Julija Kaja Hrovat X Cup of Tea

Julija has had the 2 armchairs, that needed to be renovated, for quite a while. Over a lovely cup of tea, we agreed to re-do them together. COT prepared the armchairs – sanding the frame, coating them with protective oil, reassembling the armchairs and replacing the missing springs. Julija took care of the pillows and dressed them in a textile upholstery, which is her distinctive pattern and added gold zippers to them. At the end, a "Reloved by CUP OF TEA" badge was added.

RELOVED ARMCHAIR BLACK CUP OF TEA JULIJA KAJA HROVAT VINTAGE CHAIR

Julija described the renovation of the chairs as invaluable, and used her “signature” pattern in black for the upholstery. The pattern is the JKH author’s pattern, which was created while researching Slovenian cultural heritage and derives from old fabric, similar to a napkin.

RELOVED ARMCHAIR BLACK CUP OF TEA JULIJA KAJA HROVAT VINTAGE CHAIR

Julija transformed the mentioned pattern digitally, so that it can be used for various textile techniques and named it after one of the Slovene protected flowers – the Triglav flower, that is also a recognisable symbol of the “slovETNO” line. She choose mystical black, which is not really a colour in the colour theory and represents strength, confidence and elegance. Julija used water-repellent polyester and a quilting technique.

RELOVED ARMCHAIR BLACK CUP OF TEA JULIJA KAJA HROVAT VINTAGE CHAIR
RELOVED ARMCHAIR BLACK CUP OF TEA JULIJA KAJA HROVAT VINTAGE CHAIR

Regarding the distinction between fashion and industrial design, she says: “I think it’s all part of fashion, because fashion is not just clothes, fashion is a way of life of an individual – it’s the music we listen to, the fragrance we wear and, last but not least, the furniture we choose for our home or work space. I don’t pay too much attention to trends in design and I build collections in such a way that they are also sustainable from the design point of view. It seems to me that even in industrial design, most designers use this approach – a sustainable design that survives fashion trends and seasons ”.

Julija likes to use natural and certified materials, and often designs a special piece that is recycled or upcycled (for the Artisanal line). Her favourite style is the eclectic style: “Mixing different historical periods, using different patterns and colours. Assembling or styling a space with interesting and useful pieces that have stories behind them!”

She describes the Slovenian creative scene as colourful and rich with many creators, artists and designers. Julija concludes optimistically: “I am glad that more and more of us (creators) are turning to a sustainable approach and back to the cultural heritage & Slovenian history for inspiration. We are becoming increasingly proud of our history and our roots.”

IMG_0807