Based between Denmark and Vietnam, Oi Soi Oi is an interiors brand specialized in marrying Scandinavian design with traditional Vietnamese craft. Today I’m excited to shine a spotlight on their unique selection of handcrafted lighting that fuses together Danish design principles with both the artistry and exotic materials of Vietnam.
[AD] Oi Soi Oi’s Indochina Collection encompasses a stunning range of lighting elements in a mix of shapes and sizes, including the Umbrella design featured here in our home. Each piece is carefully wrapped in handwoven mulberry silk and trimmed with a cotton ribbon — a detail that becomes an extraordinary focal point of the design when a strong color is used for contrast. There are several gorgeous shades of silk and cotton trim to choose from within the collection — from dusty rose offset by pale pink trim to warm beige offset by stark black. But in keeping with the neutral color palette throughout our home, the tonal Umbrella in off-white was the obvious choice for our bedroom. It’s voluminous, airy and adds the perfect amount of elegance thanks to the subtle sheen of the delicate silk. In a room where relaxation is the main objective, finding a lamp that offers soft and defused light is an absolute must, and I love the way light gently glows through the Umbrella’s luxe material. The detailing of this silk-swathed lamp is absolutely exquisite, and the subdued design is perfect for the bedroom, drawing the eye overhead without overpowering the other elements in the space.
In the interview below, Oi Soi Oi’s founders Britt and Christina share details about the traditional Vietnamese artistry that sets their pieces apart from other Scandinavian informed designs. I hope you enjoy reading these personal insights about their designs and the artisans who make them…
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An Interview with Britt Goodall & Christina Thorbøll
Oi Soi Oi’s Founders
Q: The pieces in Oi Soi Oi’s collection represent a beautiful fusion of craft and tradition from both Scandinavia and Vietnam. While these two cultures are vastly different, are there any shared values or similarities between the two when it comes to design?
A: We have worked many years in Vietnam focusing on interior design. There has been a noticeable change in design during the last 15 years, going from for instance heavy mother of pearl inlaid furniture to now a much more fun style with colours and very creative solutions to home interior design. The young Vietnamese designers love to use traditional fabric and materials and combine it to contemporary designs. In a way the young designers are much more daring than we are, but the common ground is our desire to use the fantastic craftmanship.
Q: For centuries, silk has been an important part of Vietnam’s rich textile history. How does Oi Soi Oi honor this tradition through the artisan craftsmanship of your lampshades?
A: Vietnam is famous for their silk production – the Ha Dong silk Oi Soi Oi uses was also regarded as the most sophisticated silk in Indochina by the French. The silkworms are fed with mulberry leaves and the silk threads are woven on traditional looms. We very carefully choose the best silk before we hand dye it to the colour we like. The whole process are made by hand and small variations can be seen in the silk. We appreciate this and feel the silk becomes alive.
Q: With each piece being carefully made from sensitive natural materials, I’m sure there’s a tremendous amount of time and artistry required by your craftsmen and women in Vietnam. Can you share a bit more about the way Oi Soi Oi is producing, and the partnership you’ve built with your workshop?
A: Our philosophy has from the beginning been to choose family owned smaller workshops – and creating a strong partnership with them. We are proud to say that the people working with us have done so, in most cases, from Oi Soi Oi’s beginning nearly 15 years ago. We believe in being fair and loyal to the people we work with. This starts with a fair payment. Opposite working with bigger factories we have a bond with all our craftsmen and women. In many cases it feels like family. It is hard work to create the quality we like, but we can also have fun together and are often sharing a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
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Featuring the Umbrella Lamp in off-white
This blogpost was written in collaboration with Oi Soi Oi
Follow Oi Soi Oi on Instagram and explore their full handcrafted collection online
