Bolda, a Jeju term evoking tranquil waves and breezes, is an invitation to dive into the bold and explosive universe of South Korean designer. Combined with the Canadian design studio’ singular expertise, this new collection pays tribute to craftsmanship, the exchange of ideas and the harmony of materials.

For several years now, Kwangho Lee has been perfecting copper enameling, inspired by chilbo, a traditional Korean decorative art. This technique involves applying colored glass powder to metal, then melting it at a high temperature. Chilbo was originally used to decorate small objects, but Lee now adapts it to large-scale furniture pieces. This change of scale gives the enamel a shimmering, irregular effect, which dictated the name of the collection.

After months of remote design work between Seoul and Montreal, the Korean designer finally joined the Montreal studio, fostering collaboration and precision craftsmanship during an inspiring creative residency. This moment defined Bolda’s identity, allowing Lee to share his expertise in copper enameling and strengthening the bond and trust at the heart of this partnership.

“Taking on new challenges and attempts is like sailing on an open sea. Sometimes we face big waves, and sometimes strong winds blow, and I think our collaboration is the same,” explains Kwangho Lee. “As the name Bolda implies, I think our voyage has finally found new light on calm vand quiet waves.”

Sheets of polished aluminum, the Canadian studio’s trademark material, serve as a backdrop for the enameled copper plates, giving them a sculptural dimension and a unique presence sublimated by a luminous tube. The light, concealed beneath the cover fold, seeps into all the integrated openings, accentuating the edges and junctions of each piece.