When did you start focusing on porcelain design?
AL: My first design project after graduation was a tableware series. It was then that I not only discovered my fascination for porcelain, rather a true passion was awakened: I love creating sensual stages for culinary enjoyment.
How do you understand the design language of WMF Professional?
AL: Personally, I see very clear borrowings from Japanese design in the design language of WMF Professional. This is particularly evident in the shapes derived from geometry and a balanced interplay of proportions. The interplay of precise edges and taut surfaces creates an exciting relationship between simplicity and sensuality. Nevertheless, the collection inspires with refined details - much like the furnishings in a traditional wooden house - the Machiya - in Tokyo.
What demands did WMF have on the design and you personally?
AL: Precisely because SYNERGY is WMF Professional's first own porcelain collection, the work was a challenge for both sides right from the start - but a very exciting one. It wasn't just about designing a tableware series. We had the ambitious goal of transforming WMF's DNA into a design language for porcelain. It was clear to everyone involved that only an expressive design could meet these requirements. In addition, SYNERGY naturally had to meet the high quality standards of the WMF Professional brand as well as gastronomic requirements. First and foremost, restaurateurs want collections that are functional and flexible in use, as well as reflecting current food and lifestyle trends. The right porcelain collection is the one with which great food presentations can be realized.
What character traits should SYNERGY fulfill?
AL: In addition to the already mentioned clear and expressive design as well as high quality, a certain thoughtfulness played a major role. This means that the individual pieces can take on different roles both separately and together - on the laid table as well as on the buffet. Of course, a certain attention to detail should also not be missing and the collection should have a so-called "mix & match" character. Last but not least, it was enormously important that SYNERGY could be easily combined with each other as well as with other collections from WMF. This is particularly evident in the interplay with the trend and lifestyle collection STYLE LIGHTS.
What was it about the collaboration with WMF that particularly excited you?
AL: Since the porcelain category was newly established at WMF Professional, this project required a lot of pioneering work. I can only say - it was a great time to realize something so big together with a professional as well as passionate team.
