fbpx
Close

sloo Living

Sarah van der Loo takes us on her journey to sloo studio.

Sarah van der Loo's earthy, tactile tumbler

With a minimalist and earthy aesthetic, Sarah van der Loo’s pieces characterise a compelling rawness, each one unique with its own personality and identity, emphasising the natural beauty of the material and the perfect imperfections of the craftsmanship. “Most of my current work is inspired by Croatia’s beautiful nature, coastline and rich history, but I like to maintain a Scandinavian feeling as well,” van der Loo explains.

Born to a Croatian mother and a father with roots in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, van der Loo’s multicultural upbringing paints a vibrant backdrop to what has culminated into a growing ceramics brand called sloo studio. After growing up in Stockholm, Sweden, van der Loo lived in various countries including Egypt, Croatia, Syria, England and Spain before she finally settled in Dubai in 2010 with her husband, two children and their dog. Her move to Dubai marked the beginning of a 12-year tenure as a marketing and branding manager for a renowned Swedish flooring brand. However, it was her inherent passion for storytelling, symbolism, design and craftsmanship that truly defined her professional and personal journey.

Sarah van der Loo, sloo studio

kava cups Sloo studio

kava cups

“I have always been drawn to the subdued, minimalist and clean aesthetic,” van der Loo shares, reflecting on her personal style. “I guess you could call it Scandinavian-inspired, but with a little twist. I like to add something that disrupts the eye a bit – something imperfect, whether it’s in my clothing, interiors or ceramics.”

Her journey into ceramics began as a spontaneous and somewhat serendipitous decision. After leaving her corporate job, van der Loo felt a compelling urge to reconnect with her creative side, leading her to enrol in a ceramics class. “Working with clay felt like coming home to myself,” she says. “I absolutely love creating with my own two hands again. It’s a continuous journey of discovery and exploration.”

Kamen vase by Sloo studio

Kamen vase

In 2023, van der Loo officially established sloo studio, marking the start of an exciting new chapter. Her creations, including signature pieces like the kava cup (named after the Croatian word for coffee), have been well-received, especially among designers and hospitality clients. The ethos of sloo studio is deeply rooted in Sarah’s diverse background and her connection to her heritage. As van der Loo continues to explore her creativity, she and sloo studio are set to leave an indelible mark on the world of ceramics, blending heritage, design and personal expression into each piece.

Read more features here.

The Latest
January 31, 2025

Textures That Transform

Aura Living’s AW24 collection showcases the elegance of contrast and harmony

January 31, 2025

Form Meets Function

Laufen prioritises design, functionality and sustainability in its latest collections

Art
January 30, 2025

Preserving Culture, Inspiring Creativity

Discover the Legacy of a Saudi Art Space: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall explores the Hall’s enduring influence on the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia

January 29, 2025
Home Hotel Zurich

Channelling the Dada Spirit

Free-spirited and creative, The Home Hotel in Zurich injects a sense of whimsy into a former paper factory

January 28, 2025

id Most Wanted- January 2025

Falaj Collection by Aljoud Lootah Design

January 27, 2025

Things to Covet in January

identity selects warm-toned furniture pieces and objets that align with Pantone’s colour of the year

January 24, 2025
Stacy Stewart, Regional Director_ MillerKnoll

Shaping the Future of Workspaces by MillerKnoll

Stacy Stewart, Regional Director Middle East & Africa of MillerKnoll discusses the future and evolution of design in workspaces with identity.

January 24, 2025

Shaping Urban Transformation

Gensler’s Design Forecast Report 2025 identifies the top global design trends that will impact the real estate and built environment this year

January 24, 2025
105 Residences by Kamdar

Unveiling Attainable Luxury

Kamdar Developments has launched 105 Residences, a new high-end development in Jumeirah Village Circle.

January 24, 2025

The Muse

Located in the heart of Jumeirah Garden City, formerly known as ‘New Satwa’, The Muse adds to the urban fabric of the area

January 24, 2025

Cultural Immersion Meets Refined Luxury

The Chedi Hegra opens its doors in AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

January 23, 2025
Sunshine Bay

Redefining Coastal Luxury

Sunshine Bay on Al Marjan island combines seaside views, exceptional design, and world-class amenities to create a unique waterfront haven