Kukka Prepares to Shine at Design Junction
Style never sleeps in London, which may explain why on the heels of Fashion Week, the city continues to parade its creative hub status with Design Junction. In its second year, the five-day furniture, art, fashion and home décor bazaar starts today at the Sorting Office in Mount Pleasant. Kukka design house is one of roughly 100 brands showcasing their work, an occurrence that founder and lead designer Rona Meyuchas Koblenz is 
insurmountably pleased with.
Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Koblenz worked as an industrial designer in Milan and London before launching her light and home fixture brand in 2010. Its moniker is a riff on Kukla, a name of endearment her grandmothers gave her as a child. Inspired by the everyday simplicities of life, Koblenz says she approaches her work "the same way you go about cooking something special for someone you love." Kukka's offerings include signature lamps, wooden desk accessories, and printed light shades. Shortly before Design Junction kicked-off, Koblenz clued us into why she finds her work so exciting, and what we can expect from this year's show.
What do you love about light design in particular?
Rona Meyuchas Koblenz: It’s constantly changing and evolving. If you look at lamps from the early 20th century, they were purely designed to light up. Today, designers and manufacturers take into consideration ambient impacts; not only of the materials and finishes used, but also of the light source itself.
What are your fa
vorite materials to work with?
I find all materials inspiring, especially if they’re sustainable. I’m always in the search of new materials and technologies.
Tell us about your prints.
The Felucca prints are designed and made by a very talented artist/illustrator named Nina Levett. The Felucca fabric acts as a platform for the lights and we change and update the designs. They’re all limited edition.
What Design Junction like?
Design junction is one of the most vibrant shows in London during London Design Festival. A lot of exciting brands and designers are participating this year, such as Benjamin Hubers, Pinch, Cassina, Bocci, e15, Thonet, De la Espada and more.
What pieces are you most proud of?
I am proud of those that sell well. That means they’re useful and that other people are enjoying them. That’s what’s most rewarding.
Images courtesy Kukka
