Jaime Hayon—Elegant Whimsy

Jaime Hayon is a Spanish artist/designer who’s a whirlwind of creative energy and vision. He left his hometown of Madrid as a teenager in the early 1990’s, and went to San Diego to submerge himself in skateboard culture and graffiti art. He then landed a scholarship at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. In 1996, he went to work at Fabrica, Oliviero Toscani’s creative agency for Benetton.


In a short time he was promoted from student to head of their Design Department, where he oversaw projects ranging from shop, restaurant and exhibition conception and design to graphics. He broke out on his own in 2004, with collections of designer toys, ceramics and furniture, followed by interior design and installation.
Above: A ceramic candelabra.

The common thread in all of Mr. Hayon’s projects is his inimitable grasp of form, style and color, combined with his sensual and whimsical touch.

Mr. Peacock first became enchanted with the work of Jaime Hayon after he saw his award winning bathroom collection.

The collection is sleek and sensual, without being too feminine or trendy. I’m not sure what I like better—the pieces in black, or in white?

In 2007, Jaime Hayon designed the restaurant interiors of La Terraza del Casino, one of Madrid’s most traditional member clubs. I love the plates mounted on the ceiling!

He's also created paintings for the Vivid Gallery.

Mr. Peacock loves Jaime Hayon's rocking Green Chicken.

His Showtime Collection for BD Ediciones de Diseño is a home furniture collection inspired on classical MGM musicals. The concepts behind these pieces explore the contrast between what is external and internal and combines innovative material combinations like plastic and leather.

The Fantasy Collection for the Spanish porcelain brand, Lladró, clearly illustrates Hayon’s ability to make magic of the unexpected. The piece on the right, would be a perfect cake-topper for Tula at Whorange.

This chair is at the top of Mr. Peacock’s wish list right now! It’s from a twenty-two piece wood collection, from Hayon's first collaboration with Ceccotti.

I also like his lamps.

Mr. Hayon also designs shoes for Camper. “I wanted to make a simple shoe but one that had character, in solid colors...”

Limited edition pieces for Baccarat; and Grid vases manufactured by Turkish artisans.
The first book about Jaime Hayon, published by Gestalten, presents the full spectrum of his work. Order a copy here.

Jaime Hayon said last year in the New York Times,“...not knowing everything can be an asset when you’re creating, because you’re not limited by what you think is impossible...you can always find someone to help with practical ideas—what matters most in the 21st century is having a great concept.”

Above: A piece from The Fantasy Collection, and Mr. Hayon living out his fantasies!

This creative gentleman definitely has an infinite amount of unique concepts. Take a look at his extensive work at his Hayon Studio website. Mr. Peacock salutes his creative vision, and can’t wait to see what’s in the future creative pipeline from this inventive peacock. Bravo Mr. Hayon!

Note: All the portraits of Mr. Hayon were a collaboration between himself, and the Dutch photographer Nienke Klunder (his girlfriend).