New York-based artist Laila Gohar has teamed up with HAY to create a collection of tableware and kitchen accessories designed to celebrate the joys of hosting – from sourcing ingredients, to cooking, setting the table, and finally sitting down and enjoying the people around the table. She has named her collection ‘Sobremesa’, which is the Spanish tradition of “relaxing and enjoying idle moments and each other’s company at the end of the meal.”
The Sobremesa Collection includes brightly-hued tableware such as porcelain serving bowls in a variety of sizes and tones, a hand-painted stoneware vase, jug, cookie jar, and bean pot; beautifully embroidered pieces made of OEKO-TEX® linen, including an apron, a tablecloth, and napkins to go along with colourful placemats.
Gohar has also designed a charming bast market basket, handmade in Morocco, as well as a classic netted market shopping bag made of recycled cotton.
"The pieces feel democratic; that's why a collaboration with HAY was so exciting. I wanted to make a line that people can use in their everyday life: maybe you have a tablecloth that you inherited from your grandmother, which you can then mix with the Sobremesa Vase. I generally like this idea of mixing and matching, and being able to create your own visual story with different pieces." Laila Gohar
"All of the items together create an extension of my own world. I approach them as a little fantasy or dream. I don't necessarily prescribe to the idea that you need to lay out the tablecloth and put the vase right in the middle. It's more exciting to use bits and pieces, and incorporate them into your own world - so I see these styles as adaptable and unique." Laila Gohar
"I am very proud that, through the Sobremesa Collection, those who follow the HAY universe will have access to Laila's work. Something I really enjoy providing for our community is passing on inspiration - and I personally feel very inspired by Laila". Mette Hay, Founder of HAY
Laila Gohar is a conceptual artist and chef who works with food as her artistic medium. She creates immersive experiences that blur the line between performance and dining. Gohar was born in Egypt, where she grew up in a large family of passionate cooks and hosts. She is now based in New York City where she works internationally, and is known for her high profile collaborations across art, design and fashion. Laila also writes a monthly column called How to Host It for FT’s How to Spend It magazine. For HAY, Laila Gohar has designed the Sobremesa Collection – a series of tableware and kitchen accessories designed to celebrate the joy of hosting.
