Designing with folklore in mind

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

Move over paisley, houndstooth and gingham, Swedish pattern designer Lisa Edoff is making a bold statement with her hand-drawn, illustrative designs featuring mad hatter’s tea parties, fairy tales, folklore and other whimsical delights.

Lisa’s colourful and imaginative designs feature on her playful range of homewares and accessories, which extends to to cushions, quirky serving trays, notebooks, and her super popular gadget cases and silk scarves. Lisa tells Khoollect about what gets her creativity flowing and what’s next on the drawing board.

A Day in the Life of Lisa Edoff

How did you get into illustration and design?

Ever since I was a child I’ve always loved to draw, paint, craft and create. After high school in Sweden I moved to London to study graphic design and illustration at the University of the Arts.

What’s the item you sell most of and why?

My iPhone 6 cases and the silk scarves are the top sellers. I don’t know which particular motif as that changes quite a lot, but the Magnolia design is always popular. I think it’s because both products are unique high-quality products, and are made in The UK. The silk scarves are made from the finest silk and the edges are hand sewn – it’s a bit of a wardrobe investment but they will last you a lifetime.

Lisa Edoff Scarves

What do you love most about your job? 

I love the freedom to create designs that I’m passionate about, and to connect to my customers through those designs. It’s a real buzz when people like what I do so much that they want to buy my products. I also enjoy collaborating with other companies; I create pattern designs for businesses to license and use on their own products. That’s a different way of working, but I find it exciting because it gives me the chance to work on designs I wouldn’t normally try out.

What’s your favourite piece from your current collection?

The ‘Graphic Candy’ silk scarf.

Graphic Candy Lisa Edoff Silk Scarf

 

Tell us about any new or interesting projects you’re working on right now?

Right now I ‘m very excited about my upcoming collection of cashmere scarves. I have a line of silk scarves out at the moment, all printed with my hand drawn illustrations and patterns on them. Next year I’ll launch my first collection of autumn/winter scarves that will have the same kinds of eclectic motifs, but they’ll be produced in a lovely soft cashmere blend.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

Fairy tales, nature, and photographs – particularly those by Tim Walker and Vee Speers.

Top five favourite illustrators or homeware designers?

Best Kept Secrets

I khoollect a few … 

Beautiful old stuff, including my vintage champagne glasses.

What’s your favourite item in your #khoollection? 

A really cool vintage standing lamp with Missoni lampshade.

A life lesson that you’d tell your younger self?

Keep working hard and don’t worry!

Your go-to recipe for a busy weeknight?

I actually love Rachel Khoo’s recipe for pan-fried fish with brown butter sauce. I’ve made it so many times and it’s always a success.

Urban Favourites

Sweden - Lisa Edoff

Where do you call home and what do you love most about it?

Stockholm, Sweden. It’s beautiful, quiet and design-orientated. I lived in London for eight years so that will always be my second home – I love the diverse culture, and that you can find absolutely anything there.

Your favourite places for coffee?

Johan & Nyström in Stockholm. They have the best coffee and delicious sandwiches.

Best spot for dinner?

I recently went to Dishoom in London, that was the best Indian I’ve had.

Where do you go for fresh produce?

Farmer’s markets in the south of France.

French Farmers Markets - Lisa Edoff

How do you spend a lazy Sunday?

Lying on the couch reading or watching movies with my husband James.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

Paris or New York.

 

Photos by Lisa Edoff.

You may also like

Profile Photo
WRITTEN BY:
Bex Shannon

Hailing from far away New Zealand, Bex is into music, travel and everything vintage and retro. She h...

READ MORE BY Bex Shannon

You decide

Your dream holiday destination

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Find out more

Read Lisa’s uncomplicated tips for tying a scarf.

Visit Lisa Edoff’s website.

Find Lisa Edoff on Facebook and Twitter.