Sometimes
as a tea drinker its hard to find a good mug.
You know, the kind that’s just the right size for just the right amount
of tea. One that can be cupped in both
hands on cold mornings and which feels right when you sip from it – not to thin
and not too thick -and no, my name is not Goldilocks. Often when finally you find one where all
those elements come together the damn thing has a ghastly twee cat printed on
it. So it was with delight that whilst we
were panthering around Milan we came across the right one in a temporary
store.
Part of a collection of ceramics of plates, cups, saucers and
bowls, the white mug was just right for us and was created by the Italian design studio, ilil, whose founders Alessandro Israelachvili and Desiree Restuccia, met at Milan Polytechnic.
All
this thus far can be considered fairly selfish reporting. A sort of ‘all about us’ mug report. However, this is a collection of ceramics with
a difference. Not just gratifying to the senses in its velvety feel and satisfying proportions, but versatile too. Each piece has half a button
hole neatly nicked into its smooth border. Into this a whole range of different shaped
buttons can be placed. Spoilt for choice we spent quite a while arguing over which material and color to pick and generally mixing and matching to our
heart’s desire. I think they were
pleased to see us go.
The good news was that selection of buttons come with the mug we bought allowing us to choose whether we are in a Martha Stewart or James Bond frame of mind. There is also the personalized service which
lets you commission your own button design, opening a multitude of sliding doors
through which coded messages can be flagged across the breakfast, tea or supper
table. What’s not to like?
DOVE COME QUANDO
ilil design studio
www.ilil.it
