Ila.Mak

Grey Sheep

Ila.Mak

Location

poland

University

The Higher School of Art and Design

Graduation year

2007

Main Manufacturing Countries

poland

Contact

Ila Mak’s is transgressive designer.

Her work is a result of an unconditional love for the creative process, and a constant need for refinement. This passion for the process and a love of beautiful objects have inspired her learning in metal work, plating, galvanization, and the alchemy of iridescence.

The designer grew up in the eighties, surrounded by the absurd contrasts of Poland’s social transformation. Back then life was a mixture of reminders from the communist era, coupled with a blind fascination of western culture. The designer considers herself a child of the postmodern era.

The simple form of the artist’s projects as well as the choice of rich materials – allowing for a luxurious high gloss finish - are inspired by her hometown, Lodz. Here, urban industrial architecture coexists with decorative art nouveau palaces and eclectic buildings.

The shape of her jewellery is inspired by industrial elements. The warmth and minimalism of copper, decorated with opalescent Swarovski stones, creates a paradoxical composition of form and material.

Latest Collection

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The shape of her jewellery is inspired by industrial elements. The warmth and minimalism of copper, decorated with opalescent Swarovski stones, creates a paradoxical composition of form and material.

Hand engraved inscriptions of positive words and mantras emphasise the human touch. The space between the letters is always unique. In the irregular spaces between fixtures and Swarovski crystals, one can feel the balance of Zen.

The industrial luxury of jewellery, handcuffs, and clamps, and their entanglement with leather, are a test of the wearer’s awareness, of their feeling of freedom; the sensuality of their day-to-day lives; what they think, what they fear and what freedom means to them.

The pieces are always created with women in mind, considering the emotions that can be triggered by wearing jewellery. Sometimes it’s weight and the body’s imprisonment that can remind us, that fear is only a mirage and that freedom is deep in our hearts; one must awaken it.

A huge inspiration for Ila Mak’s designs are the works of Japanese artist, Hajime Sorayama, whose images of female robots are often saturated with sexuality.

Women should embrace their sexuality and self-esteem, because they can create energy and strength, fulfilling one’s own vision of life, creativity and happiness.