Istanbul Modern from MOMA

Designs inspired by Istanbul by Erdem Akan

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Store still has this delightful 'Destination: Istanbul' collection of modern designs from Turkey available.


 While the cute rings  by Aida Pekin (intriguing, but a little kitsch--her other jewelry is quite mod and organic) and diminutive oiseaux on Berra Alkan's porcelain have appeal, the real standout designer is Erdem Akan.

MOMA is carrying Akan's 'East Meets West' glasses (love!) but a tour of his site reveals so many more designs in this same vein -- "typically" Turkish but definitely modern.

This tray reminds me a bit of Younes Duret's designs,
but just goes to show how popular the star pattern is worldwide...

Simple espresso cups adorned with iznik tile patterns

Dome cloches

Some of these are intended as tourist takeaways. When was the last time you saw these on display in the Grand Bazaar?

Jockey meets fez. But would Ataturk approve? 

 Can you believe these are trivets?
Presumably reflections of Turkish hipsters are not included.

Would love to grab a few of these myself. Kudos to MOMA for bringing these young designers Stateside.