Gitte Baker - Tropical Jakarta meets Nordic Chic
Gitte Baker, Founder and Designer of GBAKER
I was introduced to Gitte's GBAKER designs in my first year living in Jakarta, after accepting an invitation to her Open House. What a DISCOVERY! Gitte had beautifully combined local materials with a Danish aesthetic (think copper, leather, clay and teak) to produce a collection of design savvy and functional pieces. I was immediately HOOKED! Since that time I've been an avid fan. In a world of mass produced designs, Gitte's work stands out. Each piece not only has a strong Danish influence but is 'uniquely local'.
After attending as many GBAKER Open Houses as I could, I became what I'd unabashedly call the consummate 'Gitte Groupie'. Eventually I summoned up the courage to contact Gitte to meet for coffee and chat about her work. Gitte replied with a sweet suggestion to meet her at her home, and it was there that the GBAKER story unfolded over coffee (served in the 'coolest' ceramic GBAKER cups) in her tropical Jakarta garden.
Quickly I learned, that there are many things about Gitte that make her Jakarta story and work so compelling. Simply, in creating GBAKER designs, Gitte has been able to link the things that she loves. Her designs are inspired by this country she finds 'magical'; a country she has invested her time coming to know and love. Gitte gathers inspiration from the people, the landscape and its natural resources; and her designs are locally produced from ethically sourced, high quality natural materials. This is made possible by the close relationship she maintains with her local makers. Undoubtedly Gitte is a talented designer; her Danish design aesthetic coupled with pure talent and local knowledge are a wonderful combination.
On a personal level, Gitte inspires me by her desire for a full life in Jakarta. Her days are filled coordinating the 'school run', enjoying local activities and soaking up the 'magic' of this place; along with finding time to feed her creative spirit. Similarly, I can't help but be impressed by the story of Gitte's adventurous career change and placing herself out of her 'comfort zone' since she arrived in Jakarta nearly five years ago.
Read on for Gitte's story...a peek at some very cool GBAKER designs...and a Special Invitation to attend Gitte's next OPEN HOUSE.
*Kenalkan Gitte
Please tell us a little about your background - what brought you to Jakarta?
I have been lucky for the 3rd time that my husband's work has been able to bring the whole family again back to Asia. I left a job in Denmark in the pharmaceutical industry - but have now been able to narrow down my interests and work on my creative voice by living here in Indonesia for almost 5 years. It's been a whirlwind in many aspects, but I find this country magical and count my blessings everyday to be able to travel as much in the region as I've been able to recently. It's been a gift for life!
How would you describe your design style - the GBAKER style?
My style is probably the most elusive one of all - at some point the collective experiences of my life - my professional experiences, my studies, my personal growth and least my daily exposure for being/living in Indonesia. I'm buzzing with the inspiration and creativity that comes when you place yourself out of your comfort zone, and immerse yourself in a new culture. I design from the heart and I do not take it lightly. All of this meshes together and pushes me to evolve my style.
GBAKER Ceiling Hanger in Teak with Suede String (Image a journey bespoke)
'I'm buzzing with the inspiration and creativity that comes when you place yourself out of your comfort zone, and immerse yourself in a new culture'
Gitte Baker
(Image GBAKER)
We love that you design in natural materials. Why did you choose these materials?
Leather, copper, clay and python skin are all natural materials - I prefer my designs to be handmade - each thing has its own story!
GBAKER Leather Trivet (Image GBAKER)
'I find this country magical'
Gitte Baker
GBAKER Copper Candle Holder (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Handmade Ceramics (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Leather Child School Bag (Image GBAKER)
Three of your favourite pieces, you've just designed?
GBAKER handmade wrinkled clay jar
GBAKER python round shoulder bag
GBAKER daybed with copper feet
GBAKER Wrinkled Clay Jar (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Python Round Shoulder Bag (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Daybed with Copper Feet (Image GBAKER)
New products and projects you are working on at the moment?
My new project and future focus is to expand the export of my design of python to other countries other than Denmark and Sweden, as there is a big potential market for it in Europe. There are only very few bags made with 'real' python skin, mostly the python skin bags are snake skin-pattern printed on cow skin.
Currently I'm among very few who have the permission to import python skin to Denmark, as my skin has been certified from a snake farm in Kalimantan, and none of these snakes are endangered animals. I work closely with CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora.
After the Summer I am planning to collaborate with a friend in Denmark who will sell the GBAKER Python Collection online.
Gitte with raw python skin. The colours are waterproof and the raw python comes from a certified farm in Kalimantan. (Image a journey bespoke)
GBAKER Python Cuffs (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Python Dress and Python / Lambskin Top (Image a journey bespoke)
GBAKER Python Tote (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Handmade Ceramic Cup with Python Skin Holder (Image GBAKER)
GBAKER Python Storage Basket (Image GBAKER)
Home or fashion trends you are following this year?
I do not follow a specific trend yearly, but love my home to be cozy and warm
Mid-Century Danish Designs - Verner Panton rocking chair & Arne Jacobsen floor lamp. Moroccan Vintage Beni Ouarain rug and GBAKER mirror with knotted leather string. (Image a journey bespoke)
3 resources that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?
Travelling, International home magazines, Pinterest
What does a typical day involve for you?
I prioritise self care and alone time for creative thinking. A good day is with not too many plans. I prefer, when I can decide, doing things spontaneously and take a moment to discover a world outside my own.
3 words to describe your Jakarta?
Contrasting, Enjoyable, Challenging
Music you are listening to?
Maxwell (R&B/Soul) and Guitar del Mar (Instrumental)
Magazines you are reading?
Elle Decoration and RUM Magazine Denmark
Any tips for new expats wishing to decorate their new home in Jakarta?
Don't go to the first, easy and big branded furniture/interior shops in Jakarta - there are so many small hidden places with much more interesting things. Sometimes the small stalls along the road are making the best furniture. I loove exploring Jl. Kemang Timur! Indonesians are the best to convert something that might look old and useless into something unique and cool.
Favourite place to eat in Jakarta?
Akira Back - Japanese cuisine
Favourite coffee in Jakarta?
Antipodean in Kemang
Favourite place to take the children in Jakarta?
The kids always want to join if we go to Din Tai Fung
Liz - Self professed 'Gitte Groupie' lounging on GBAKER Leather Cushion (Image a journey bespoke)
Favourite interiors shop?
Dia.Lo.Gue Kemang
Where can people living in Jakarta purchase GBAKER designs?
GBAKER sale March 16
If you email me and request to be put on my mailing list I will inform you when and where I'll be next selling GBAKER.
Email: gittebaker@gmail.com
Can we follow you on Social Media? Yes
Pinterest: Gitte Baker
*Kenalkan: let me introduce
Words: Liz McClean Photography: a journey bespoke and GBAKER
