My father, an antique dealer, would always bring me gifts from his business trips. This sparked my fascination with glassware, which I perceived as being as precious as diamonds or gemstones. Over time, this interest deepened, leading me to partner with Josefine Arthur and give birth to Akua.
When working with fashion it’s all about creating an illusion and setting trends. For me, designing for a purpose has been very meaningful. Before I was working on creating stories for the season, now I'm creating designs that last for generations. I appreciate the timeless and more sculptural approach to my work, focusing on the silhouette, the overall aesthetic, and creating memorable pictures, rather than specific trends or models.
In fashion, you closely follow the latest fashion trends and seek inspiration from designer clothing. However, when designing objects, it's about finding your own path and staying true to your unique aesthetic. Personal design is about developing a sense of self, not simply absorbing trends.
I started as a stylist when I was 14 years old and I think I have learned a lot over the years from my career in the Fashion industry. I still use many of the same methods and strategies from back then when approaching a campaign today, and I admire all the talented colleagues and mentors I have been working with over the years.
I love the idea of glasses as objects or small sculptures. Growing up surrounded by art and antiques, I have a deep respect for craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece. I go to the library to research using actual books. I then sketch ideas, work with local glass blowers to create prototypes, and refine the designs until I'm satisfied with the final result. We have an amazing team of artisans we work with to develop our pieces. We dedicate significant time to refining our designs before they go into production. It’s all about thoughtful design. We believe in fewer; but, well-made items with a strong visual appeal and a sense of artisan craftsmanship.
Each collection is named after individuals who have influenced our lives, honouring our memories and encouraging users to appreciate the glass as more than just a product. The name "Akua" is inspired by Japanese culture, which respects the craft process, and means "water," symbolizing the poetic essence of glassware and the essence of existence.
Every day is different. Some days I'm nerding and involve technical drawings or colour palettes, while others are spent shooting campaigns or visiting collaborators and glass studios. Everything takes time. But some designs are very simple and happen by accident while others I will obsess over for way too long until it is right.
Quality is time-honored craftsmanship. But luxury for me would be time. Time around the table with my family. At Akua Objects, we collaborate with artisans who dedicate their lives to preserving ancient glassblowing traditions, continuously honing their skills. Depending on our designs, we partner with different glass studios based on their specific expertise. Our artisans are located in two of Europe’s most significant glass capitals: Murano, a small island near Venice, and Bohemia in the northern Czech Republic. Both regions have a long-standing glassblowing tradition dating back to the 13th century, passing cultural and familial heritage through generations. The glassblowers in Murano and Bohemia are renowned for their use of age-old techniques and their ability to create original, long-lasting products.
Soon we will unveil new categories to our universe and the plan is to decorate the whole table.
I think our family's aesthetic heritage has been passed down through generations. As a little girl, I had a deep respect for the elders in my family. I was listening and learning by the eldest and my grandparents took me to the theatre, at auctions, and museums.
All these memories have shaped me and my design language.I grew up surrounded by many old treasures in our home and was raised with a deep respect for craft and storytelling, which has impacted the path into what I do today.
Content by @annikazagerled
