New York-based designer Ian Felton utilizes an anthropological approach in his practice, exploring how ancient cultures and historical research can be used to inform design.

At the heart of Felton’s debut collection is a desire to create objects that convey a sense of history and form a connection to civilizations that have helped shape human existence. In ‘Kosa’, Felton looks to pre-Colombian cultures and their use of animism and symbology as a source of inspiration. Felton’s ideas are intrinsically linked to communication: prior to the introduction of alphabets, ancient civilizations used imagery, symbology, and decorative objects as modes of conveying information and storytelling. It is these early forms of creativity and communication that captivated the designer and encouraged his research.

Felton has drawn upon this extensive research and formed a series of unique pieces, harnessing a direct connection between design and history. Abstract yet functional, each piece of the collection is linked through the use of bold, curved shapes and chubby structural elements. For the fabrication and sourcing of materials, Felton worked with an atelier based outside of Mexico City, staying true to the narrative of the collection through the use of regional craftsmanship and materials. The fabrics encasing the pieces are from Peruvian alpacas—a durable and luxurious textile. Stone elements are constructed using Cantera—an igneous rock formed of volcanic ash and dust. In ‘Kosa’, Felton has produced a sophisticated and timeless collection; rooted in history, the pieces embody the early ideas of communication and creativity that first inspired his work.

Designer: Ian Felton
Text: Emily Grundon
Photography: Sean Davidson