We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Yakobium S.r.o about their original and creative Sandstone Fashion Accessory design work. Yakobium S.r.o is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original sandstone fashion accessory works.
Yakobium S.r.o ("YS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Bow Tie Sandstone Fashion Accessory. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
YS : The design is inspired by Jiri Andel's frequent visits to the Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic and its unique rock formations. Pretty much everyone who visits the site is amazed by it. And, many people we know would want to have a piece of it at home. Since the rock formations are rightfully marked as a natural heritage site to be preserved for future generations, it is out of a question to even think of having a tiny bit at home, nor using it for artistic creations. And, that was where the main idea emerged. How to design such an incredible structure without harming nature, and use that knowledge to build a unique, functional, and visually attractive object. The first-ever product designed was the Yakobium Cube Light Object.
YS : As mentioned already. The first-ever product designed was the Yakobium Cube. An illuminated cubical sculpture. It was a pretty sizeable object and naturally, we started to think, what could be the smallest item produced by our technological process. The Bow Tie was an immediate candidate.
YS : Sure, we will explore the possibilities to attract fashion brands for future cooperation and we will try to move the bow-tie design and other jewelry and accessory designs forward.
YS : It took about three months to get the initial prototype and another two months to finalize the whole product including the hand made packaging.
YS : Purely, our motivation to challenge ourselves.
YS : All mentioned are viable options. Sure, we are focusing on creating and selling smaller series ourselves. But ultimately, we would like to explore ways how to design and produce a unique series for fashion brands.
YS : Challenging ourselves to push the boundaries further.
YS : Not particularly. The inspiration comes from the nature surrounding us.
YS : For our series, anybody wanting to stand out of a crowd. And, of course, we would love to develop a close relationship with established fashion brands and work together to design unique pieces fitting their brand and product lines.
YS : Well, to our knowledge, there is none similar concept. There are numerous different designs and materials used to make bow ties, but until now, there was not any made of sandstone.
YS : As it is obvious, it is a bow tie and it is our bow tie. Yakobium Bow Tie.
YS : Pen and paper, 2D and 3D design, modeling and rendering software, sandpaper, chisels.
YS : The rock formations like structure, the material, and the technological process.
YS : We have developed our technological process but of course, we do consult our ideas with specialists, if we get to the point, we lack some expertise.
YS : Technology and our technological process play a huge part in this design. The challenge was to design a product to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, lightweight but sturdy, not to break easily.
YS : We did not conduct any specific research. Sure, we looked at the market and what are the trends in bow tie designs, but other than that, it is based on a general idea that people tend to like items helping them stand out of a crowd.
YS : Mainly, getting the technological process right for the size of the product.
YS : We knew about the competition for some time and always wanted to validate the designs with the design community and the general public as much as possible. Also, being recognized has huge value to us personally and the future business as well.
YS : We confirmed to ourselves, we like to design and produce stuff. We like to challenge ourselves with tough projects, and we know we do not give up on finding the answers to the challenges.
YS : We could also mention, the Yakobium Sandstone Bow Tie has been produced in small, numbered and signed series. So, it is an excellent collector's item as well.
