In short:enamelware belongs in every kitchen, every backpack, and every camper. The products are not only practical and sustainable, but also look fantastic – no wonder the brand is currently experiencing a revival. Melanie Kohler and her label YIV are also contributing to this trend.
For several years, YIV's colorful enamelware was only available online. Then, in the spring of 2023, Melanie Kohler took the plunge and opened a physical store in Chur's old town. The entrepreneur is also taking an unconventional approach with her products in other ways. "We're in luck, there's still one of the lilac-colored bowls left in the shop," Melanie Kohler replies to her employee, who is preparing orders for shipment in the warehouse, over the phone. Only three of the four ordered bowls were still in stock there.
The founder of YIV is aware that producing the way she does is a risk.
Don't store it, sell it.
Namely, always only in relatively small, limited quantities. A new production order is only placed with the Austrian and Turkish manufacturing company once the last piece has been sold. This means the colorful assortment of enamel plates, frying pans, jugs, and mugs is constantly changing. A new series doesn't appear on store shelves overnight. The design, which the young entrepreneur handles herself, is carefully considered, and the manufacturing process, involving a great deal of handwork, is elaborate. In return, every customer holds a uniquely crafted, locally and sustainably made favorite piece in their hands.
Consume more sustainably and consciously
With this approach, the business owner aims to encourage a rethink of our consumer behavior. "Today, people are no longer used to not having everything immediately available, and they buy products without questioning their origin – the main thing is that they're cheap," says Melanie Kohler. She offers a different option: high-quality products that build anticipation while you wait. And nobody actually has to wait. If you order online betweenMonday and Thursday, the package arrives in your mailbox the next day, and if your desired item is snapped up in the store before you can even see it, a solution can certainly be found.
Natural and multifunctional
Not only does the tableware look appealing in its unique color combinations, but it is also made entirely of natural materials. Unlike Teflon-coated pans or plastics containing plasticizers, enamel, which consists of iron and glass, contains no harmful substances whatsoever.
The well-designed Your Ideal Vintage creations offer another crucial advantage: a dish can be baked, transported, refrigerated, and reheated on the grill all in a YIV bowl. "Multifunctionality is absolutely essential for me," emphasizes Melanie Kohler.
With this information in mind and the beautiful products in front of us, it's not so easy to leave the shop on Reichsgasse – especially not with empty pockets.
