Effi Pingel

May the ephemeral last forever

• Effi creates textile flowers by hand
• She uses a wide variety of materials including silk, organza and fur
• She treasures the traditional brass tools of her craft designed in the 1800s

Effi Pingel discovered the world of textile flower making in 1995, when she met the artifical flower maker of the Royal Danish Theatre, Madeleine Schnack. Struck by the craft's endless expressions and variety of materials, she has devoted her life to mastering the techniques ever since. In 2013, Effi acquired a sought-after apprenticeship at the renowned Atelier Legeron in Paris, where she created and developed accessories for fashion maisons Louboutin, Dior, Galliano and Vuitton. In 2014, she established her own studio and workshop in the old centre of Copenhagen. Today, Effi creates textile flowers and compositions for theatre, film and fashion, bespoke handmade luxury accessories for the dining table, along with large art installation pieces. Effi's key to preserving her unique craft is experimenting with new materials and expressions while honing and honoring more traditional techniques.

Interview

©LindaHansen

©LindaHansen

What sets your flowers apart from natural ones?

Natural flowers are symmetrical and almost too perfect. My flowers are crooked and slightly off by intent. Every leaf has its own detail, and no two are alike. I also create different stages of blooming buds. Perhaps a contradiction, but this makes them come more alive, I think.

What kind of tools do you use?

The fleuriste craft has almost disappeared, so tool production has ceased. There are electronic and steel tools out there, but they are no match for the brass tools made 300 years ago. I use my collection of vintage tools and endlessly hone my hand techniques.

What distinguishes an Effi Pingel design?

I predominantly use poppy flowers, as well as tulips and French anemones. However, the process of dyeing and tinting each leaf individually and separately from the others is a characteristic of mine that I hope comes through and makes them special.

What experiences have been most meaningful for you?

My apprenticeship at Atelier Legeron in Paris was the most influential, but it also made me realise what I could do on my own and gave me the confidence to go solo. Another highlight was collaborating with Kopenhagen Fur on an assignment envisioning alternative textiles for the future and the fashion industry.

Effi Pingel is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1995

Works

©Effi Pingel

©Effi Pingel

©LindaHansen

©Effi Pingel

©LindaHansen

Where