Esther and Paul have now returned from their travels in Japan, full of tales of adventures and photographs of spectacular shrines, amazing sushi and the neon-lit Tokyo night life. Esther explains, “Japan is just such an inspirational country – so unique and full of fascinating details and differences. This is only my second visit to Japan so I was excited to be shown around by Terry and Kumiko.”

Terry and Kumiko are the founders of Salon De Favori, a Tokyo based interior design house who specialise in importing high-end Western interiors. Having met Esther in 2016, they now import a wide range of Curiousa’s lights into the Japanese market as sole distributors, managing the stringent electrical certification which had proved a barrier previously.

Esther was invited to introduce the brand and her story to over 50 Tokyo based interior designers and architects, each of which were given a small gift from Curiousa & Curiousa – a handblown glass bird – as is the tradition in Japan. “The reception and hospitality was fantastic and we’ve already received lots of interest and enquiries from our visit. There really isn’t anything on the Japanese market similar to our lights so we’re excited to bring UK hand-blown glass lighting with colour at the heart of their appeal.”

Esther explained her design inspiration and talked of the influences and artistic development, from her exploration of naturally dying silk from various lichens whilst still a teenager, to the artists and artistic movements helped shape her love of colour, as well as explaining how Curiousa & Curiousa was formed some nine years ago.

“It was a bit daunting speaking in front of so many people, but everyone was so receptive and showed real interested in my story.  I’m so excited by this opportunity as I really enjoy the culture, customs and food of Japan, so to think my designs are really appreciated here makes me feel very proud”.