Leidenschaft is a design studio that blends artistry with craftsmanship, specializing in creating bespoke, handcrafted pieces primarily using concrete as its medium. The name 'Leidenschaft,' meaning 'passion' in German, perfectly encapsulates the brand’s essence: a deep, unwavering love for both the material and the process of creation. The studio’s work is not just about producing functional objects but about transforming raw, often industrial materials into art that carries emotional weight, meaning, and a unique narrative.
Founder Mallika Singh tells us all about how Leidenschaft came to life and where it’s headed.
How did the idea of starting Leidenschaft come to life?
Leidenschaft, which means 'passion' in German, truly lives up to its name. This brand was born out of a pure love for what we do. After working with concrete for over a decade, we’ve come to appreciate its depth, complexity, and potential in ways that feel almost second nature. For us, it’s always been about more than just making things—it’s about creating meaning. Art, design, and thoughtful craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do. Leidenschaft grew out of the desire to merge those values with the raw, imperfect beauty of concrete, turning it into something poetic, personal, and full of purpose.
Leidenschaft’s pieces exude a calming presence. What role does emotion and the idea of tranquillity play in your design process?
Emotion and tranquility are at the very core of our design philosophy. When creating, we approach each piece with a deep awareness of its purpose and the emotions it is meant to evoke. It’s less about controlling the process and more about letting the piece evolve organically. I might give it a basic form, but it grows into something much more—a piece that feels alive, resonating with a sense of calm and connection.
In your view, how does the imperfect beauty of your creations speak to modern consumers, particularly in a time when mass production often prioritizes perfection and uniformity?
Imperfect beauty is what makes something truly unique. In today’s world of standardized, mass-produced products, we often overlook the small, simple details that set things apart. Our creations embrace imperfection as a celebration of individuality. Each piece, handmade with care and intention, carries a story and a warmth that no factory-made item can replicate. It’s the human touch—the love and joy poured into every curve and texture—that resonates with people seeking authenticity in a world of uniformity.
Can you share a specific project or piece that stands out for you in terms of the creative process, challenges, or outcomes?
Two pieces that stand out for me are our Ear to the Wall sculpture and the Tri-Lume floor light. These were our first attempts at creating large-scale wall art and lighting installations, and they were truly a labor of love. Sculpting something of that magnitude was no small feat—it demanded an immense amount of time, effort, and emotional investment from both me and my incredible team. What made these pieces so special was the deeply personal nature of the process. Every sculpted detail carried a part of me, and finishing them felt like pouring my soul into something tangible. When the client purchased them, I experienced a bittersweet moment—heartbroken to see them go but also comforted knowing they were going to a home where they would be cherished and appreciated. It’s a reminder of the emotional connection that art can create, not just for the maker but for the people who live with it.
Can you walk us through your process when conceptualizing a new collection like MALLEKA?
Our creative process often begins with abstract ideas and intangible emotions—things that are felt rather than seen. With every collection, we aim to translate those fleeting, often unspoken feelings into something tangible and meaningful. For example, when we worked on our recent collection Dreams, we delved into the mysterious and darker facets of the human experience. The challenge was to channel those emotions into forms that felt authentic yet evocative, weaving a narrative through textures, shapes, and contrasts. Similarly, with MALLEKA, the process started with an exploration of subtle nuances—finding ways to express fragility, strength, and the interplay between the two. It’s a deeply intuitive journey, one where every piece gradually takes shape as an extension of the concept we’re exploring.
What do you envision for the future of Leidenschaft?
We’re excited to keep experimenting, especially by blending concrete with other materials to create something fresh and unexpected. There’s so much to explore, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us. Stay tuned!
Words Platform Desk
Date 16.12.2024