- Art & Design
In the vibrant heart of Brussels, where art and passion embrace, Isabelle Yamamoto unfolds her unique talent. A French artist based in this vibrant city, she is revolutionising the world of interior design with her enchanting creations: beautiful cushions, each infused with a story, a history of journeys and discoveries.
What began as transforming old textiles into travel quickly evolved into an immersive evolution through aesthetics and craft. Isabelle Yamamoto's handmade pieces are not only elegant, but they also represent true works of art and unique additions. She is an explorer, both in the world and in her soul, driven by the urge to meet knowledge, craftsmanship, and above all, people. She creates cohesive and harmonious sets, playing with materials and structures to transform living spaces into true havens for the wandering soul. Her inspiration is multifaceted; she finds spontaneous creativity in her Japanese husband's cultural richness and art of living, which adds a unique nuance to her creations. In addition, her work demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to sustainability. She works with artisans who share her philosophy, and her creations speak loudly of her ambition for a world of less overconsumption. 
Yamamoto's choice of natural fibres, such as hemp, linen, and others, is no accident.They are raw and natural materials that convey living energy for her. Handmade and produced in Belgium, each piece bears her signature: sublimating imperfection in the material, preserving small flaws as a tribute to the fragility of life. Within her muted and timeless colour palette, we find echoes of the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy she shares with her husband. Her creations not only reflect her aesthetic preferences, but also evoke a sense of calm and serenity, suggested by the earthy colours, warm tones, burnt wood, bronze greens, chocolate colours, and more. Her commitment to a better world goes beyond her creative studio. For instance, she advocates valuing craftsmanship, championing the necessary time of creation, and avoiding haste and mass production. Her sustainable business model, dedicated to the environment and love of nature, is a lifestyle she not only embodies but actively promotes. In a world of abundant choices and rapidly fading trends, Isabelle Yamamoto's work stands as a beacon of timeless beauty and enduring elegance. Every cushion and creation is a testament to her artistry, her love for the environment, and her pursuit of a world where less is ultimately more. 
Her work demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to sustainability
Yamamoto has developed a series of customised paint formulas to achieve earthy tones while respecting Studio Corkinho's design philosophy.The collection includes a series of meditation cushions, zabutons, all filled with cork beads, which can be dipped in the essential oil from the Hakudo Rain Collection, developed by AIRO. Furthermore, she met Belgian designer Inge Lagae of Kāna in 2020. Their shared passion for Japanese culture led to the creation of the Yoishu daybed for the KANA Collection. She designed the futon and matching cushions in coloured hemp, a gem for lovers of contemporary wabi-sabi style. These unique vintage hemp covers were also offered in limited editions, enhancing the organic power and beauty of the minimalist daybed design in smoked oak or natural oak. We would also like to take you back to the meeting between Isabelle Yamamoto and the Nomades creative studio. A duality between two personalities with the same aesthetic philosophy and a common view of the world that is both poetic and sincere, and a strong bond with nature. Finally, the talented artist also collaborated with Riad Berbère, located in the maze of alleys in Marrakech's old Medina. The design behind Riad Berbère was a fusion between interior designer Sandrine Henry and Isabelle Yamamoto. A collaboration between two aesthetes who love beautiful materials and whose shared vision will bring to life a series of textile creations, such as floor cushions.
Collaborating with Isabelle Yamamoto is based on respecting pure materials. Her passion will undoubtedly take her to other horizons to explore different ecological technologies. We are sure she has a lot in store for us and will enter into many interesting future collaborations. One thing is certain: we will undoubtedly continue to follow her closely, because we do not want to miss anything from her adventure!
Photography by Studio Brinth
Text by Elke Aerts