Achilles Ion Gabriel is a Finnish-born designer. He studied footwear design in Finland before launching his namesake label in 2012 in Paris while consulting for brands such as Marni, Sunnei and Marimekko. He was appointed Creative Director of CAMPERLAB in June 2019 and Camper in August 2020. Since then, he relocated to Mallorca and works from the HQ of the brand in Inca.
You have been searching for the perfect home in Mallorca for several months now; what were you looking for, and what sold you on the home you finally settled in?
I wanted a house in the middle of nowhere, with loads of natural light and nature around the house. I eventually found this house that was never completely finished. The second floor was never built so the ceiling height is really impressive. I absolutely love it. It’s the place I isolate myself from the world and collect treasures.
Tell us a little bit about your role at Camper. What does your role as Creative Director and creative process look like?
I work as the creative director for Camper and CAMPERLAB. So I am of course very involved in directing the design, as well as image, marketing and commercial, etc. It’s a job that makes it difficult to plan ahead too much or take weekends off, but then it’s even more important to have a home that makes you feel great when you get to spend time in there.
How does your interior reflect your creative vision at work, fashion, or other areas of your life?
For me, home is the most important place. It needs to feel good. I’m sensitive about interiors, for instance, horrible bright artificial light gets me tired immediately. Or loud places, I really cannot concentrate. Besides that, there needs to be some easiness in the space, but also a touch of extravagance.
What object in your home has the best story behind it?
I would say I have several ones. But what is the most precious for me, is the photos I have of my family, friends and my boyfriend on the kitchen shelf. It is sort of a dying habit to develop photos and frame them. It makes me smile when I look at them. I think people should do it more.
Comfortable or Inspiring yet possibly non-functional? (for furniture)
Not sure this answers the question but I’m sensitive to light so dim lights is a must and my take on comfort. Otherwise, I just love unpractical things and I usually don’t look at furniture considering comfort. Inspiring definitely. And too bad if it’s non-functional, or actually so good?!
What is the weirdest object, art, or furniture piece you’ve ever received as a gift?
I got a glass eggplant from my friend Elise Pietarila
You would kick someone out of your house who…
I probably wouldn’t kick out anyone, that is a bit rude, but I might never invite them back if they were annoying.
