Annebeth Philips - the raw magic of imperfect mock-ups

Annebet Philips collaboration with Serax has resulted in Carte Blanche, a uniquely playful coffee and tea set that evokes the magic of the very first idea: the moment when, as a designer brimming with inspiration, you cut your first models from cardboard; the blank page, the untouched sheet, when anything is still possible. Carte Blanche is a tribute to the spontaneity of first ideas; the raw magic of quick, imperfect mock-ups.

In the very first stage of design, it is common to use cardboard to quickly create models. These mock-ups often carry a kind speed and an intuitive spontaneity.

“I wanted to capture this naiive playful energy by translating the cardboard forms one-to-one in the final material: ceramic,” told Philips.

By keeping the uneven shapes, the cut edges, and by adding hand-painted lines, the spontanious character of the first models is preserved in the final pieces. Carte Blanche celebrates that moment when everything is still possible: the white cardboard, the uncut sheet, the freedom of the blank page. The Coffee/Tea collection includes espresso cups, a cappuccino cup, a tea mug, saucers in various sizes, a milk jug and a teapot.

Annebet Philips is a Dutch designer based in Amsterdam and is known for her playful, almost cartoon-like design language, characterized by her signature hand-drawn contour lines. Starting from the familiarity of archetypal objects, Annebet gives them a surprising twist. She has collaborated with international brands such as Seletti, Mogg, Tonone, and Tommy Hilfiger. Graduating cum laude with a master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering from the prestigious TU Delft, she combines artistic vision with strong technical expertise. Her work has been exhibited at the Salone del Mobile in Milan and the Mint Gallery in London.