Inspired by Antiquity

Gergei Erdei

“Creating a collection for me is like making a perfume. I collect components in my head and continuously make photographs of anything I found intriguing wherever I go. Subsequently, I build up the main story in my head. It’s like a movie. I picture characters and dive deeply into details. What is she wearing, or what is the colour of her nail polish? How is her home decorated, and how is the casino furnished, where is she going out? These stories are frequently translated into the visual communication of my work. My designs are elements of these visions. In my recent home decor collection, I wanted to include bright yet fun objects that stand out and instantly light up an interior.” — Gergei Erdei

London based artist and designer Gergei Erdei grew up with an instinctive appreciation of visual stimuli thanks to his parents love of art and travel. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, Erdei exhibited his designs in Rome during Alta Roma and presented his graduate collection at London Fashion Week (Dazed magazine described his work as “Meticulously hand-crafted … a labor of love in itself”). His bold yet sophisticated style, inspired by antiquity, brought him to the creative office of Gucci in Rome. Whilst there he worked under Alessandro Michele as a ready-to-wear designer and later as an embroidery designer and illustrator. Erdei’s refined drawings were used as prints, jacquard knits and embroideries in recent Gucci collections. His fascination for art, fashion and architecture has led him to set up his design studio to focus on illustration, ceramics, fabrics, wallpapers and accessories, as well as offering bespoke design services for individual clients. His handcrafted vases and bowls, inspired by neoclassical shapes, evoke both surrealism and, with their bright colours and graphic delineation, the ceramics of Italian architect and radical Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007).

Gergei Erdei, photograph by Panna Donka

What was it that drew you to a career in design?

Since my family is keen on art and architecture, I was lucky to grow up surrounded by books about everything from French gardens to antique furniture and British castles. It’s probably these books, and the many childhood museum visits, that awakened my interest in art, design and beautiful objects in general.

Who’s the person that most inspires you?

I recently saw a documentary about Ralph Lauren and found it fascinating — how he managed to build up his empire and his library of recognisable signature notes from his passion for old Hollywood movies and the jet-set lifestyle. It’s interesting that from very early on in his career, his designs were successful, even though he didn't create anything crazy; he had a good sense for knowing what people wanted. I also love the fact that his wife is the main inspiration for his Womenswear line and how they supported each other while building up an empire of brands.

Where’s the most unforgettable place you’ve travelled?

The most unforgettable is Cuba — it's like stepping into a movie, but there’s nothing artificial or touristic. Havana is full of the most beautiful, elegant buildings, all with an abandoned rustic charm; imagine incredible marble staircases with Venetian style chandeliers and a '70s fridge in the middle. It’s just as Michael Eastman captures it in his photographs. I think the contrast between the glorious past and not so glorious present is very romantic in a way. I’d recommend just loosing yourself in the city. Try sneaking into buildings because some of the interiors are true treasures. You can find plenty of grand homes and Art Deco mansions in the Miramar area which has traditionally been an upscale part of Havana. Also, as a vintage car lover, it’s a dream destination — there are cars from the '50s and '60s and some of them have the craziest colours.

Where would you like to go next?

I did a road trip to California with my family when I was ten and I’m planning a return visit to Los Angeles later this year. I think the city has a special mood especially if you have a car and can go further out from the centre. I would love to spend some time at the Flamingo Estate; an earthly paradise surrounded by tropical gardens and filled with amazing art pieces. It would be great to shoot my designs there — I think they’d suit the interiors perfectly. Also on my list is the Sheats Goldstein Residence, and the finally open TWA Hotel. Flamingo Estate, 801 Tipton Terrace, CA 90042 (www.chandeliercreative.com/space/flamingo-estate); TWA Hotel, One Idlewild Drive JFK International Airport, NY 11430 (+1 212-806-9000; www.twahotel.com).

What’s the best souvenir you’ve bought home?

I lived in Rome when worked for Gucci and discovered some very affordable antique shops and markets where I bought quite a lot of objects. One of the best is a silver sacred heart with flames and rays around.

Planetario vase, by Gergei Erdei, photograph by Panna Donka

Tell us about a recent “find” ?

It’s not so recent, but I love to wander around Choosing and Keeping. They have an exceptional selection of beautifully designed stationery products. I’m happy to buy anything if it comes in beautiful packaging, and so it’s a truly dangerous place for my bank balance. A favourite are the tortoiseshell celluloid fountain pens, which come in a wonderful array of preppy colours. Choosing and Keeping, 21 Tower St, WC2H 9NS (020 7613 3842; www.choosingkeeping.com)

If you didn’t live in London, where would you live?

I think it would have to be Paris. For interior design lovers, I’d definitely recommend visiting the Dries Van Noten Boutique designed by Gert Voorjans — it’s not only a store, but an art gallery. The concept of the boutique beautifully reflects Van Noten’s sensitivity for colours and patterns. You can get the best almond croissant at the Le Boulanger de la Tour which is not so far from the boutique. I have a sweet tooth and I also love the macarons at Pierre Hermé as they always come in such unexpected flavours; my winter favourite was called pine forest and it literally tasted like a pine tree. Another great spot where you can get lost is the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the newly opened Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysée, which is kind of the Dover Street Market of Paris. For antique hunting, I love the Saint-Ouen flea market near Porte de Clignancourt. There’s a woman who sells amazing antique textiles from hand-embroidered Chinese silks to jacquard tapestries. The last time I was in Paris I was lucky enough to visit the showroom of Schiaparelli to look at the couture pieces designed by my current favourite designer, Daniel Roseberry. It’s on Place Vendome and the view from the first floor is amazing. Dries Van Noten, 7 Quai Malaquais, 75006 Paris (+33 893 02 53 51); Le Boulanger de la Tour, 2 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris (+33 1 43 54 62 53); Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (+33 1 44 55 57 50; www.madparis.fr); Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysée, 60 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris (+33 1 83 65 61 00; www.galerieslafayettechampselysees.com); Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint-Ouen.

Which artist would you collect if you could?

I think I would need two apartments; one mid-century modern with iconic chairs by Marcel Breuer, Paintings by Le Corbusier and modernist brass sculptures. Ideally this would have some grand Art Deco style marble fireplaces and a theatrical staircase. The other would be more in the style of Tony Duquette with Venetian grotto chairs, Bessarabian floral rugs, Venetian mirrors and antique English porcelain tableware.

An object you would never part with?

My travel painting kit by Winsor & Newton. I always sketch ideas and their watercolours have very bright, beautiful colours due to the quality pigments. From £9.95; www.winsornewton.com

Antevorta vase, by Gergei Erdei, photograph by Panna Donka

What was the last thing you bought and loved?

A vintage shearling coat from the '70s. I’m quite obsessed with how James Franco is styled in The Deuce and I kept looking for something similar to the coat he wears in the second season.

Something you have your eye on?

Currently, I love the colourful flower patterns of antique Bessarabian kilims.

What’s the best gift you’ve been given?

My father has arranged a trip to New York with my family this May. We’ve visited the city several times, but it keeps changing from year to year and I’m sure there will be a lot to explore again. If anyone knows great design spots please get in touch via Instagram. I’m always happy to hear recommendations.

What’s your favourite room in your apartment?

My studio with its essential creative chaos. The walls are covered with research boards and ideas. Here I can close the door and listen to music in complete silence and just let my thoughts out.

The site that most inspires you?

There’s a bench in what used to be the tennis court of Inverforth House, surrounded by the Pergola and Hill Gardens. For me, this bench is the most calming place in London because you are surrounded by nature and if you look over the long pool you can actually see the city. I go there often to switch off my brain and to get inspired for new projects.

If you had to limit your shopping to one neighbourhood, in one city, which would you choose?

I love how everything is collectively arranged together in London. The area of Elizabeth Street, Ebury Street and Pimlico Road are my favourites. From organic groceries to antique furniture you can find everything there. One of my favourite shops is Rose Uniacke Interiors. Rose Uniacke, 76 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, SW1W 8PL (020 7730 7050; www.roseuniacke.com)

Lucifero Klein blue bowl, by Gergei Erdei, photograph by Panna Donka

Which designer/artist/architect do you think has had the biggest impact on your sense of style?

I appreciate the storytelling skills of Alessandro Michele and the otherworldly romantic visual image he created around Gucci. I learnt a special way of designing at Gucci and the period I spent at the brand definitely made a mark on my approach to design. I think my style has always been quite eclectic. I like to juxtapose elements from different periods and backgrounds; I’m currently working on a new collection and the prints have a renaissance inspiration but together everything has a 70's vibe and a style like the paper cut outs of Henri Matisse.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Sailing. It's a time I can't check emails and so I completely switch off and reconnect with nature. I love having breakfast in a quiet bay and jumping in the sea straight after.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?

It's a book by Endre Sal about Hungarians who became successful abroad after moving away before or after World War II. It’s inspiring to discover how people created world-known inventions and companies from scratch.

What would you do if you weren’t an artist?

I would probably be an architect or a florist. I love to create and I can't really imagine doing anything unrelated to art.

What’s next?

I’m working on my next interior collection and there will be some collaborations happening after. Soon I will travel to Sicily to style an advertising film for a client. Although it’s a commercial project, the location and concept are both very exciting.

Ben Weaver