Mermelada Estudio is a distinguished design studio founded more than a decade ago by the trio of Laura Blasco, Juanmi Juárez, and Alex Estévez in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Together, the three musketeers work on product design, art direction, and design advisory. They firmly believe the cornerstone of any successful project is the balance of effort and retrospection.
The studio’s signature is the fusion of wit and poetry that lends a refreshing perspective to the objects in our daily existence. Mermelada Estudio is known for collaborating with renowned international brands, crafting special commissions, and developing on their limited edition project, Editiio.
This time Alex Estévez (one-third of Mermelada Estudio) is set to debut at Downtown Design 2023 as a part of the “Statement Makers by CB2,” showcase. At the venue, Alex will spotlight a collection that is a testament to a decade-long partnership.
“Our relationship with CB2 has grown and evolved over the years; it was in fact at a design fair just like this one that we first met the team and received a request to collaborate”, reveals Alex. On this occasion, we felt it was fitting to ask Alex five questions to understand Mermelada Estudio better…
Let’s start simple, how would you define design?
Design can be defined as a visual language that enables communication through the use of shapes, materials, textures, and colours. It is a creative process that seeks to convey meaning, functionality, and aesthetics in a visually compelling manner.
How did you end up in a design career?
I embarked on a career in design due to my profound affinity for creativity that has been with me since childhood. During my high school years, I grappled with the decision of pursuing studies in architecture, art, or advertising. However, it was a visit to a design exhibition that left me captivated. Subsequently, I delved into extensive research, and ultimately recognized that product design perfectly fused all my passions and interests into one discipline.
How did Mermelada Estudio start? How would you describe the partnership between Laura Blasco, Juanmi Juárez and you?
The inception of Mermelada Estudio can be traced back to our first encounter while working at a design studio. Right from the outset, a strong and effortless connection developed among the three of us, namely Laura Blasco, Juanmi Juárez, and myself, prompting us towards collaborative ventures. Our partnership has a rich history, spanning over 14 years since its establishment, with a foundation of friendship and mutual understanding forged over 17 years.
To me, the studio is not just a workplace; it’s akin to a family. Laura and Juanmi are akin to siblings, and we strive to imbue this familial sentiment into our collaborations with team members. In fact, our studio space reflects this ethos, with designated areas designed to evoke a homely ambiance, such as the meeting room doubling as a kitchen, and the patio, where we can host gatherings and barbecues.
“To me, the studio is not just a workplace; it’s akin to a family. Laura and Juanmi are akin to siblings, and we strive to imbue this familial sentiment into our collaborations with team members. In fact, our studio space reflects this ethos, with designated areas designed to evoke a homely ambiance, such as the meeting room doubling as a kitchen, and the patio, where we can host gatherings and barbecues.“
– Alex Estevez, Co-Founder, Mermelada Estudio
What is the best thing about collaborating with CB2?
The most significant advantage of collaborating with CB2 is the diverse range of projects we have the opportunity to engage with. We work across numerous categories, allowing us to unleash our creativity on projects of varying scales, whether they are large or small, and spanning both indoor and outdoor environments.
Please tell us about two product/s designed by Mermelada Estudio at the Downtown Design stand?
If we have to highlight two or three products, I would like to mention the Babylon table and the Matra chair, as well as the Raine outdoor chair. These selections are not just iconic in their own right, but they also serve as examples of our studio’s distinctive style. They epitomise the way in which our designs seamlessly weave together elements of wit and poetry, resulting in pieces that are elegant and simple yet possess a sculptural quality. Moreover, these designs are carefully crafted to strike a harmonious balance between shapes, materials, textures, and intricate details, which in my opinion aligns with the preferences of Middle Eastern people who appreciate a blend of artistry and functionality in their furnishings.
“The Babylon table, the Matra chair and the Raine outdoor chair—these selections are not just iconic in their own right, but they also serve as examples of our studio’s distinctive style. They epitomise the way in which our designs seamlessly weave together elements of wit and poetry, resulting in pieces that are elegant and simple yet possess a sculptural quality.“
– Alex Estevez, Co-Founder, Mermelada Estudio
It’s time for a short rapid fire:
A book/movie/song you keep going back to…
It is hard to choose only one! So many options!
Book: Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
Movie: Interestellar
Song: Matilda- Alt-J
If you weren’t a designer you would be…
An Archeologist
Preferred Superpower: Reading minds or ability to be invisible…
The ability to be invisible!
Sketching on paper or Sketching on a Tablet…
Always on paper. I’m an old school guy.
Your Biggest Fear…
The absence of fear itself.
In the Middle East, CB2 is operated by Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle. In addition the booth will also exhibit fascinating collaborations with notable figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Lenny Kravitz, and Gianfranco Frattini.
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Date added:
7 November, 2023
