The time-honoured crafts of Galicia have found contemporary expression in Heimat Atlantica, a new Paris-based brand founded by designer Montserrat Alvarez (pictured). Its structured, brightly patterned bags, made from handwoven reed, are lined with supple Spanish leather, and each is embellished with red, white and blue porcelain fetishes manufactured by Sargadelos, a workshop steeped in Galician history and its tradition of magic realism. The fetishes are believed to have unique talismanic powers that protect one’s wealth, shield one from curses or help find love. Heimat Atlantica has already found a following among the design elite – both Pascale Mussard of Hermès and Clémence Krzentowski of Galerie Kreo are professed fans.
As originally featured in the November 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*212)
