Reflect Your Inner Groove With These Handmade Mirror Frames by Kahkie

From the illusion of space to the way they spread natural light, mirrors often mean instant glamour in homes - so why not have fun with this wonderfully versatile design feature? That’s what went on in Egyptian artist Mohamed Elkahki’s head before the launch of Kahkie, where he blends function with funk through handmade mirror frames.

Kahkie’s debut collection featured charming mini mirrors inspired by Coccinella, the fairest of ladybugs, before the artist went on to add more lines with extra organic shapes. Those included custom pieces having bucketloads of polka dots with 3D drops for that added bit of dimension and the ‘Glitch’ line, which looks exactly like it sounds; a psychedelic trip aided by colour aberration.

“What I’ve been trying to achieve with my designs is to give people pieces that can last a lifetime,” Elkahki tells SceneHome, having recently launched a new collection called ‘Terreux’ with an earthy-nude palette. “They are kind of modern but feel like they could’ve been there for a while. I’m not sure if that makes sense.”

When Elkahki studied for his Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, he became intimately familiar with clay as a material. “I had the basics but I also needed to experiment for a while and research the medium to have a better understanding,” Elkahki recalls. “Clay is a very versatile medium to start my base with, as I can shape it into whatever form I want to.”

The natural material is malleable enough to be edited as many times as necessary, which comes in handy for Kahkie’s organic designs. “It helps me get the desired results, whether it’s smooth or edgy.”

The artist uses clay to achieve a number of things. Firstly, to present new mirror designs because, as Elkahki puts it, “Who wants another wooden thin frame or steel styled mirrors? Yes, they’re cool but let’s create new things.” Secondly, clay adds pzazz to a functional piece of home decor. “For now, I’m focusing on bumpy, organic designs that are smooth,” the artist says. “But I’m planning on adding textures and patterns in the future because everyone likes adding textures to their decor.”

Shaping clay might look easy but it’s a tricky line of craft. “It has to have just the right amount of moisture to it. Not too dry and not too soggy,” Elkahki explains. Once the desired form is arrived at, a silicone rubber mould is used and plaster is casted to create identical pieces with a variety of colours and patterns.

Kahkie’s visual adventure into the world of mirrors will go beyond clay, as the artist has already created frames using concrete and plaster. In the near future, fabric coatings will be added on even bigger frames that have the same organic language, as the artist continues experimenting with materials and finishes to create more novel frames.