Meet the Maker: Layla Cluer, softedge

We caught up with Layla Cluer, founder of softedge, to explore the story behind her creative journey—a fusion of art, architecture, and culinary culture through handcrafted tableware. From her unexpected path into ceramics to collaborations with master artisans in Japan’s historic Hasami region, Layla shares how softedge captures a soulful blend of tradition and modernity.

How did the idea for the softedge come about, and what drew you to work with Japanese artisans?

softedge didn’t start as a brand—and even now, I don’t always see it as one. It began as more of a personal project in late 2019 when I decided to take a break, heading home to the Northern Rivers to reset before relocating overseas for an MFA. Although I’m not a ceramicist by training, I’d dabbled in it over the years and found the process meditative—perfect for mulling over a big life change. And, well, I got a little stuck in the mud so to speak.

My background spans architecture, fine art and curatorial practice. In a way, softedge was an attempt to amalgamate these skills and experiences around my love of cooking, craft and the kind of conversations that spiral out from the kitchen table. I initially envisioned the project as an ongoing series of sculptural yet highly functional tabletop items not bound to any specific material or method. Looking back, it was wildly ambitious, especially since I was doing all the making myself.

My journey to Japan came a bit later. softedge rapidly evolved from solo project to a small production studio in 2020, but by late 2022, post-covid shifts sent our team in different directions. Rather than rebuild the team, I reimagined the studio entirely. One priority was reaching the level of craftsmanship we’d always aspired to but hadn’t quite achieved. After exploring production partners across Europe and Asia, Japan—specifically Hasami—quickly emerged as the natural choice.

Why did you choose porcelain as your primary material?

For its permanence, it’s by far the most durable clay body once fired. 

Somewhat paradoxically, porcelain is also the most challenging to work with; one wrong move during the production process and it will warp or crack in the kiln. There’s something very alluring about the duality and contradiction it possesses. 

Why is the history of the materials you use so meaningful to you?

Understanding the provenance and material properties of the objects we interact with in day-to-day life helps us attribute value beyond what the market has assigned. It gives us a reason to care for things more and consume less. I think that’s part of our job as designers and makers — to bring out the stories hidden beneath the surface of things, so people feel more connected to what they bring into their lives.

What’s it like working with master craftsman Kawano-san?

It’s always mesmerising to watch Kawano-san work. His movements are swift and precise—a lifetime of skill distilled into every action. He’s been making pottery moulds for over 50 years, and you can see that history in his hands.

I wish I spoke more Japanese, honestly. I’m working on it, but the feeling is particularly sharp when I’m in Kawano-san’s workshop. I have so many questions! But maybe it’s a good thing I mostly just watch—it’s a rare opportunity to fully appreciate the skill at hand without getting in the way.

What inspires you from form to colour to the creative direction of softedge?

I tried to list my influences recently, but I stopped when it stretched to four pages! I tend to steer clear of mood boards and look more towards works of art, architecture and literature as the starting points for my designs and direction. Equally, I find day-to-day observation about how we interact with each other, objects, and food to be a source of inspiration.

How do you balance creativity with functionality in your pieces?

The concepts behind my designs tend to be quite playful, but at the end of the day tableware has a function. I want the pieces I create to bring joy to the user’s life through their tactile, aesthetic and associative qualities, as well as their ease of use and durability.  

Take the Rolled Rim range, for example; the exaggerated rim was inspired by the medieval myth of Cockaigne — a land of plenty where cheese grows on trees, rivers run with wine, and roads are paved with pastry. The design is intended to evoke a sense of abundance, a spilling over of form. But the rolled rim also adds durability by reinforcing the most vulnerable part of a plate or bowl.

Can you describe a typical day in Hasami and what it’s like working alongside the local artisans?

In Hasami, I wake up on a futon, so my day starts with folding it into thirds and moving it to the side of my tatami room. Without internet at the house, there’s less temptation to check emails first thing, so I ease into the day, often with a bit of stretching or yoga. If there’s time, I make matcha and try to get a few ideas on paper before things get busy.

Around 8:30 am, I head to the studio, greeting Kawano-san as I pass his workshop. From there, it depends on the production schedule — usually, I alternate between online work, studio visits, and reviewing batches of samples with Ryusie Tasaki and Naoya Shorin, who manage production and help with translation. Pottery is all about patience, so most days are a mix of problem-solving and waiting for modifications to come through. Depending on where a piece is in production, it can take weeks to see the final result of a change.

How has the town of Hasami shaped softedge’s journey? How is it unique?

Hasami is unique for its divided-labour model. Instead of large factories, we work with a series of family-run workshops, each specialising in a different stage of the production process. It’s complex to coordinate, but I love that every part of our process is linked to a skilled artisan. There are no anonymous faces here—each piece carries the mark of its many makers, and each artisan has the freedom to work in their own way.

The production process at softedge is quite intricate, with many steps from prototype to finished product. Which part of the process do you find the most inspiring?

I find all of it fascinating, but glaze chemistry is especially inspiring. It’s like a secret science—tweak one tiny element, and the whole colour or texture can shift entirely. Working with Fukaumi Shoten in Arita, a family with thirteen generations of glaze know-how, is a delight. Their workshop is packed with test tiles and thousands of glaze recipes—it’s a playground of possibilities.

How did living in Japan change your perspective on design?

I’ve always admired Japanese aesthetics, particularly in architecture, but living here has brought a whole new awareness of specific philosophies like Iki — a refined simplicity that tends to believe the effort that has gone into something. It’s a concept that aligns with my approach to design: finding that sweet spot where beauty and restraint meet and not cutting any corners along the way.  

How does food and connection influence your creative process?

Food is central. It’s inherently communal, a medium that connects people and ideas throughout history. I see softedge pieces as quiet partners in these shared moments, objects that don’t just serve a purpose but also enhance the experience of gathering around a meal.

Can you describe softedge in three words.

Crafted, contemporary and convivial.

What excites you most about the future of softedge?

I have lots of big ideas, but I don’t want to jinx them! At the moment, I’m mostly excited to get back over to Japan and start working on new prototypes (not all porcelain this time)! 

Softedge is now available at Jardan, in store and online.