In our latest seriestitled "Designer Icons," we look at designers whose work goes far beyond classic design - from furniture to lighting to entire public and private spaces. In today's episode, the heroine is Alfhild Sarah Kulper. Originally from Stockholm, the artist and fashion designer now lives in Amsterdam. She studied at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London. For the past 10 years, she has worked as a fashion designer for Dutch house Viktor & Rolf, and has recently shifted her focus from designing clothes to designing living spaces.
Works by Stockholm-based artist Alfhild Sarah Kulper
© Alfhild Sarah Kulper
1 What inspires you most in your work and where do you get ideas for new designs?
My work revolves around the concept of softness - both physical and emotional. In my life, I have discovered the need for softer environments and behaviors. Each of my works is a soft solution to one of these situations and places.
2 How does the design process go - from the initial concept to the finished product?
I try to create physical representations of the soft spots in our minds. I take our memories of joy, our guardian angels and ourselves and turn them into stories from which I build the future. I create soft shelters in our homes - for times when we need comfort and warmth. I draw inspiration from my own stories, but also from what comes up during a conversation with a client or a visit to a space. I then loosely draw the colors that come to mind when I think of that feeling. The drawings often start very indistinctly, like a memory or a dream, and then gradually take shape.
Before I start weaving and embroidering, I go through one of the most meditative parts of my process - spinning the yarn. I do this in natural light, before I turn on any electric lights. Just the repetitive motion and sound of the wooden mechanism. As the threads untangle into neat skeins, my thoughts lighten and I can plan my day. Most of the work is done by hand in my studio in Amsterdam with my assistants and mother-in-law - generations of women who give my creations great energy.
Alfhild Sarah Kulper
© Alfhild Sarah Kulper
3 How do you choose the materials and technologies that best reflect the character of your designs?
I use a combination of traditional and self-developed textile techniques. My main material is wool. I use leftover fabrics from vintage textile mills in India and Nepal. Wool has many advantages - it is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and malleable. However, my favorite feature is that it reflects body heat, so when you lie down or lean on it, you feel as if you are being embraced by a living being.
4. How would you define your design style and what characteristics distinguish your work?
Stylistically, I draw inspiration from nature- its organic shapes and references to flora and fauna - but also from our new digital perception of light and color and the fluidity of time. Some style guidelines have also been influenced by anthroposophical thinking. For example, I never use straight lines or sharp angles so as not to restrict the mind, which gives my work a spiritual dimension. However, it all comes down to softness - soft shapes, soft colors and soft materials that create friendly artworks and objects. The kind that can be touched and lived with. It's a counterweight to our digital lives.
Art by Alfhild Sarah Kulper
Photo by Luis Corzo © Alfhild Sarah Kulper
5.Is there a project that was particularly memorable or a unique challenge for you?
One of my favorite projects was the one done for a multi-brand high-end fashion store in Athens, Luisa World. The project was created together with Objects With Narratives gallery and Greek architectural firm Vouis+. Together we created a centerpiece combining floor, ceiling, sofa and mirrored wall. This gave the space a lot of life and broke the traditional boundaries of the room. It was a great starting point for using fabrics on unexpected surfaces, such as pillars, ceilings and furniture. It was a fantastic team effort.
The project was completed for a multi-brand high-end fashion store in Athens, Luisa World.
Photo by Nicholas Mastoras © Alfhild Sarah Kulper
6 How do you react when a project changes during the course of execution - are there new, unplanned solutions?
I love working with fabrics because they are a very forgiving material. Changes can be made at any stage of the process. Colors and shapes can be added and modified. The process is as fluid as the end result.
7. Do you try to convey a particular idea, emotion or story in your designs?
I started with a longing for a softer and more tangible world. This intense longing stopped being a personal experience and became the motivation and philosophy of my studio. My mission to make the world a softer place became increasingly clear and conscious. My practice began with a need to break out of a dark place and create the visual and emotional environment I wanted to live in. The world in general has become quite dark, it seems even more important to show a possible way forward - a soft and gentle path where you can walk barefoot and feel the warmth with the soles of your feet. You become similar to your surroundings.
8 What does your collaboration with other creators, artisans or producers usually look like?
It is very important for me to see the magic around us - as if we are seeing it for the first time - and that is where I find inspiration. I derive great joy from being excited throughout the entire process: from sourcing materials, to the often collaborative design process, to every stage of creation. This joy is evident throughout the work. I hope that the energy infused into these works is palpable to the viewer as well. I really enjoy the collaboration - discovering how our stories connect. Watching how opposing materials or approaches interact with mine. I am currently working on a series of objects with ceramicist Natasja Alers. The contrast of our materials is very exciting - hard and soft, pliable and brittle, shiny and matte. Together we create new categories, such as vases and sculptures.
Textiles by Alfhild Sarah Kulper
Photo: Superhouse Gallery design Miami © Alfhild Sarah Kulper
9 Which projects give you the most satisfaction and why?
The ones that really force me to push my own boundaries.And the ones where I get to create whole worlds - immersive experiences that inspire fun and connection. Worlds that heal us, give us energy and hope.
10. How do you envision the future of your work - what directions would you like to explore?
There is so much to explore. I would very much like to continue creating environments that heal - especially in places where it is absolutely needed, such as hospitals or government buildings. Anywhere where beauty of thought and gentleness are needed. I also dream of an exhibition that presents a wider range of delicate stories of the future. I would very much like to create works for outdoor public spaces so that more people can experience a softer world.
