Women in Design
Women in Design: A Conversation with Helena and Natasha Sultan of Konekt
The old adage “like mother, like daughter” has never rung truer than with Helena and Natasha Sultan, co-owners and co-designers of Konekt. Together, they create artful furniture and lighting that explores materiality in new and exciting ways. By incorporating unexpected elements like horsehair and chainmail, their work blends art with function to become collectible design pieces.
Each item is made to order and crafted by skilled artisans who bring their vision to life.
Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, historical references and their own creative instincts, the pair pushes the boundaries of design, dreaming up elegant, playful and tactile pieces that combine time-honored techniques with forward-thinking flair. Konekt is where tradition meets innovation, one sculptural creation at a time.
Visit the mother-daughter brand in their showroom at 200 Lex (suite 413) to experience how their designs transform spaces with both beauty and purpose.
Q: What is your earliest memory of design?
Helena: My earliest memory of design is my fondness for a set of curved, low lounge chairs that were placed around a round wood table at my parents’ house. They created an intimate gathering space where guests would enjoy drinks, food and conversation—sometimes with two people cozying up in each of the wide chairs. I have them in my home now and still love them.
Q: What woman in design do you admire most?
Natasha: Maria Pergay. Her playful, innovative and incredibly chic designs really flipped the narrative on a material that can come across as more traditionally masculine and cold.
Helena: I really admire Zaha Hadid for her bold, dynamic and elegantly organic designs.
Q: What mantra would women benefit from while following their creative path?
A: Trust and believe in your creative impulses and intuition.
Q: Can you share a moment that made you feel particularly empowered as a woman in design?
Helena: A moment when I felt particularly empowered was when I had just launched Konekt in 2015 at ICFF. When I first started working in design, I sometimes felt I wasn’t being taken as seriously as a woman. But once our booth was all set up, it was an exhilarating experience. I felt I had proven myself.
Q: How do you stay inspired and push the boundaries of your own work?
A: We’re constantly inspired by our surroundings. It’s actually quite exciting because when you least expect it, something completely mundane can light a creative spark.
Q: What are some of your favorite or newest products available in your showroom at the NYDC?
A: We just released our Rib floor lamps and Rib table lamps, which we’re really excited about. They’re elegant but also playful and rich with texture. We love seeing all the various shapes grouped together, playing off of one another.
