Yinka Ilori
Designer · Artist
In their own words
Growing up, play gave me freedom to dream. It allowed me to turn swings into spaceships and everyday places into worlds of possibility.
I've always been obsessed with trees. Harvesting and growing them because you invest time in it. It's pouring love into something you care about, and that starts a conversation.
You have to be patient and harvest a watch. There are similarities between our universes. Typically, mine are very public, but there's something very private and public about a watch.
This project is about honouring stories. Those we inherit, those we create. Those we choose to share.
Articles & interviews
- Freedom to dream: new non-profit aims to reimagine the places children play
The article announces the launch of the Yinka Ilori Foundation, a new non-profit initiative by designer Yinka Ilori aimed at reimagining community play spaces. Starting in Nigeria, the foundation will create permanent, co-built environments that encourage creativity, learning, and local ownership. Supported by international partners, the project reflects a shift from temporary installations to sustainable, community-driven design infrastructure.
- Yinka Ilori Debuts Watch Collection with M.A.D.Editions
British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori has launched his debut watch collection, 'Grow Your Dreams', in collaboration with MB&F's M.A.D.Editions. The limited-edition series features three models inspired by Sun, Nature, and Water, combining Ilori's vibrant aesthetic with Swiss engineering. The project marks Ilori's first venture into horology and a creative partnership celebrating imagination and craftsmanship.
- Yinka Ilori Unveils Vibrant Installation at Fulham Pier
Creative Boom reports on Yinka Ilori’s new public installation, '100 Found Objects', at Fulham Pier in London. The vibrant work transforms the riverside site into a celebration of local history, community, and global connections through colour, pattern, and storytelling. The installation integrates found objects, botanical motifs, and lenticular panels to create an immersive, ever-changing experience.
- Secret 7" 2025 Unveils Top Artists for Charity Record Sleeves
The 2025 edition of Secret 7” returns under War Child, featuring record sleeve artworks by renowned artists and designers including Antony Gormley, Yinka Ilori, Paul Smith, and Anthony Burrill. The charity project invites creatives to design anonymous sleeves for seven tracks, which will be exhibited at Now Gallery in London before being auctioned to raise funds for children affected by conflict. Burrill discusses his experimental printmaking approach for his contribution.
- "Secret 7" 2025 Edition Supports War Child with Music and Art"
Creative Boom reports that Secret 7" returns in 2025 in partnership with War Child UK, combining music, art, and charity. The project invites artists and designers to create unique vinyl sleeves for seven tracks, with proceeds supporting children affected by conflict. This edition introduces collaborations with D&AD New Blood and artist Yinka Ilori, alongside an exhibition at NOW Gallery in London.
- Color and Design Trends in PRINT Magazine
PRINT Magazine’s Color & Design section curates a selection of recent design stories exploring color, creativity, and visual culture. The roundup highlights projects from studios like Koto, Bruce Mau Design, and MullenLowe, alongside features on photographers and designers such as José De Rocco and Yinka Ilori. The page emphasizes vibrant, culturally engaged, and forward-looking design work across branding, photography, and art.