“My British heritage is mixed in with my use of minimalistic lines and silhouettes, which is then mixed with my very loud and expressive use of colour, which comes from my Nigerian heritage. There’s a mixture of different influences that shaped me and made me the designer I am today”
Born in 1987, London-based British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori is known for his colourful design infused with traditional Nigerian parables. in 2009, he graduated from London Metropolitan University in furniture and object design. In 2017, he founded an eponymous studio bringing together a team of architects and designers around him. He has collaborated with Adidas, Bombay Sapphire, Icon Magazine and other global brands. He has been awarded the Elle Decoration British Design Award in 2019 and the Emerging Design Medal Winner 2020. His first fiberglass collection was launched at Foreign Agent in March 2020, it was part of a group show featuring works by Wole Lagunju et Maurice Mboa.
Each piece he creates carries a story, putting Nigerian storytelling and west-African textiles in playful conversation with contemporary design. Humour and fun also play a huge part in his creations. Through his projects, the artist shows how design can have a positive impact on one’s well-being and society. He reimagines spaces to encourage a sense of community and reinforces social bonds by inviting audiences to engage and participate in his work. Yinka Ilori creates soothing, friendly and cheerful atmospheres and pieces.