Cillio is a set of "Kitchen jewelry" which re-imagines how we slice - and enjoy - one of the first fermented foods on earth: cheese. The tools are inspired by forms of nature and designed to bridge tradition and modern thinking in how we relate to our food. As such, they aim to bring a sense of joy and playfulness to cooking and dining.

Inspired by the shape of leaves, which were once used as eating utensils, I developed a design family that blends form with function as well as nature and tradition. Each tool has an original way of sampling the cheese and then also functions as the utensil to taste it, hence elevating each unique flavor profile.

There are around 2,000 varieties of cheese, but only 2-3 ways of cutting them. Despite the long history of crafting of cheese, the methods of consuming it have not evolved much beyond slicing and grating. A block of cheese bought from the farmers market offers only limited slicing options with our current kitchen utensils and this inspired me to design tools that everyone can use to unlock the unique flavor of the different types of cheese.

Cillio introduces 8 new ways to cut and enjoy cheese that have not been explored in the market. Inspired by the shape of leaves, which were once used as eating utensils, I developed a design family that blends form with function as well as nature and tradition. Each tool has an original way of sampling the cheese and then also functions as the utensil to taste it, hence elevating each unique flavor profile. The natural elements in the design language give people a warm and approaching feeling, which helps the brand to establish an image of kindness and love for life. Cillio is also less intimidating compared to traditional cheese cutting tools due to the lack of blades. This makes it more approaching to use and suitable for kids as well.

Cillio arouses people's curiosity of taste. Different types of cheese can be trimmed into unique textures and forms that evolve the way we eat cheese. Also of importance, Cillio is easier to clean and reduces the chance to cut yourself which often happens with traditional slicers and graters.

Cillio breaks the traditional methods of eating cheese, while continuing to celebrate the long culture of cheese. In addition to giving people experiential pleasure, Cillio calls on society to cherish the small happy moments in life. Environmentally, Cillio is made with materials that are meant to last without the need for maintenance, hence extending its lifecycle.