At The Barefoot Edit, we’re endlessly inspired by creatives who blur the lines between art, design, and everyday living—and Laila Gohar is one of those rare visionaries who does it all.
An internationally recognised artist working with food as her medium, Gohar transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with storytelling that feels both deeply personal and wildly imaginative.
From Egypt to the World
Born in Egypt and now based in New York, Laila Gohar has spent the last decade establishing herself as a creative force in the global design and culinary scene.
Her installations have been featured in museums and galleries across the globe, and she’s become known for pushing the boundaries of how we engage with food—often turning dining into a surreal, thought-provoking experience.
Food as Art—and a Bridge Between Worlds
Gohar’s work isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about connection, culture, and the shared rituals around food.
She reimagines traditional forms—like butter sculptures, jellied eggs, or elaborate bread displays—with a signature sense of wit and poetry.
Whether it’s a banquet that looks like a dreamscape or a still life worthy of an old master, Gohar invites her audience to pause, look closer, and rethink the everyday.
A Go-To Collaborator in Fashion, Design, and Luxury
Laila has become the go-to creative for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion and lifestyle brands.
Her collaborators include Prada, Hermès, Comme des Garçons, Simone Rocha, Sotheby’s, and Byredo.
These partnerships are more than aesthetic exercises—they’re immersive experiences designed to bring people into a brand’s story in unexpected, tactile ways.
Gohar World: A New Chapter in Everyday Rituals
In 2022, Laila launched Gohar World, a homeware line created with her sister, Nadia Gohar. The brand is rooted in the belief that entertaining is an art—and that objects should elevate the rituals of everyday life.
Think embroidered gloves for serving fruit, delicate egg chandeliers, or surrealist glassware. Each piece feels like an heirloom from an imagined past or an eccentric future.
The Sobremesa Collection for HAY
Also in 2022, Gohar teamed up with Danish design powerhouse HAY to release Sobremesa, a homeware collection inspired by the joy of lingering around the table after a meal.
The range includes hand-painted ceramics, linen textiles, and playful kitchen accessories that blend functionality with artistic flair. It’s joyful, colourful, and full of Laila’s signature storytelling charm.
Writing and Hosting: Gohar in Print
For those who can’t get enough of her world, Laila is also a contributing columnist for the Financial Times HTSI, where her column, How To Host It explores the art of entertaining—from spontaneous dinners to elaborate feasts—with thoughtful reflection and a generous dash of humour.
Why We Love Her
At The Barefoot Edit, we love Laila Gohar not just for her talent, but for her fearless creativity and dedication to beauty in the everyday.
Her work reminds us that the table is more than a place to eat—it’s a stage for connection, creativity, and expression.
If you’re drawn to design that tells a story and elevates the ordinary into something magical, Laila Gohar is a name you should know.
And if you don’t already follow her work—this is your sign.
