Leather
Catching up with Sol & Luna and Yukiko Kitahara
Five years ago, I started this blog to feature the excellence of Spanish design. I have featured dozens of artisans and makers of fine works of ceramics, leather, fiber, metal, textile, and basketry. I recently caught up with four of the studios that I have featured. In this first of two articles, I reach out…
Read MoreMadrid Design Festival 2023: Showcasing the Best of Spanish Design
The Madrid Design Festival which began in February is taking place at various locations around Madrid and online. The only festival in Spain that brings together all design disciplines, including architecture, graphic and interior design, hybridizing them in a contemporary and innovative format. This year’s event, the sixth edition, sees the participation of over eighty…
Read More2022 Made in Spain Holiday Gift Guide: Functional Art Pieces
This curated selection of made-in-Spain pieces has wonderful gift ideas for the discerning recipient. Representing some of the best of Spain’s artisan traditions-leathercraft, ceramic, textile, woodwork- they stand out as purely art pieces as well as functional objects. All items are available online or by special order and can be shipped outside of Spain. José…
Read MoreMade in Spain in the World: 3 Leading Spanish Brands at the Prestigious Maison & Objet Fair in Paris
The spring edition of the Maison & Objet, one of the preeminent international trade fairs for the decoration, design, and lifestyle sector, took place between March 24 and 28 after a hiatus due to the pandemic. This edition centered around different aspects of the theme “New Luxury.”. Exhibitors in fourteen sectors presented a range of styles and…
Read MoreJosé Luis Bazán is Awarded Spain’s Prestigious National Crafts Award for 2021
“He has put Spain on the map of contemporary leather craftsmanship.” SACo Renowned leather artisan José Luis Bazán has added another honor to his long list of accomplishments. On December 21, 2021, Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism awarded him Spain’s prestigious Premio Nacional de Artesanía 2021 (National Crafts Award) at the fourteenth edition.…
Read MoreFusion of Design and Artisanship: Furniture Maker Pepe Andreu and Luxury Leathermakers Sol & Luna Join Forces
Renowned Spanish designer and furniture creator Pepe Andreu and Carolina Sánchez de Movellán, founder of luxury leathermaker Sol & Luna, have collaborated on a limited-edition leather-covered version of the iconic Charlie Valet Stand ((Galán de Noche Charlie)). The collaboration stems from friendship and mutual admiration for contemporary crafts and design. Pepe Andreu creates and produces furniture and objects that…
Read More5 Made in Spain Serving Trays
The serving tray is a much-used item in my home. In the mornings I place the day’s food selections on it to take to my workplace at home. As a family, we often-perhaps too often-forego the sit-down meal in favour of tray dinners, each member in their own space. I recall searching with my mother…
Read MoreSingular Design by Leather Artisan José Luis Bazán
Master leather artisan José Luis Bazán (@joseluisbazan) has a long national and international trajectory in his craft. Based in Benaocaz (Cádiz), he has collaborated with numerous companies and creatives, including Spanish luxury fashion brand Loewe. Elle magazine and Vogue have featured his work. Not content to rest on his laurels, he continues to innovate. His…
Read MoreSACo: Showcasing Contemporary Spanish Artisanship
“SACo’s genesis arises from the experience of a group of artisan firms in Spain that sensed the need to come together to improve their exposure and commercialization capacity inside and, especially, outside Spain. As an organization, we will promote artisans that create contemporary designs, who make their products mainly by hand with a high level…
Read MoreUn Nido de Culebras: Innovative Leather Art
“Where do ideas come from, ways of making…? Well, from the world, from all those who made in the past and those who make in the present. What do I know?” Narciso Galan Narciso Galan (Somines, Grado, Asturias) The story of Narciso Galan’s studio Un Nido de Culebras began in 1987. “I have never worked…
Read MoreMy Pieces from Spain
My Pieces from Spain have moved with me to my various homes over the years. Some are online purchases, others in-store. There are pieces that I bought for my pleasure, and gifts from my Spanish in-laws with one from my father-in-law who once owned two gift shops in Madrid. Porcelain. Metal. Leather. Textiles. Ceramics. Some…
Read MoreProfile: Sol & Luna: The Art of Leather
“Committed to the luxurious craft of leather, best describes the artisans of Sol & Luna” Spain for Design interviewed Carolina Sánchez de Movellán, CEO, General Manager and co-owner (with husband, Carlos Ortiz de Zúñiga ) of Sol & Luna, creator, manufacturer and retailer of luxury leather furniture and decor. With a flagship shop in the…
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