A Curator’s Tale: Nalata Nalata
Nalata Nalata is a hub of impeccable taste, located in the heart of New York City. It’s a quiet spot known for their minimal aesthetic and expertly curated home decor pieces, founded by Angelique Chmielewski-Aung and Stevenson Aung. A duo that’s not only curating objects of the finest quality, but connecting consumers to the makers behind the product. When you visit the store, or even browse the website, it’s immediately apparent that each item was picked with a purpose. We took a trip to the store to check out their current selection and discuss the idea behind Nalata Nalata. Read on below.
Can you tell us us a bit about the origins of Nalata Nalata?
AC-A: It all started because of our love of well-designed products and our curiosity of the people behind them. We combined these two interests to create a platform where people can shop for products while learning about their makers. When we first started our company, there was more of a mystery around how an object was made and who made it. We wanted to put an emphasis on this, mainly to offer a new approach to shopping that was more human focused.
How did you meet? When did you decide to go into business together?
SA: We met in Canada where we’re from, while taking fundamental art classes, the University of Alberta’s equivalent of Art 101! We decided to go into business together back in 2013 when the concept of Nalata Nalata was forming. Ultimately we just wanted to build something special together.
You two seem to travel quite often. How do those experiences inspire your business?
AC-A: Traveling opens the doors to new perspectives. In our business those experiences impart so many fresh ways to look at objects and how they can integrate into a variety of different lifestyles and cultures.
While traveling and curating products, are you noticing any crafts or materials gaining prominence in the home goods market?
SA: Materials that are hard to source in North America are becoming more prominent. Materials like hinoki wood, bamboo charcoal and indigo dyes have been used for crafting goods in Japan for centuries, but are just now gaining an appreciation elsewhere. Their properties are fascinating, so it’s no surprise to us that they are well received. What’s more fascinating for us is seeing how they can be transformed from their traditional uses to something more appropriate for our part of the world and our way of life.
What would you say has surprised you most about starting as an ecommerce store, and then expanding into a physical retail space?
AC-A: The biggest surprise was discovering how a physical space and ecommerce could really support each other. Our brick and mortar makes a small footprint in the great city of New York but we were surprised at how some physical presence, even small, can make a big difference.
During the photoshoot, we were really blown away by the store. Were there any particular inspirations for the interior design?
SA: We were inspired by emotions when we designed the storefront. We wanted the store to elicit feelings of peace and calm so we used warm materials like wood. We also don’t take for granted the fact that we’re located on a corner with such great natural light flooding in from two sides so we took advantage of that when designing the space.
How would you describe the overarching Nalata Nalata brand ethos?
AC-A: Our underlying belief is that meaningful connections can be made with objects by having an awareness of the human aspects that go into their existence. Objects become less disposable when they are deeply connected to human kind as a collective.
Can both of you briefly talk us through one of your favorite pieces/brands you’ve curated for the store?
AC-A: Momoko Otani is very special to me because she puts so much heart and soul into every piece she creates. Her pottery works are all made by hand and it shows in the forms, patterns and glazes that are impossible to replicate mechanically.
SA: One of my favorite designers is Makoto Koizumi for his ability to constantly evolve with the times. He takes such time-honored manufacturing techniques and incorporates them into contemporary shapes.
It’s evident you put a lot of time and thought in what you sell at Nalata Nalata. What characteristics are you looking for when curating the store?
SA: We’re hooked on objects that can make day-to-day life better and that can stay with someone over the course of their lifetime.
Are there any expansions or new openings coming soon for Nalata Nalata?
SA: We’re always looking for new ways to expand the company, not necessarily through more physical space but through ways that can grow a community of individuals that are engaged with what we do.
Be sure to keep up with Nalata Nalata on IG here.
