The Design District
Not Your Granny's Doilies
I admit it—I was initially skeptical of Modern-twist’s silicone place mats, Vinotagz, and Coaster Notz. Without seeing them and feeling them, it seemed like the products might be a little kitschy-looking and rubbery-feeling.
But I can admit when I’m wrong, and I’m convinced that these are stylish, modern, and useful products. Plus, they’re designed by some of the best artists around.
The Vinotagz are adorable, keep drinks straight at parties, and can be used as napkin rings; the Coaster Notz look great on my coffee table (and work well, to boot); and if I had a kitchen table, I’d have the place mats out during meals and otherwise.
But why silicone? “I fell in love with plastic,” says Modern-twist’s creative director, Kat Nouri. “It’s such a cool and versatile product in its form, texture, and function. Most think of pot holders when you say silicone … or breast implants. But we have made silicone feel silky, it is nice to the touch, and it’s playful to the eye. People don’t want to cover their nice tables … our mats enhance the beauty of your existing surface.”
And best of all, there are designs by Portlanders Amy Ruppel and Matte Stephens. (“Matte just moved to Portland … you should have a conversation with him and you will see why I think he is the cat’s meow,” Kat tells me. “People that wonderful still exist, I kid you not.”)
And now, Modern-twist has come out with a new product, Doileez. These doily-like products are perfect to slip underneath hors d’oeuvres on a party platter, on top of a pretty cake pedestal, or even set out on your coffee table with a candle on top.
All Modern-twist products are hand silkscreened, easy to clean, durable, and food-safe. Find many of the products here in Portland at Tilde, 7919 SE 13th Ave, or Relish, 433 NW 10th Ave.
