Egyptian-born, New York-based artist and designer Laila Gohar works with food to cultivate a sense of wonder – drawing people closer to their inner child and, in turn, to one another. Her work is shown and celebrated internationally; at this year’s Milan design week, she collaborated with Marimekko on an immersive installation centred around a giant bed in the foyer of Teatro Litta.
This past autumn, Gohar took part in the inaugural Bukhara Biennial, presenting a pavilion made of rock-sugar crystals that explores themes of tradition, healing and time through food, craft and art. In 2020, she and her sister Nadia founded tableware universe Gohar World, producing timeless objects made for entertaining – the brand’s latest ‘Table VIII’ holiday collection is available now. gohar.world
The book that influenced me the most is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. It’s so beautifully written. I appreciate the simple, direct messages that are profound at the same time. I always give this book to people when they have a new baby, as I particularly love the chapter about children.
What's everyone reading?
My favourite painting is Edouard Vuillard’s The Seamstresses. It’s hard to explain why it moves me, it’s just an emotional response.
My favourite restaurant is Altro Paradiso in New York. If I go with friends, we order the bistecca alla fiorentina. The serving is generous, so it’s fun to share. If I’m by myself, I’ll order the spaghetti pomodoro.
The best hotel room in the world is a suite at the Palazzo Gritti in Venice, where I stayed during a work trip. I loved waking up surrounded by so much history and beauty.
The best exhibition I’ve ever seen is Etel Adnan at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. I love the building, I love the flow. I always start at the top and make my way down. I’ve always liked her work, but that space really complemented it.
My first memory of interior design is of my mum reupholstering the sofa. It was a plain fabric and then became a flower print. I remember being shocked.
If I could have designed one thing, it would have been electricity.
My favourite place in the world is probably my bed. I like to relax and unwind, talk to my friends on the phone, play with my son and hang out with my boyfriend.
My favourite building is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s El-Tahrir Square. I grew up going there and think it’s the most impressive museum in the world. I love the collection and the vastness. Last year, I had a show there and it meant a lot to me.
I spend far too much time on Instagram.
If I won the lottery, there would be signs…
Something I inherited from my parents is their approach to hosting. Growing up, their house had an open-door policy. If they were planning a dinner for 10, they could make room for 12. I have the same mentality.
