Introducing our new collaboration with award-winning, Slovenia-based illustrator, Alja Horvat! We hope you enjoy this swoon-worthy collection of happy, trendy organizational essentials!
Update: Since this debut collection, we’ve dropped even MORE Alja Horvat x Erin Condren designs! Shop the expanded collection at erincondren.com/alja-horvat!Â
Alja is a young, award-winning illustrator in Slovenia with a forever-passion for art. Inspired by nature, museums, and her surroundings, her colorful, on-trend designs evoke future-forward vintage vibes. Alja – winner of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Art & Culture 2020 award and the Elle Style Fashion Award for Young Talent in 2019 – enjoys creating with her graphic tablet and loves traditional painting with oils.
“I’m super thrilled to collaborate with Erin Condren. I love how the collection turned out, and I hope others will love it as well! This is a dream come true as their products are stunning and super well thought out!” -Alja Horvat
Alja’s Designs and Inspiration
Bright Blooms
“This abstract garden scene is one of my favorite designs as it brings back wonderful childhood memories. It was inspired by nature and the happy music from the Summer of Love, especially the song “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott Mckenzie.”
Metallic Painted Wings
“This design was inspired by the song “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix. I created it while in Naples, Italy and wanted to invoke 70s nostalgia in a way that appeals to anyone who appreciates the style of that influential decade (even if you didn’t grow up in the 70s). I was always fascinated with the seventies fashion and their use of colors. I chose butterflies because I’ve always seen them as such beautiful, magical creatures. I especially love how their four-stage life cycle is similar to the four main phases of the moon.”
Metallic Daisy
“Originally created for my fashion collection, I’m super happy to debut Metallic Daisy on Erin Condren products. It looks absolutely stunning!”
Watercolor Garden
“Watercolor Garden was inspired by a beautiful, colorful spring garden from my childhood in Slovenia.”
Interview with Alja Horvat
Get to know a little more about Alja and see why we’re so thrilled to work with her on this joyful, colorful collaboration!
EC: When you’re painting or designing on your tablet, what do you feel and how does that translate into your work?Â
Alja: My favorite subject in school was art. I remember once painting in a class and being totally unaware of my surroundings. I’m in another world when I’m painting/drawing. It’s like therapy for me, and I’m so lucky to be able to do what I do.Â
EC: What kind of effect do you want your art to have on others?Â
Alja: I hope my art inspires hope in others, and it would make me happy if my art made others feel even just a tiny bit happier when they look at it.
EC: What is your favorite art technique(s)?Â
Alja: I love painting with oils and I love watercolors. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, but I actually love drawing on my graphic tablet. I’m all for traditional techniques and I love watercolors and gouache, but a graphic tablet gives me so many options regarding brushes and different techniques. And I’m a bit messy when it comes to painting, so it’s refreshing to be able to keep everything clean when I’m drawing on a tablet.Â
EC: What about your upbringing and surroundings in Slovenia inspire your art the most?Â
Alja: Slovenia is such a beautiful country where nature is just stunning. I grew up in a city, but my grandma lives in a small town where I was lucky to spend a lot of time among her chickens, vegetable garden, lots of trees, and a small river … so peaceful. So, I’ve always been inspired by nature and feel so lucky to live in beautiful Slovenia.
EC: What do you love most about this collection?Â
Alja: Oh, this is such a hard question as I love everything! I love Erin Condren planners and I’m so grateful to work with them on this collaboration, as it’s definitely a dream come true. I always wanted to see my designs on planners and stationery, and the whole collection came out great!
Shop the Latest Collection
Ready to add more color and style to your organization system with Alja’s trendy designs across planners, stationery, bags, and accessories? Shop the latest Alja Horvat x Erin Condren collection, featuring even MORE designs at erincondren.com/alja-horvat! Â
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