Interview: Koket by Janet Demorais, recently unveiled over ten new designs channeling a new direction for the brand at Decorex International. The Love Happens Blog sat down with the Creative Director and Founder of KOKET, Janet Morais, in an exclusive interview discussing the brand, new designs and the future of the most seductive furniture company in the world. Sit down with us as we play 10 questions with Janet Morais.
Love Happens Blog: Tell us about the KOKET brand.
Janet Morais: KOKET is more than a luxury furniture brand, but a representation of empowerment and desire. My mission with KOKET has always been to empower and seduce with daring design, all while giving women the ability to express their true style.
LHB: Why have you revamped KOKETs look for 2016?
Janet Morais: After about 5 years of success, I felt KOKET needed something to keep the brand allure and momentum growing. It became time to raise the bar within not only the collection, but the company, encompassing all aspects of the brand.
LHB: What inspirations did you draw on for this new look?
Janet Morais: A lot of my inspirations are the same, especially the influence of Art Deco and oriental design. I looked through a lot of vintage design archives, pulling designs from different eras then adding the opulent KOKET touch.
LHB: What is different and what is similar about these new pieces compared to the previous pieces?
Janet Morais: This new collection differs in that the pieces are not as inventive and elaborate as the icons of the Guilty Pleasures collection. Instead of large, ornamental details I chose to focus on the timelessness of the design while still applying the seductive KOKET touch. I believe we have become established enough as a brand to apply a more mature design approach.
LHB: You chose to unveil new pieces that embody KOKETs new direction at Decorex International in London. Why?
Janet Morais: The London design scene is edgy and receptive to confidence. My new collection carries an air of confidence that wasn’t there in the beginning. London is the perfect place to unleash this new assurance. Also, it is not enough to unveil a piece of furniture or a collection, people want to experience it. London provided the perfect venue for guests to get up close and personal with the new collection.
LHB: Tell us the inspiration behind Metal Rage.
Janet Morais: Metal Rage was inspired by the resurgence of punk chic and shimmering sultry quality of metallics. Capturing the exotic beauty of rebellion.
LHB: What is your favorite new piece and why?
Janet Morais: My overall favorite is the Bolvardi Bench, but out of the new pieces I would have to say the Luna. Her design is simply radiant, with the bold curved arms, and the shimmering metallic reptile leather is to die for!
LHB: KOKET is known for their use of exotic and quality materials. Where any new materials or design styles used on the new pieces and if so what/which?
Janet Morais: This collection shows traces of mid-century modern design, like in the Sofia sofa, that is not commonly used in the KOKET aesthetic. We also played with tempered glass, seen in the Amaretto sconce and chandelier, which was a new material for us but turned out stunning.
LHB: What is your favorite part of the design process?
Janet Morais: Not just creating a piece of furniture, but an experience. I aim to cultivate desire within my clients with each piece I make.
LHB: What can we expect from KOKET in the future?
Janet Morais: KOKET is taking a mature approach to the future, in design and audience. I want to continue designing pieces for the modern, confident woman, that will make a statement while fulfilling the client’s needs. And of course KOKETs signature black and gold combination is here to stay.