If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): Turn Your Genetic Profile Into Jewelry, Furniture and Home Accessories.

Call it a literal expression of life. Or just a very unique way to create an object that reflects your genetic makeup. Whatever you choose to call it, the customized products designed by Dutch DNA and created by by Frank Tjepkema's Design House Tjep., make the world's most personal gifts.

Dutch DNA has a creative process that samples a person’s life-code using a DNA profiling test and, through the language of design, plots the distinguishing genetic characteristics on a visual design map. Based on a unique design process, the beautiful and elegant forms which capture the eloquent expression of life, are then modeled into a specific item (furniture, jewelry or objects) before being handcrafted in the Netherlands and shipped to its destination.

The DNA patterns used to form designs can be anyone’s. Just like nature, combinations can also be used to create a unique articulation of a couple’s love or a family’s remembrance. “I see two lovers creating unique artefacts for their shared home that is truly a conjoint reflection of both individuals,” notes Frank Tjepkema.

Guilia:
The first display pieces were made from Giulia Wolthuis’s DNA. Giulia is a Dutch contemporary dance performer and model, and daughter of Eric Wolthuis, the founder of Dutch DNA.

The first collection was made from Giulia’s life pattern. To capture and express Giulia’s life, Dutch DNA sampled her life code and through the language of design translates Giulia’s distinguishing genetic characteristics into visual forms, such as the four pieces shown below.

Jewelry Designs from mapping Guilia's DNA:

In the collection are two types of designs. One is based on abstract forms, where each genetic map itself if the defining source of inspiration. The second combines the genetic maps with symbolic forms. The symbolic pieces are more constrained and the design incorporates the genetic characteristics into patterns that are used to modify existing forms, such as the Shifting Hearts. Both types of pieces create beautifully expressive designs; the preference of choice is purely a personal decision.

Each piece in this exquisite collection expresses the genetic uniqueness of its creator. Custom designed by acclaimed design house Tjep. and handcrafted by artisans from the finest materials, every item is a true work of art.

The Collection:

DNA JEWELRY
Flow Rings:

Bloom Rings:

Blossom bracelet:

Reflection pins:

Double Love Heart Pendant:

Shifting Heart Pendants:

Silverline Heart Pendants:

DNA FURNITURE
The Darwin table is crafted through precision 3D milling and hand-finished in the Netherlands by the same artisans that create Joris Laarman’s furniture. Eric Wolthuis initiated the investigation into how genetic patterns could augment design. “I first looked at jewelry, which is very personal, but knew there was more. Furniture is a natural extension of our desire to create original and personal habitats; what is more personal than modeling your home through your own DNA?”

Dutch DNA Darwin Coffee Table:

OBJECTS/ HOME ACCESSORIES:

Shifting Heart:

Porcelain Heart:

Helix sculpture:

To commission your own personal expression of life, review the collection and then contact Dutch DNA to arrange the first step in the creation process - DNA profiling.
Dutch DNA also undertakes tailored commissions for items not listed in this collection. Contact them to request more information.

PARTNERS:
• Tjep.
Tjep. are an acclaimed design house who fuse together peerless design with accomplished expertise in the latest production techniques. Internationally, Tjep. is recognized for their award-winning product, interior, architecture, furniture and jewelry design. Their iconoclastic work is defined by strong design concepts, beautiful aesthetics and great functionality.

• Tjalling Wolthuis
Founded in 1933, Tjalling Wolthuis is a fourth generation, family-owned business with a heritage as specialist art dealers in 17th century jewelry and silverware. The company ran a selection of jewelry stores until the late 1980’s, and now produces commemorative jewelry. As the production partner to Dutch DNA, their expertise guarantees the highest quality materials, methods and artisans are engaged in the fabrication of each piece.

• BaseClear
BaseClear is an independent and accredited service laboratory for DNA-based research. The leading laboratory in the Netherlands, they provide the fast and secure DNA profiling required for the initiation of each Dutch DNA project.

Eric, who has commissioned designs based on his daughter’s, his wife’s and his own genetic patterns, states “Seeing yourself and your family visualized in this way is very powerful, it’s a deeply emotional way of embodying everything that they represent to you.”