Happy products for happy people - that's the motto of Dutch designer Anke van der Endt, owner of Amsterdam-based Pip Studio.
After graduating from design school in 1996, Anke worked as a freelancer for several companies.
Her whimsical designs became so popular that just 10 years later she opened her own studio, through which she now makes a wide range of successful products. This includes everything from crockery and cushions to bed linen and wallpaper.
"I'm not guided by fashion or trends - or even commerce," says Anke, who refuses to make anything except items she likes and finds beautiful.
While this may sound like a risky strategy, it has clearly paid off.
Soon after founding her studio, her collections were being sold in major department and specialty stores all over Europe and are available in no fewer than 40 countries - including South Africa.We first saw her designs in Glenda's Restaurant, where her Kiss the Frog wallpaper takes pride of place in the stylish Johannesburg eatery.
Anyone who's seen that wall will agree that Anke's warm and intimate style, as well as her eye for detail, distinctive colour palette and layered patterns will bring a smile to any room.The eclectic collections are designed to be mixed and matched, and the different floral designs can be grouped together in many combinations.
Anke's vision for her designs is simple, practical and sincere. Any product that comes out of the studio needs to be so good she would like to keep it for herself. If she gives it to a friend or family member, it must bring a little bit of joy and happiness. "Without this emotion, it cannot be a true Pip product."..