As with every Eittem creation, it reflects heirloom-level craft, timeless materiality, and the studio's pursuit of forms that invite both admiration and intimacy. Designed to be beautiful as a singular object, Driftform consists of three separate pieces that organically nestle together, each as compelling as individual works. Driftform's distinctive duality of form and function mirrors that of Eittem handbags.
Driftform began with a pencil and a piece of paper, a creative whisper translated onto a page. As Saluti's creative vision for the form evolved, Driftwood's spirit was further honed with every iteration. After the sketch was finalized, Saluti sat side by side with Eittem artisans to translate the physical sketch into a digital, 3-dimensional rendering of the sculpture. Together, they refined and engineered Driftform, until a balance between form and spirit materialized.
From the imagination of Eittem's founder and creative director, Erin Saluti, is Driftform: a bespoke display exclusively created for The Vault by Robb Report.
Driftform translates the invisible into the tangible, air currents made sculptural in walnut. Designed by Erin Saluti and crafted by Eittem artisans, its undulating contours hold the motion of wind in suspension, at once fluid and enduring. Conceived as a plinth for the Owl, Moon, and Bird, Driftform is both pedestal and artwork, a solid yet ethereal terrain, an elemental companion to these archetypes of the sky.
Fueled by the excitement of crafting something new, Eittem artisans dedicated roughly 50 hours to create this bespoke piece. The production process was built on the techniques typically used to craft handbags but was specially adapted for Driftform. For instance, to achieve Driftform's height, smaller boards of walnut were layered to create one larger block. Then, a machine engineered for precision-work carved each block of walnut to accomplish each piece's unique, undulating shape. Artisans finished each piece by hand, a culmination of meticulous steps including sanding, detailing, and oiling.
The surface is hand-painted in weightless white; air distilled to a silky matte finish. When separated, noble walnut is revealed on every side, creating a striking contrast between interior richness and exterior lightness. Within the walnut, recesses, precision-carved to the contours of each bag, offer a natural resting place where object and Driftform become one.
The mark of true craftsmanship, each separate piece of Driftform is hand-signed on the bottom by Erin Saluti on behalf of Eittem. Driftform connects Owl, Bird, and Moon with motion and emotion. Displayed as one family, they truly come to life and take flight.
Driftform is now available to purchase exclusively through The Vault by Robb Report.
