The winners of the 34th annual Best of NeoCon Awards were unveiled this week, as a design luminary-studded ceremony at THE MART in Chicago saw a colorful collaboration receive the top honor. Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s collection with British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori received the coveted distinction of Best of Competition — marking the first time a product in the Wall Treatments and Textiles categories took home the top honors. Renowned for his sustainability-driven work that uses color to inspire joy and a sense of community, this collaboration marks Ilori’s first foray into commercial textile and wallcovering design.
“My collaboration with Momentum is a testament to the power of happiness created by strong community and storytelling,” explains Ilori. “Together, we aim to transform commercial spaces into playful, creative hubs that inspire, uplift, and even heal.”
Known affectionately as the “Architect of Joy,” Ilori draws inspiration from his dual heritage to create his distinctive design language. His work makes his love of life tangible in every form, from a single textile to a massive public art installation, striking a delicate balance between playfulness and uncompromisingly modern design. Beginning his career by upcycling vintage furniture, Ilori’s practice has since expanded to collaborations with powerhouse global brands like Adidas, Lego, Pinterest, Universal Music, and Design Museum to name a few.
As the industry’s largest commercial textiles and wallcoverings supplier, Momentum was the natural choice to bring Ilori’s forward-thinking vision to life. The collection draws not only on Ilori’s heritage, but also on the themes of community and the power of affirmation— key tenets in all of Ilori’s work. Captured in aptly named patterns like Moving Mountains, Ilori uses his work as a means to self-empowerment and positivity. The collection’s playful, uplifting patterns appear simple at first but become mesmerizing upon a deeper look. From Shower Me With Flowers, whose floral motifs are pared down to their most minimal elements, to the repetitive geometrics of Eyes in Reflection, each pattern tells a story wholly unique to Ilori that makes an impact wherever it’s installed. Whether it’s a high-concept office, an upscale restaurant, or a necessary infusion of cheer into a healthcare facility, the collection universally transforms any space into an experience that inspires, invigorates, and stimulates through its colors, patterns, and stories.
For Momentum, it is the culmination of a long history of incredible partnerships with celebrated artists like Sheila Hicks, Shantell Martin, and Aleksandra Gaca — a first-of-its-kind launch that blends their consummate expertise with Ilori’s unrelenting cool factor.
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting journey with Yinka,” shares Momentum Chief Marketing & Creative Officer Jennifer Nye. “His ability to infuse spaces with culture and storytelling aligns perfectly with Momentum’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering creativity in commercial environments. This collaboration is not only a fusion of artistic prowess but also a celebration of heritage and the transformative power of joy. We couldn’t be prouder to be the ones to bring this collection to the world.”
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