bonne values multidisciplinary cooperation breaking boundaries and venturing into the unknown.

What are your signature design values/ philosophies?

E & S : Something we generally consider in our creative process are the earlier generations and their time aspect. Back then there was a greater tolerance for things taking their time. Our interpretation of this mindset has become the basis of our “hurrying slowly” in which we allow the handicraft to consume the time required for it to become presentable as durable and qualitative.

We prefer working on a small scale making sure the producers behind every single product are highlighted. Excellent quality and transparency are the pillars of the manufacturing process which is conducted locally.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs - could you please talk about the inspiration behind some of your pieces?

E & S : We draw inspiration from basic needs in daily life and interesting materials at heart or from simple inspirational encounters with people. We aim to bring in our design perspective by adding simplicity, tactile elegance, and contemporary aesthetics that highlight the essence of crafts.

The Bonni Bonne cheese slicer is an example where function, beauty, and tactility merge. An idea originated from a clear gap of balancing function with fine aesthetics and pure materials.

In addition to functional products, we aim to share our great passion for nature by introducing basic knowledge as to how the forest can be used as a pantry which is presented in our book “Kontur”.

There is a clear connection between the book, slow living, and artistic configuration. Shalony’s passion for photography, coffee, and form combined with a longing for the different seasons of nature, its raw materials, and the beauty of everyday life are the factors that constitute “Kontur”.

Photography has played a considerable role in outlining the aesthetics that run throughout the book. Shalony aims to convey a poetic, timeless, and sober atmosphere where light sets the mood.

Bonni Bonne’s anticipation is that lust and curiosity will be awakened in the reader for a more reclined, mindful, and grounded lifestyle.

Congratulations on the launch of your new collaboration with Japanese architect Fumihito Ohashi, “The Outline Series”. What inspired this collaboration and what makes it different from your previous collaborations?

E & S : Thank you. We are attracted to the Japanese, minimalistic aesthetic since it interacts well with Bonni Bonne’s Nordic imprint. “The Outline Series” is designed by Japanese architect Fumihito Ohashi and it is produced in Sweden by Fredrik Ireklint.

Fuhimitos sense of detail and form was essential for our collaboration. With “The Outline series” we aim to achieve awareness of good quality wherein Japanese architecture and timeless aesthetics meet Scandinavian handicraft and raw materials.

In 2022 we are anticipating the opportunity of presenting yet an additional exciting collaboration.

The majority of your assortment is locally produced in North Sweden, where you collaborate with skilled craftsmen. What influenced the decision to keep the production process local to the design’s roots?

E & S : A natural approach, as we are working on small-scale production, is working closely with our producers. This allows for an improved outlook on the entire chain of production, being involved from start to finish, enabling us to direct the production transparently. Another reason is that we cherish craftsmanship and the Scandinavian cultural heritage which we aim to continuously nourish.

Why do you think there has been this renewed interest in handmade pieces and knowing the person behind the product?

E & S : The awareness and general knowledge have increased amongst consumers spiking their interest in knowing the process behind products. A rising number of people are now disregarding the wear-and-tear culture and prefer a sustainable product made of raw materials, lasting longer. The quality of a product takes precedence over quantity as does the locally produced product versus a mass-produced product outside of Sweden. We consider announcing the person behind a final product essential, adding to the value and overall credibility of the product.