Faye Toogood, the founder of the London-based design studio, Toogood, releases its first-ever collection of homeware items. Designed by Faye herself, the launch will feature two different capsules. Inspired by her collection of found rocks, pebbles and bones, she hand-sculpted a mug and a jug, whose forms also referenced her distinctive curved furniture designs.
The collection titled Toogood Homeware is the studio’s first dedicated series of homeware designs and includes two capsule collections. Dough, featuring minimalist tableware such as mugs, plates, jugs, bowls, and a vase; and Plough, a textile range comprising of two geometric decorative throws. The Dough collection recreates the forms of a Toogood chair in a compact size. The softly silhouetted objects are defined by swollen forms and thick, doughnut-like details and chunky handles that make the designs beautifully tactile. The organic shapes of pieces also harken back to the large-scale abstract sculptures Faye Toogood created for a 2016 installation celebrating COMME des GARÇON’s “Black Pepper” fragrance.
Each piece of the Dough range was hand-shaped in the studio and subsequently cast in earthenware, bringing the sculptural sensibility of the designer’s furniture collections into a more intimate domestic dimension. The tableware is available in two shades, cream and charcoal, with a matte finish. At the same time, the more decorative objective objects (a centrepiece and a vase) feature a reactive glaze treatment that combines silky matte and shiny gloss textures on the surface.
The Plough capsule features two decorative hand-woven throws, produced using eco-friendly merino wool and showcase deconstructed pinstripes in understated geometric arrangements. Each luxury throw is a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, the success of which was aided by in-depth discussions with conventional weavers and playful experiments with the weaving process. The name for the Plough range has been inspired by the collection’s stripes which are evocative of freshly ploughed country fields.
Toogood’s work has traditionally bridged the gap between craft and design and extends into fashion too. Her furniture portfolio, including her standout ‘Roly Poly’ chair for Driade, is defined by calming tones and soft shapes. Alongside her work for her brand, she also collaborates with international furniture and design companies such as Hem, Calico Wallpaper, CC-Tapis and more. The homeware launch adds a new element to the Toogood universe.
‘This debut homeware collection was over two years ago in the making,’ says Toogood. ‘The inspiration first came while I was exploring common items from the kitchen, such as the soft volumes of rising dough and hand-shaped leavened pastries. Being able to translate those experiences and forms into functional yet sculptural pieces has been thrilling. It represents an important moment for the studio as we begin to bring our design pieces to new audiences, with no compromise on quality. We’re so excited to share them with the world.’