Birgit Toke Tauka Frietman is in the business of preservation—not just of materials, but of memory, craft, and cultural lineage. A jewellery designer based in London, she co-founded Folde, a studio dedicated to reviving the endangered art of horn working, a practice that teeters on the edge of disappearance in an increasingly mechanized world.
Born in Utrecht in 1993, Birgit’s work moves between tradition and modernity, collaborating with brands like Anne Isabella, Azura Lovisa, Wales Bonner, and Swarovski. But beyond the aesthetics of adornment, her focus remains on material storytelling—the ways in which jewellery holds history, identity, and human touch.
Alongside her studio practice, Frietman teaches at Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion, where she guides the next generation of designers in rethinking jewellery’s role in a world racing towards the future. For her, craft isn’t just about the piece—it’s about evolution, adaptation, and the enduring value of the handmade.
Anywhere green. Recently, Parkland Walk has become my go-to spot. There’s something about walking through that stretch of wildness in the city—where nature has softly reclaimed old railway lines—that feels like pressing pause. It’s quiet, unrushed, a little pocket of calm.
The Royal Opera House holds a special place in my heart. I used to work there, and it’s where I fell in love with opera and contemporary dance. There’s nothing quite like sitting in that grand, gilded space, the lights dimming, and being transported somewhere entirely new.
And then there’s the Barbican. I go to meet friends, to get lost in its brutalist maze, to catch a film or a show. It’s one of those rare places in London where you can feel both the hum of the city and a sense of escape—all at once.
Top Cuvée is a bit of a go-to. It’s got perfect food and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you end up staying way longer than you meant to, lost in good food and conversation.
Sundays are all about Jolene. Their croissants are a bit of a ritual for me—flaky, golden, and just the right amount of indulgence. I love starting the day there, easing into the weekend with a coffee and nowhere to rush off to.
And when I’m craving something comforting, it’s got to be Jai Krishna. It’s not fancy, but the Indian food is just so good. It feels like a bit of a hidden gem—always welcoming, always delicious, and a spot you want to keep coming back to.
HOST (Home of Sustainable Things) is a favourite. They’re all about circular design and tackling waste, which I love. Their collection feels thoughtful, and it’s also a bit special to see my own horn pieces on their shelves. It’s not just a store—it’s a space that makes you think about how design can genuinely make a difference.
For flowers, it’s got to be Grace & Thorn in East London. They always have the best selection of dried flowers—perfect if you want something a bit different from the usual bouquet. You walk in for a little gift and end up leaving with armfuls of inspiration.
And while it’s not technically a shop, I can’t not mention Klooster Straat in Antwerp. It’s a long road lined with art and design shops—mostly second-hand—and every time I go, I find something I didn’t even know I needed.
I’m endlessly inspired by London’s libraries and archives. There’s something about being surrounded by books and history that just shifts my perspective. Researching with books is my favourite way to dive into new ideas—you always end up stumbling on unexpected inspiration. Some of my go-tos are The Maughan Library, Bethnal Green Library, The London Library, Senate House Library, and The British Library. I also love SOAS Library, The Wellcome Library, The National Art Library, BFI Reuben Library, The National Poetry Library, and The Reading Room at the British Museum. Each one feels like its own little world.
When I need to clear my head, hiking and Pilates are my reset buttons. Moving my body, whether it’s through the woods or on a mat, helps me find a bit of mental space.
And cooking at home is my everyday meditation. The simple act of nourishing yourself and loved ones always brings me back to myself.
Timbuktu, directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, is one of those films that stays with you. It’s beautifully shot, but more than that, it offers this quiet, powerful look into life under occupation. It’s not just a film—it’s an experience, and it made me think differently about resilience and humanity.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is another one I’d recommend—but with a warning. It’s an intense read, emotionally heavy, and it goes to some very dark places. Still, the way it explores friendship, trauma, and survival is like nothing else. You feel it deeply, long after the last page.
And then there’s Bolivia. I went for the nature, and it completely blew me away. The landscapes are so diverse—from the salt flats to the rainforests—and there’s this sense of raw, untouched beauty everywhere you look. It’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
I know it’s an obvious choice, but I have to say The V&A in London. It’s such a treasure trove—whether it’s fashion, design, or history, there’s always something new to discover. I love how it feels both grand and welcoming, a place where you can wander for hours and still only scratch the surface.
Whenever I’m in the Netherlands, I make a point to visit Museum De Pont in Tilburg. It’s got this beautifully curated mix of contemporary art, and the space itself—an old wool mill—is just as inspiring as the works on display. It’s quiet, reflective, and always leaves me with something to think about.
And then there’s Dia Beacon in New York. I’ve only been once, but it was an incredible experience. The scale of the artworks, the way the natural light interacts with the pieces—it felt less like visiting a museum and more like stepping into a world where art and space merge seamlessly.
Carmen Maria Atiyah de Baets—Her work is just so thoughtful and layered. She has this incredible ability to merge storytelling with visual art in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Every project she touches has a sense of depth and curiosity that I find really inspiring.
Louie Isaaman-Jones—Louie’s creativity is something else. There’s this rawness and honesty in their work that draws you in. Whether it’s through design, writing, or curation, Louie always seems to be exploring new ways to tell stories and challenge perspectives. It makes you pause and think.
Soosumsee—A bit of a recent discovery, but I’m already so intrigued. There’s a real sense of playfulness and experimentation in their approach. It’s not just about creating something beautiful but about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to connect with an audience. I love following along to see where their work goes next.
"Jealousy" (feat. Rema) by FKA Twigs—This track has such a unique energy. Twigs brings her usual mix of vulnerability and strength, and Rema’s smooth voice just adds to it.
"Memory of... (US)" by De La Soul, Estelle, Pete Rock—This one feels like a warm hug. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, with De La Soul’s storytelling and Estelle’s soulful vocals.
"Right" by David Bowie—Bowie always finds his way back into my playlists. This track has a rhythm that can lift my mood, no matter the day.
If I could talk to anyone, it would be my maternal grandmother. I never really got the chance to meet her, but from everything I’ve heard, she was this incredibly warm and powerful woman. There’s a kind of quiet strength in the stories about her—a generosity of spirit and a sense of grounding that I’d love to understand first-hand. I think about all the questions I’d ask her, from her childhood to her dreams, to what she thought about the world. I’d want to know what brought her joy, what made her laugh, and how she stayed strong through the hard times. It’s not just about family history—it’s about connecting with a part of myself that I never got to know. I feel like sitting with her, even for a short while, would be one of those conversations that would change me forever.
I seek and encourage collaboration in all of my projects. I really believe that the best work comes from working together, sharing ideas, and seeing where they take you. If you’d like to connect or collaborate, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. I’m always on the hunt for interesting horn (or other organic) designed objects. If you know of any great shops or hidden gems, please send them my way. I’m constantly inspired by unique pieces and love discovering new places. And—fun fact—I’m a bit of an ice cream maker. My partner and I recently got a Donvier ice cream maker, and we’ve been churning out about 1-2 batches a week. It’s become a bit of a ritual for us, experimenting with flavours. If you’ve got any recipe ideas, I’m all ears!