Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering is thrilled to announce one of the most exciting collaborations of the year a Commercial Textile and Wallcovering Collection with British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Yinka Ilori. Renowned for his sustainability-driven work that uses color to inspire joy and a sense of community, this collaboration marks Ilori’s first foray into commercial textile and wallcovering design with Yinka Ilori x Momentum.
Known affectionately as the “Architect of Joy,” Ilori draws inspiration from his dual heritage to create his distinctive design language. His work makes his love of life tangible in every form, from a single textile to a massive public art installation, striking a delicate balance between playfulness and uncompromisingly modern design.
Beginning his career by upcycling vintage furniture, Ilori’s practice has since expanded to collaborations with powerhouse global brands like Adidas, Lego, Pinterest, Universal Music, and Design Museum to name a few. Recent accolades also include the World Architecture London Design Medal for Emerging Designers, Architectural Digest’s 2024 AD100 list, and recognition as one of twelve individuals shaping the future of design.
As the industry’s largest commercial textiles and wallcoverings supplier, Momentum is the natural choice to bring Ilori’s forward-thinking vision to life. The collection draws not only on Ilori’s dual heritage, but also on the themes of community and the power of affirmation—key tenets in all of Ilori’s work. Captured in aptly named patterns like Moving Mountains, Ilori uses his work as a means to self-empowerment and positivity.
The collection’s playful, uplifting patterns appear simple at first but become mesmerizing upon a deeper look. From Shower Me With Flowers, whose floral motifs are pared down to their most minimal elements, to the repetitive geometrics of Eyes in Reflection, each pattern tells a story wholly unique to Ilori that makes an impact wherever it’s installed. Whether it’s a high-concept office, an upscale restaurant, or a necessary infusion of cheer into a healthcare facility, the collection universally transforms any space into an experience that inspires, invigorates, and stimulates through its colors, patterns, and stories.
“My collaboration with Momentum is a testament to the power of happiness created by strong community and storytelling,” explains Ilori. “Together, we aim to transform commercial spaces into playful, creative hubs that inspire, uplift, and even heal. Forged by my dual heritage and my belief in the positive impact of joy on our lives, we’re bringing a fresh take to commercial design with products that breathe color and optimism into every corner of any space.”
For Momentum, it is the culmination of a long history of incredible partnerships with celebrated artists like Sheila Hicks, Shantell Martin, and Aleksandra Gaca — a first-of-its-kind launch that blends their consummate expertise with Ilori’s unrelenting cool factor.
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting journey with Yinka,” shares Momentum Chief Marketing & Creative Officer Jennifer Nye. “His ability to infuse spaces with culture and storytelling aligns perfectly with Momentum’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering creativity in commercial environments. This collaboration is not only a fusion of artistic prowess but also a celebration of heritage and the transformative power of joy. We couldn’t be prouder to be the ones to bring this collection to the world.”
Yinka Ilori x Momentum includes both textiles and wallcovering, featuring five distinct patterns: Shower Me With Flowers (a modernist, geometric take on florals), Dream Catchers (a dreamlike juxtaposition of shapes), Eyes in Reflection (a versatile grid of rounded motifs), Blossoms Time (solid colors with a woven texture), and Rhythms Surround You, an exuberant stripe stacking multiple arches, circles, chevrons and triangles. The collection’s wallcoverings include Rhythms Surround You (also a textile), Moving Mountains, a playful geometric feast for the eyes, and the kaleidoscopic Shifting Motions.
Ilori will publicly unveil Yinka Ilori x Momentum in Momentum’s showroom at the 2024 NeoCon trade show, where he will also deliver a keynote address on Tuesday, June 11. Concurrently, the artist and designer will present a new immersive commission — the largest and most personal of his career to date — exploring memories and mindfulness for Chicago’s ART on THE MART program. This will make Ilori the first triple-threat artist and designer to launch a collection at NeoCon, deliver a NeoCon keynote in partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and present a commission for ART on the MART all in the same season.
GALLERY
About Yinka Ilori
Yinka Ilori is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose bold visual language draws on his British-Nigerian heritage to convey new narratives through contemporary design. Drawing on Nigerian parables and verbal traditions, Ilori touches on a multitude of themes that resonate with a global audience.
About Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering is the largest supplier of contract textiles and wallcoverings to the commercial interiors industry. Its mission is to create textiles and wallcoverings that inspire and equip customers to execute great work for their clients. Momentum is recognized for sustainable product design and collaborations with renowned artists and designers. Momentum is a recipient of the 2016 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence. Momentum is committed to sustainable excellence through innovation and continuous improvement.
Media Contacts
Novità Communications
Ashley Lamatrice / Claudia Chung
ashley@novitapr.com / claudia@novitapr.com
Yinka Ilori
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
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