Iloni

Founded in 2015 by designer Madri Hopkins, Iloni is a Cape Town-based accessories brand specializing in timeless, high-quality pieces characterized by simplicity, understated detail, and precise finishes. Meaning “Joy” in Finnish, Iloni is so named due to Hopkins' assertion that she is at her happiest investigating, designing, and developing new concepts in her studio. Keeping comfort and practicality front of mind when designing her pieces, the brand’s unique styles strike an appealing balance between clean lines, geometric forms, and uncomplicated organic shapes.

A graduate of Stellenbosch University, Hopkins' unconventional approach to design allows for experimentation with new materials, techniques and processes. Using only real metals including brass, sterling silver and 9-karat gold, these classic materials tie into the brand’s mission to create classic staple pieces that can be worn every day. Iloni’s collection of bold necklaces, bangles, earrings also incorporate elements of rubber and silicone due to their durability, comfortable fit and ability to be easily cleaned. “Our aesthetic is bold yet simple, our sculptural designs demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship that is emblematic of the continent,” Hopkins states.

Drawing inspiration from everything from architecture and contemporary art to shapes, patterns and textures found in nature, Hopkins also spent a lot of time doing visual research online. “It’s about absorbing what I see and then coming to the studio and starting to play with ideas, materials and techniques,” she explains.

In 2016, Hopkins was part of the Design Indaba‘s annual ‘Emerging Creatives Class’, a programme that has helped launch the careers of celebrated local designers including Laduma Ngxokolo and Thebe Magugu. One of her necklaces also made the Top 100 list of Design Indaba’s Most Beautiful Object In South Africa (MBOISA).