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A local designer who recently had her furniture creation featured in the iconic Vogue magazine has explained how growing up in Jersey "sowed the seed" for the sustainable mindset that underpins her work.
Gigi Cooke knew she wanted to create furniture since she was 13… little did she realise that she was just years away from not only realising her dream, but having it featured in the pages of British Vogue.
After years spent studying product design at Bath Spa, her final project was an arch-inspired creation, lovingly-named ‘Archie’.
At once a stool, a coffee table and a side table, its transformative quality and use of British oak captured the imagination of Vogue, which recently decided to feature it.
Pictured: British Vogue has featured a versatile and sustainable piece of furniture created by a designer and carpenters from Jersey. (Cleo Leather)
“Crafted sustainably with British timber, Archie's sleek lines effortlessly elevate any space. This versatile piece seamlessly transforms from a statement stool to chic coffee table,” the magazine’s write-up read.
But what the quote leaves out is the strong connection between Gigi’s work and her upbringing in the island.
“Jersey is truly beautiful with rich biodiversity, which not only provides inspiration for my designs but also instils in me a fire to create products that are sensitive to how we live and that limit our impact on the planet,” she explained.
“Growing up on the island really sowed the seed for the sustainable mindset that underpins my work.
“This involves using local materials, craftsmanship and celebrating the resources and talents the UK can deliver are the backbone to my design practice.”
Pictured: “Growing up on the island really sowed the seed for the sustainable mindset that underpins my work. " (Cleo Leather)
For example, ‘Archie’ is made from British oak and ash displays the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Each piece is slightly different and is crafted by carpenters in St Ouen.
Gigi has also partnered with Jersey Trees For Life, with 5% of the proceeds going towards the charity's efforts to protect trees and hedgerows.
Reflecting on the origins of her passion, Gigi recalls a blossoming interest as she studied subjects like art and design technology while at St George’s and St Michael’s Schools.
“I was passionate about anything active that uses my hands…but I knew I wanted to study furniture at University from the age of 13,” she said.
“Once I joined university, my passion grew for design after experimenting with materiality and how products can tell a visual story.”
During her studies at Bath Spa, she learnt about all aspects of product development, from research to marketing and packaging.
Here, she learnt that the design process was a series of problem-solving steps.
Pictured: Gigi Cooke explained how growing up in Jersey "sowed the seed" for the sustainable mindset that underpins her work. (Cleo Leather)
“A designer is a creative problem-solver. Try and find an issue and then try and resolve this through design, and simplicity is key.”
It’s a philosophy reflected in Archie’s design, with the smooth lines and arch-based structure giving an aura of simplicity that serves to “elevate any space”, in the words of Vogue.
But Archie is more than an 'objet d’art' for the home – for Gigi, much of the beauty lies in the practicality and adaptability.
“It is really up to the user how they want to use the product.”
The limited edition 'Archie' is available for pre-order on her website and will soon be featured in TLC Homes' new shop in the Horizon development from April.
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