I’ve always had an affinity for ceramics. The new series of tableware is a return to my roots, of sorts. When I arrived in Morocco 25 years ago, it was common for earthenware to be unglazed (not painted or fired to a glossy finish) and yet still used for cooking. Women would buy large dishes to prepare bread, pancakes, and couscous (rolled by hand).
However, in order to use these natural dishes, they had to first prep them, and that meant plugging the pores. The process involved soaking them overnight in water, then drying and polishing them with a fine sandpaper. After that, they would coat with vegetable oil and bake them. This process was repeated several times until all the pores were filled and finally became waterproof.
Though I’ve designed other ceramic lines in the past (for AMPM and CFOC), the urge was always to go back to this other tradition. The new table service set is quintessential of our brand– simple, refined shapes that serve their purpose with the utmost consideration. The idea of minimalizing environmental footprint, enjoying the beauty of a natural material, and letting the bowls and plate organically patina over time somehow seems so practical. We hope you will love them as much as we do.