101 Copenhagen was founded in 2017 with a vision to craft functional design that embraces a sculptural and artistic edge. 'From the beginning, we wanted to push the boundaries between design and art—challenging the traditional definitions of both. Our goal was to create pieces that blur the lines between functionality and art, so a sculpture can be just as much a stool, a side table, or a plinth, while a chandelier becomes a captivating ceiling sculpture when the light is off,' Founder & Designer Tommy Hyldahl and Designer Kristian Sofus Hansen say. We interview them to know more about the Danish company and their newest collections presented at Maison&Objet.
Left: Tommy Hyldahl. Right: Kristian Sofus Hansen.
Where do you get your inspiration from as designers?
'We draw inspiration from our travels around the world, picking up elements from various historical design periods and reinterpreting them in fresh, exciting ways. Our ultimate goal is to create designs that are functional, timeless, and characteristic. Brutalism and Japanese Wabi-Sabi have been significant sources of inspiration for us since the beginning of 101 Copenhagen.
Experimentation and developing new materials from the ground up has also been a core part of our design philosophy. We want every material and surface to be "alive", with depth and texture that bring a sense of movement and character. It's about creating pieces where the material itself tells a story, adding richness to both form and function.'
Drop Chandelier Globe.
Does your Scandinavian heritage influence your designs?
While our Danish Design heritage has, of course, shaped us in certain ways, we don't let it limit our creativity. We love to push boundaries and challenge design norms, exploring new ideas that go beyond tradition. We aim to build a brand and design universe that encourages creativity and experimentation.
In what markets is the brand active and how are the market conditions right now? Do you notice any problems because of the difficult economy or transport now?
'We are active in markets across the EU, the US, Canada, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. While we're fortunate to be experiencing steady growth globally, like many others, we face challenges with unstable logistics and rising freight costs. However, we remain optimistic and continue to adapt to these conditions.'
You were recently at the Maison&Objet fair in Paris. How was it?
'We've been exhibiting at Maison&Objet since our brand's launch in 2017, and each year brings a great mix of returning clients and new customers. It's always an exciting opportunity to showcase our latest designs and connect with a diverse audience.'
Native Dinnerware Collection.
'At this year's fair, we unveiled new chandeliers, including the Ghost Chandelier and Drop Chandelier Globe, both finished in a stunning chrome. These pieces combine the bold aesthetic of the 70s and 80s with our own modern, forward-thinking approach. It's always exciting to see how these retro elements can be reinterpreted in a contemporary way, and the feedback was incredibly positive.'
You also launched a new dinnerware collection at the fair, Native. Can you tell us more about this?
'Yes, we were thrilled to introduce the Native collection—a stoneware series that embodies the organic, handcrafted feel we've always been drawn to. We collaborated closely with skilled artisans to ensure each piece carries a sculptural, yet minimalistic design. The collection is hand-painted in our signature Birch colour, using a technique that guarantees every piece has a unique pattern and surface texture, offering both individuality and timelessness.'
Were there any ongoing trends you recognised at the fair, or are there any trends that reflect your work right now?
'We noticed a growing trend in the experimentation with materials, particularly in combining them in unexpected ways, which aligns well with what we're doing at 101 Copenhagen. We often use the term "Umami" in our creative process, which represents a harmony between opposites—like combining the cold with the warm, the hard with the soft, or matte with shiny. It's about crafting something that feels both familiar and entirely new at the same time.'
Ghost Chandelier Chrome.
More information:
101Copenhagen
[email protected]
www.101cph.com
Denmark