Saison

I often think about how we live in a time where social media has exponentiated the appreciation of craft. In recent years we've seen aesthetics play a big role in our day to day, from fashion, interior design,  accessories and never the less food… I have been following Saison, a Brooklyn-based baking studio for almost 2 years. Saison bakes pastries with a touch of “nature” - flowers to be more precise, giving her creations a delicate and ephemeral touch. Sammy, who is behind it all, has been creating small batches of custom pastries that are not just tasty but delicate and beautiful, reminding us of how simplicity is always the most grounding and fulfilling. I interviewed her at her Brooklyn apartment, where we spoke over a fresh batch of lavender lemonade and a picturesque-delicious lemon curd pavlova she decorated while chatting about Saison and the inspiration behind her creations. 

Who would have known that her COVID picnic boxes would turn into the One of a kind, made to order, ephemeral bakery she is now running. We will dive into her process behind her creations, growing up in Brooklyn and her kitchen - where all the magic happens. 

O: Tell us a little bit about how you got into baking floral delicacies 

S: I’m a self taught baker and because of that I feel a certain freedom with baking. Flowers are my biggest inspiration in and out the kitchen so they naturally make their way into every order. Subtle floral flavors like rose, jasmine, and chamomile are infused into shortbread, cakes, and custards and almost everything I bake is topped with flowers and petals. 

O: I believe from a young age I have been attracted to craft and in some ways I guess that is what eventually led me to create Odissea, I see how many of the things I appreciated at a young age have a huge influence in what I do today - what is the story behind Saison. 

S: If you told a younger version of myself that this is what I’d be doing as my career, I probably would have never believed it. With reflection though, nothing makes more sense. I’ve always been drawn to the little touches and details that make an object or an experience special. From an early age, I was always trying to capture this in one way or another, often through picking flowers, baking sweets, and setting the dinner table. I noticed these simple gestures also brought joy to others, something that inspired me even more. I also absolutely adore sweets and always have, nothing brings a smile to my face more than the first bite into a delicious treat. 

O: Does the name have a specific meaning? And how did you come up with it

S: Deciding on a name was one of the most challenging parts for me. I could see the brand so clearly — my inspiration and the world surrounding it, and finding the right name to tell the story was important to me. I kept coming back to something transportive; I want someone to receive a box of sweets and be transported somewhere special, for me it’s a field of wildflowers on a beautiful afternoon. With the name Saison, I could see the wildflower field, afternoon sun and a picnic of sweets. 

O: I can imagine being the baker yourself, you’ve encountered challenges as you’ve scaled your business. How do you manage to adapt to each client's needs?

S: I started Saison 3 years ago as a passion project with no business plan or exact goal for it. Since then it’s organically grown into a real business, something that still amazes me everyday. In the past year, there has been a lot of growth and finding the right balance of scaling and remaining authentic to my goals can be challenging. I’m not a traditional bakery or caterer and every order is bespoke to each client. A tremendous amount of thought and care goes into each project from communicating with clients, creating custom menus and decks, sourcing specialty ingredients and of course the time in the kitchen. I wear many hats and creating a team that I can fully rely on and trust is something I’ve been working on in order to maintain beautiful results for each client. At the moment I have an incredible baking assistant and my mom working with me. My mom has been behind the scenes from the start helping with everything — I truly don’t think I could have done any of this without her. 

O: When working on a new project do you come up with an idea that aligns with the client, or is it a collaboration that is thought through together?

S: It varies from project to project, but it’s often a collaboration — client’s reach out wanting to celebrate a specific event or product and I try to bring their vision to life. 

“With the name Saison, I could see the wildflower field, afternoon sun and a picnic of sweets”

- SAMMY

O: What are your hobbies outside of the kitchen, I guess things that inspire you and push you to have little “aha” moments which can then be molded to fit the image and story behind the brand. 

S: I spend a lot of time upstate New York, which is a really special place for me. I find most of my aha moments happen there —  while driving on country roads, swimming in streams and hiking through meadows. Growing up in the city I didn’t spend much time in nature and now find I seek it out to recharge and be inspired. I also love antiquing, swimming in the ocean, wandering through new places and getting lost in a book. 

O: In a market that is so saturated, like all the rest, what do you do to stay authentic to yourself and the brand you envisioned creating yet also ensuring that you stand out?

S: Baking sweets that I actually want to eat and that come from a place of love. Simple, rustic baking is the core of everything I do, because that is simply what I enjoy eating the most. My recipes are unfussy and are elevated by a few beautiful ingredients like seasonal fruit or flowers. Nothing is overly sweet, and they are treats I want to eat anytime of day, over and over again. 

O: What has been your proudest moment for Saison?

S: I’m a self taught baker and have no business background, so I’ve been learning it all along the way. Without sounding cheesy, Saison as a whole makes me so proud. 

O: Do you sell individual pastries or do you work by order - if you do, where can we find you! 

S: At the moment, it’s all custom orders. I have some dreams of selling individual baked goods so stay tuned :) 

O: What is one thing that you have learnt while having your business. A piece of advise that you would give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur 

S: Saying no to projects that don’t feel right, whatever the reason might be. I’ve been lucky that the majority of the brands I work with are ones I deeply admire and are reaching out because they love what I do. When a client says “just do your thing” or give me a brief that inspires me, I know it’s meant to be. However, I’ve had loads of inquiries I’ve declined because of creative briefs that aren’t aligned.  

O: Is every cake you bake different? Do you decorate it based on the client? or is there any other inspiration behind each. order being unique?

S: For most orders, I have a list of seasonal cake offerings that clients can select from and decoration is a reflection of what’s in season at the farmers market. While no two cakes are alike, I certainly take requests from clients if they have a particular color or inspiration for it. For larger orders and brand work, I often create a bespoke flavor and customize the decoration based on specific color palettes or inspiration decks. I absolutely love these orders because I can really delve deep creatively and try out new things. 

O: What is your favorite flower?

S: Oof, this is probably the hardest question of them all, but dahlias really make my heart swoon. 

O: What is your favorite thing to eat?

S: A chocolate croissant or cacio e pepe. 

O: What do you love most about New York?

S: Being able to walk (almost!) everywhere.  

O: Your three favorite things to do in New York

S: Mornings at the union square farmers market, a martini and fries at The Odeon and going for Chinese in Flushing. 

O: Any new projects that you are working on right now that you can share with us?

S: Summer is a quieter season which allows me to work on some more creative projects and plan for the next few months. I’ve just started brainstorming some holiday offerings that I’m very excited about! 

O: Do you cater to dietary needs (GF, Dairy free, Sugar free)? 

S: I have some gluten free offerings, but don’t do dairy free, sugar free or vegan. 

O: Do you own something that is very precious and that reminds you of something special in your life?

S: I have a few heirloom jewelry pieces from both my grandmothers that I’ll always cherish, along with my wedding rings which are made up of the stones from my husband’s late mother’s engagement ring. 

Thank you for sharing your insights! We are very excited to see what more lovely things you bake and all the projects you work on. Your creations are beautiful and Odissea is very excited to share them, as we have been following the brand and love to see everything you do!

Sammy is wearing our 14k Gold Chain Bracelet & Choker, Nekyia Baroque Pearl Earrings, Milano Green Amethyst Ring & Recto 14k Gold Vermeil Ring.

"Subtle Beauty"

My name is Toma and I’m an artist who strives through capture the beauty of the world through my lense and artistic direction. My journey into photography began around five years ago and ever since, became a very important part of my life. Having lived a significant time in Thailand, I've created a series of unique collections inspired by it’s beauty, building my photo archive.

If you are familiar with my photography you’ll notice my attention is drawn to sensual details - where the beauty of nature intertwines with the organic curves and shapes of the female body.

My passion is film photography! and most of my work is shot on film. Using film cameras allows me to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, by capturing these subtle nuances and delicate

textures we are able to appreciate the authenticity of the art and its connection to the natural world. This passion allows me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and value the play of light and shadows. 

Toma Miu.

“my attention is drawn to sensual details - where the beauty of nature intertwines with the organic curves and shapes of the female body.”

- Toma miu

ETEREO, a weekend with Zii Ropa & Odissea

Last weekend’s trunkshow took place at ETEREO Auberge along  Zii Ropa & Odissea. This occasion and location were very special to Odissea since the property is in Mayan territory which had a very profound meaning, connecting the brand to its roots. Mayans used silver for their ceremonies, it was thought to be a protective element with high spiritual power - one which bought them closer to their gods. All of our pieces are made of 9.25 sterling silver, and the intention behind each piece is for the beholder to have a connection to their inner power, and their higher self. We use shells too, as a representation of self evolution. They travel through the ocean, with no direction and regardless of their endless journeys  they are all unique, beautiful and perfect. We believe that our one of a kind pieces, when experiencing a certain attraction to them represent who we are, where we come from, the journeys we’ve lived and the experiences that have shaped us. Them and us, all have a voyage marked by changes of fortune.

Auberge Resorts are known to adapt to each location's environment - ETEREO being a jungle paradise with coral floor passages guiding you along the property, passing fountains, the horizon and mangrove labyrinths. Upon sunrise, you can catch the early AM. Making your way through the labyrinths, the sun slowly rises, reflecting it’s golden shine on the property, half hidden in the tropics. 

Saturday we did sunset drinks, where we set by the pool. Zii Ropa’s new resort wear camouflaged with the neutral colors of the property. The blue hues with the water, the yellow with the coral stone and white and blacks for neutral elements. Odissea had the newest silver pieces shining as the sun shined on them. Our newest pieces, Pelrmutte Ring Dalmatian Jasper along with our Milano Ring in green and purple amethyst and the colorful nekyia beadead chokers made it perfect for the summer kick-off! 

Stay tuned for more… 

See you at the next one! 

Xx

Nathalie 

Cycles with Alejandro Ibarra

Sharing our upbringing in Mexico City, Alejandro and I fostered our relationship back in 2012. We were both living in New York at the time. I was just about to start my studies at Parsons where he was finishing his. We grew up in the same community, went to the same school and regardless of the age gap, we happened to share many friends, who along the years, still keep close. It’s funny how in life we experience “cycles” - this was our most recent conversation during my latest trip to Miami. 

In Miami, I saw my childhood best friend who I hadn't seen in over 10 years. This person from my past came to my life just as I am closing another cycle, and with an exciting collaboration on the books between Ale and Odissea, it led me to think “this” was perfect for this months interview.

As a contemporary artist meaning is to be found in the most elusive ways. How do you manage to convey an idea of life cycles? the constant change and evolution we humans encounter by nature. Alejandros pieces are made of round discs. Their circumference represent mobility - how following a perimeter pushes you away to an extreme and eventually sends you back to the starting point. Life, surprisingly tends to bring us back to the past, maybe to close unfinished matters?

O: Tell us how it started, what led you to make your “Cycles”  sculptures

A: Through my sculptures, I sought to capture the ephemeral nature of life, the way that each cycle gives way to the next, like the gentle unfolding of a lotus flower. I wanted to convey the idea that permanence is an illusion, and that our only constant is change.

By creating the circles to be reassembled in different ways, I aimed to create a sense of participatory ownership, inviting the viewer to become a co-creator in the artistic process. It's a reminder that our lives are constantly evolving, and that we must learn to embrace the uncertainty and impermanence that comes with each new cycle.

O: Working on this project, I am sure you had many revelations about life, things, sequences even. Tell us about it

A: One of the biggest revelations I've had was, the importance of letting go. I used to struggle with holding on to things, memories, friendships, ideas, etc. Creating "Cycles" has taught me that life is constantly evolving, and that we must learn to release and embrace the next. It's not always easy, but it's necessary for growth and healing.

I've also come to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Our society often values perfection and permanence, but "Cycles" has shown me that it's the imperfections and the fleeting moments that make life rich and meaningful. It's okay for things to fall apart and come back together differently, that's where the magic lies.

Lastly, working on "Cycles" has deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. We're all part of larger cycles, and our individual experiences are reflected in the world around us. It's a powerful reminder of our responsibility to each other and the planet.

Overall, "Cycles" has been a journey of self-discovery and growth for me, and I hope that it inspires others to embrace the beauty and complexity of life's cycles.

O: Since becoming an artist, what ideals do you live your life through. Are there any ways of thinking, philosophies, practices that you have connected with since being more vulnerable to your creativity?

A: Since becoming an artist, I've learned to embrace the ideals of beginner's mind, imperfect perfection, intentional play, and vulnerability. And, I've also come to understand the importance of not attachment to others' opinions of my work. Initially, when I shared my art, I craved validation and approval from others. But, I've come to realize that not everyone will resonate with my work, and that's okay! It's like in life, there's something for everyone. What resonates with one person might not with another.

Now, I focus on creating from a place of authenticity and honesty, without attachment to how others might receive it. It's liberating to know that my work is a part of myself, and while some might not connect with it, others will. I've learned to cherish the connections I make with those who do resonate with my art, and let go of the need for universal approval.

This mindset shift has allowed me to create more freely, take risks, and grow as an artist. It's a continuous process, but I've come to understand that my work is not a reflection of my worth. It's just a part of my journey, and I'm grateful for the people who do connect with it.

O: As I mentioned earlier, life works in funny ways, and we talked about cycles, where in your life cycle do you think you stand right now

A: I believe I'm currently in a phase of transformation and renewal, both in my creative journey and personal life. I'm closing a cycle of 16 years in the USA, a chapter that has shaped me into the person I am today. As I leave behind the familiarity and comfort of this life, I'm met with a mix of emotions, nostalgia, excitement, and uncertainty.

Simultaneously, my art is undergoing a metamorphosis, reflecting the changes within me. I'm venturing into uncharted territories, experimenting with new mediums and themes that challenge my perspectives and push my creative boundaries. It's a process of unlearning and relearning, letting go of the old to embrace the new.

As I transition into this new phase, I'm reminded that life is a series of cycles, each one building upon the last. I'm curious to see how my experiences, both personal and creative, will intertwine and shape the next chapter of my life in Mexico. How will the vibrant colors, rich culture, and warmth of the Mexico influence my art? How will the unknown terrain and unfamiliar rhythms reshape my perspective?

In this liminal space, I find myself suspended between the past and the future, between what was and what's yet to come. It's a vulnerable and exhilarating place to be, full of possibilities and promise. As I take this leap of faith, I trust that the threads of my creativity and curiosity will weave together in unexpected ways, revealing a tapestry of growth, self-discovery, and beauty.

“It's okay for things to fall apart and come back together differently, that's where the magic lies”

- Alejandro Ibarra

O: you left Mexico a really long time ago too. For me even tho my life is in the US  there’s still a feeling of not belonging entirely, but going back to Mexico, I often feel misplaced - do you have a similar feeling?

A: As someone who has also left Mexico a long time ago, I can relate to the feeling of not fully belonging in either the US or Mexico. It's as if we're caught between two worlds, with a foot in each country but not fully rooted in either. This sense of displacement can be unsettling, like we're perpetually straddling two cultures without a clear sense of belonging.
For me, this feeling manifests in moments when I'm nostalgic for the familiarity of Mexico but also aware that I've grown apart from it. When I return to Mexico, I experience a disconnect between the memories and the current reality. It's like trying to fit a puzzle piece that no longer matches.

Similarly, in the US, I sometimes feel like an outsider looking in, even after many years of living here. It's as if I'm observing American culture through a lens that's forever tinted by my Mexican upbringing. I've come to realize that this feeling of not quite belonging is a shared experience among many of us who've lived between cultures. It's a reminder that our identities are complex and multifaceted, shaped by the intersections of our past and present experiences.

I've learned to embrace this in-betweenness, recognizing that it's a unique privilege to straddle two worlds. By acknowledging and honoring both cultures, I strive to create a sense of belonging that's authentic to me, even if it doesn't fit neatly into one category.

O: Tell about one thing that has happened to you that changed your life completely, something that made you appreciate and see life differently. 

A:  For me, it was my journey with art that changed my life completely. Creating art helped me find solace, express emotions, and connect with others in a meaningful way. It was a transformative experience that showed me the power of self-expression and the impact it can have on others. Art became a source of purpose and fulfillment, allowing me to see life's beauty and depth. Through art, I learned to appreciate the little things and find value in my existence. It's amazing how one experience can transform our perspective and help us grow.

O: If you had a piece of advise for people trying to find their “voice” what would that be?

A:  For me, finding my voice was a journey of self-discovery and experimentation. My advice would be to embrace your uniqueness and don't try to mimic others. Experiment with different mediums and styles until you find what feels authentic to you. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes, they're an essential part of the process. Also, listen to your inner voice and let your emotions guide you. And most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself, finding your voice takes time. Remember, your voice is yours alone, and it's okay to evolve and change. Just keep creating and stay true to yourself.

O: Tell us 5 things you own that you love, and why.

A: 1. My kiln: I adore my kiln because it allows me to bring my creative visions to life. The process of firing and glazing is both meditative and thrilling, and I can't wait to see how each piece evolves. When I open the kiln, it's like Christmas morning. I never know exactly what I'll get, but I know it'll be something special.

2. My wig collection: Oh, my wigs! They're my secret party weapon. I love watching my friends transform into entirely new characters with just a quick change of hair. It's hilarious to see someone go from a serious, straight-laced person to a vibrant, flamboyant diva, in an instant. My wigs bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar book: Ah, that little caterpillar gets me every time! There's something so reassuring about revisiting a childhood favorite. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I grab that book and revisit the simple joys of life. It reminds me that sometimes the smallest things bring the greatest happiness.
4. My collection of cards and postcards: Each card and postcard holds a special memory for me, like a snapshot of a moment in time. Reading through them is like reliving all those happy moments over again. It's a reminder that even though life gets busy, the love and connections we share with others stay with us forever.
5. My Odissea rings: Wearing my Odissea rings is like carrying a piece of art with me wherever I go. I love how they spark conversations and connect me to others who appreciate the beauty in the details. Nathalie Martinez's craftsmanship is exceptional, and I feel like I'm wearing a tiny piece of her creative soul on my finger.

O: Having lived in New York for so long and now Miami, what do you think when you come back to NY. 

A: Returning to New York is a complex experience for me. Initially, it was difficult to come back, as I felt a strong attachment to the city and struggled to understand why I had left. However, with time, I've come to realize that my time in New York had naturally come to a close, and I needed to move on to new experiences. Now, when I visit, I see it as an opportunity for closure and reflection, acknowledging that my NYC chapter has ended, but also leaving room for the possibility of a new cycle to begin in the future. I've come to accept that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and who knows, maybe one day I'll reopen my NYC cycle and start a new chapter.

O: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I'm always excited to see what's next for Odissea! Their designs are truly exceptional, and I love how they push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. I have no doubt that their future plans will be just as impressive and inspiring as their previous work. Whether it's a new collection, collaboration, or surprise, I'm eager to see what they come up with next! Odissea consistently raises the bar, and I'm honored to be a fan of their work.

Thank you!

Alejandro is wearing our Cha Cha set, Perlumtte Dalmatian Ring & Knot Ring

Odissea's 5th Anniversary & CDMX showroom

In coincidence of turning 5 years this past January 21st, 2024 we also celebrated the opening of our CDMX showroom.

This project came to life in collaboration with MariaAna, as a long time partner in crime. Last year she came to me excited that she had found the perfect house to bring both of our brands alive. This beautiful house located in the city’s most lively neighborhood, La Roma, is a 3 story building with it’s original french ceiling moldings and double height walls - this white canvas guides your way with a wooden serpent like staircase showing you the way up to the “studio.” a photography space located on the 3rd floor.

It’s hard to imagine it all started a gray Saturday morning 5 years ago. I was at the beach in The Rockaways. It was empty and foggy - I walked looking for black shells to take back home. I never imagined I would be standing here, 5 years later celebrating our first Showrooms location in CDMX along friends. The night was easy and fun - one I will always remember as perfect. The flowers lightened the space with pastels stems sticking out in every direction and the snacks were a mix of fruity and sea inspired bites. The whole space was filled with a white filling energy.

I am very thankful that we’ve made it so far, and that we’ve been surrounded by so many incredible people who if it weren’t for them we would not be here.

Thank you! <3

N

La Baja

Why is traveling known to be good for the soul?

For people like me, traveling has been a great way of exploring… seeing new places, learning different lifestyles, meeting new people but mainly having time to reconnect by taking a step back from our monotonous lives.

Growing up I would not think twice and follow my instinct with implusive decisions not ever having a plan - and everything unfolded perfect, always. I believe getting out of your comfort zone and opening yourself tends to connect to a part of yourself where adversity and the unknown create space for new. My last trip, I booked last minute tickets to Baja California Mexico and it felt like and old memory - freeing, and somewhat unexpected.

---

CASA BO

A very good friend of mine had mentioned a couple of months ago his friend owned a little boutique hotel in La Paz, right in town walking distance from everything. Casa Bo has 11 rooms and is located behind the Malecon. Saulo and Nadia, run this little gem. The architecture is simple and minimal, highliting the organic shapes of nature and its raw materials.

The common area is a desert like garden with a pool surrounded by cactus and a sand gradient mural imitating Baja’s landscapes. This place is just a little paradise.

Saulo and Nadia being artists themselves have decorated each room with pieces they design. From the bed frames to the galactic looking lamps that actually look like coral reefs, they’ve tried to keep a very clean yet detailed style. All is thought of accordingly to make the look and feel not override Baja’s nature.

odissea mens

From Accra to NY

JALIL

I've always been a true believer that things happen at their right timing.

I'm someone who doesn't have patience, but again and again experiences show me how this is the magic to a perfect timed life.

I was recently coming up with a new shoot idea since I wanted to launch the mens pieces. After planning, moodboarding and getting things together, tinny details still made it hard to finalize.

One Friday night as I speed-walked all bundled up down West Broadway heading to dinner I saw at a glance a guy outside of the Ralph Lauren store. I noticed he stared back at me for a second but since it was freezing cold I kept walking, but a couple of steps further, I stopped.

"I think a guy behind us would be perfect for the shoot, you think it's weird I ask him?" - "Go for it, the worst that can happen is he says no" - True that. I turned around and came over to him. "Excuse me do you model? | have a jewelry brand and I am looking for a model. If you'd be interested I can send you more info" I can be awkward, to the point that I didn't even introduce myself and I asked for his name at the end of the conversation... yes, but I left happy, with a phone number and his name, Jalil.

We decided to meet Monday January 16th.

Since everything had been so impromptu I was obviously not prepared, but took the weekend to stroll around stores and wander in the city looking for clothes. We meet at 11:20 in the LES. Since the day was nice we decided to shoot outside - it was freezing.

This fire incandescent outfit was number 1 - it was insane. The contrast, colors, the whole composition... As we were getting more comfortable all together Shane shot and I did too - We like doing this since we get more angles and because we also shoot with different types of cameras.

Jalil kept posing and with very little guidance the pictures were looking pretty amazing. We were freezing between outfits but prevailed.

As we were wrapping up and talking some more

Jalil told us that he comes from Accra-Ghana, Africa. He used to be a spice trader back in his hometown, but with COVID life in general got more complicated and about 6 months ago he moved to New York.

New York, the land of opportunity. Where many of us come to chase dreams and open a door beyond our imagination.

His short narrative touched me. It made me think how l've always loved how New York brings together people from every place in the world and from every walk of life - and this my friends, is what I have always truly treasured of my 10 years here.

I hope you can see these pictures through the real eye behind the camera.

Beyond them being just how I envisioned them, the story behind them is what makes them perfect.The reason why I like the blog is because I get to write about anything related to odissea and this story was so amazing and has much more to it, that I felt it was a great story to share.

I am very excited and really looking forward to designing new pieces for men.

Considering that I am a person who often gravitates into masculine styles I can't wait to see what we create and where this leads too. I couldn't be happier with how 4 years after I started this journey, mens came along

Xx

The Copenhagen Guide

APOLLO BAR at Kunsthal Charlottenborg

PSYCHE CAFE

POMETTE WINE BAR

KAFETERIA SMK MUSEUM

LILLE BAKERY

THORVALDSENS MUSEUM

LOUISIANA MUSEUM

BOTANISK HAVE

GLYPTOTEK MUSEUM

ROSENBORG CASTLE

Odissea in One Magazine

shot by Bridget Flemings

Photo by my mermaid @bridgetfleming
Stylist @jessmonterde @Walter Schupfer
Hair @tak8133 @The Wall Group using @oribe
Make Up @tadatoshih
Stylist assist @inesitsaso
Model @shaynamcneill @imgmodels wearing @zimmermannand @nanushka
Casting director #David Chen
Photo assist #Chris Smith & #Tom Maltbie
Digital Tech #Casey Franklin

Lucia Bosch - Giving a second chance

With a long history behind us, Lucia and I have re-encountered many times in our lives. First her dad and my mom dated for a while, and at the time our age difference made it hard for us to relate, but a couple of years later we reconnected through friends and became very close, we even worked together!  Now, Lucia is an entrepreneur based in Mexico City who along the side of her partner Ximena de Iturbide launched Armario Comunal - a second hand clothing pop up. She also has a handbag brand called Juana de Mexico, which she manufactures in Mexico and designs herself. When thinking of who would be the next “Fortune of changes'' interview I had Lucia in mind, as I’ve been witnessing her projects closely and I think she is and has always been looking to revamp Mexican traditional standards. There’s a lot of  opportunities to bring new and innovative projects to Mexico.  

Mid June I went to her apartment Downtown Mexico City. She lives in this stunning  Art Deco building where the renowned jazz bar ZINCO is. The building is absolutely fabulous, robust, gray with golden lights and symmetrical accents which make you feel back in the 1950's.

O: So, I just briefly introduced you, but can you tell us more about Armario Comunal? How did the idea surge and what was the thought behind starting this because it is an amazing idea that no one in mexico had ever really thought of

L: Beyond fashion, personal style has always been something I am very passionate about. I love seeing people being they’re most authentic selves - when they take risks to be different and unique. I love finding gems in the least expected places or seeing potential in things you wouldn't even imagine becoming “something else”. I believe in second opportunities as each and every one of us give a different meaning to what we own, this is the main idea that lead to create  Armario Comunal.

One day while talking to my business partner Ximena, we were discussing all the clothes that just sit on our closets dusting. We were wondering what it would look like to be seen by new eyes… so we gathered all our close friends and told them to take things they no longer wore or had bored them, and we made exchanges between us all. 

People heard about this and wanted to join, so we saw a great opportunity to gather clothes and create an inventory which eventually became a good amount to set up as a pop up, and from there it's been more than 5 years that we have not stopped and this has taught us the importance of not wasting and to be conscious when we buy new things.

O: What have you learnt about this business and do you want to share any surprising and exciting things about it

L: I’ve learnt that it is a very noble business, where it is 100% based on creativity, as there is a lot to do to uncared or unwanted clothes, The most important thing I’ve learnt is how important it is to be conscious in how we consume, as clothes are not degradable and sometimes it is better to repair, recycle or re invent. It is undeniable that we live in a time where marketing makes us shop non stop. However, this has led us to consume without reasoning or intention, making things become obsolete. 

These past 5 years we have realized that people are becoming more and more conscious, also this initiative has spread our message across a city where people did not have this ideology, but seeing things change slowly and people joining makes me really happy. 

O: Changing subjects a little -  I mentioned Juana de Mexico, your handbag brand before. Could you share what is the inspiration behind your creations?

L: Juana was born from my boredom (ha - as ideas usually do). When I had a 9-5pm job and I was eager to have a side thing for myself since my job was not very inspiring. I have always been very creative and I  tried to take the lead on ideas before the spark died off. At that time in my life I realized that making bags wouldn't be so compicated as they aren't any sizes or complicated variants to them. And this was the  perfect excuse to experiment with all my interests such as  photography, fashion, colors, materials and so on. 

Juana evolved along the years, and I could say it is very simple and minimalist since the intention is to keep them as long as possible but also for it to be practical enough to take a paper envelope or a bunch of essential things you need throughout your day. Bottom line, is “the simpler the better.” 

O: Given that you’ve made a lot of very cool trips around Mexico - what would you tell people from abroad to visit/do?

L: I love Mexico. There’s so much to do and explore - I still have a .lot of things to discover but one of my favorite experiences was a camping trip I did last year, all along  the coast of Sonora, in the high California Gulf. These were the  most impressive landscapes I had ever witnessed, like the Paredones, Altar Dessert Pinacate and the beaches in the reservoir of el Cajon del Diablo. 

O: Thank you for sharing this with us Lu! We are very exited to see what is coming with ODISSEA x ARMARIO soon, so stay tuned!

Text by Nathalie Martinez

Dreamland x Odissea

How many of us don’t get lost in day dreaming?

Sometimes you fantasize during the day about your old self. The inner child that as years went by grew, learnt and matured. We often get caught up in our day to day, fulfilling achievements, accomplishing expectations and so on, but we tend to forget how to just “dream” - that, which makes all magic come to reality, what makes us want to go further.  

Not having dreams is like an invisible shadow

“Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.”

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Changes of fortune No. 3 - Marie Laffont

When thinking about contemporary women, I always think to myself that we live in an extraordinary time where “women” are able to decide, choose and have a voice. I can’t imagine living 50 years ago and having to be a certain way to fit societal standards.

I started this new project called  “Voyage marked by changes of fortune” to share the story behind the people whom I am inspired by. Their journey in life and the unpredictable turns it had to get them were they are. I ‘ve always found fascinating the context around how they got to where they are, because the past is what shapes you to the now.

For this second interview, I thought of someone who is an odissea inspiration, so I picked…

Marie Laffont.

We met through friends in common back in 2020 and I instantly felt like we were going to be good friends.

Marie to me represents a contemporary superwoman - she is a daughter, sister, mom, wife, designer, friend and entrepreneur. I became very impressed by how she managed to live her “mom” life in such harmony with her social life. If any of you know Max, her oldest kid you would understand what I am talking about. Max is part of her life and all of ours, he hangs out with adults and he's the funniest little guy to have around and last year she was pregnant with her second child, Gaspard. Having witnessed her pregnancy, I was absolutely inspired to be a mom myself one day. She never set her life apart, and of course some things do change as you become a responsible adult. Goodbye smoking, drinking and a late night social life, but Marie has always been the one to be around and bring joy to the small “New York family”.  

O: Marie, what does it mean to be a woman for you now?

M: Nowadays, women need to be strong and manage to juggle everything at the same time. Before chores were limited to taking care of the children and being “moms” but now you are a mom, wife and business woman - either working for a company or for yourself.

O: Last year was a very hard year, with a lot of things going on - as a business woman and a mom, what did you learn?

M: The world is in danger and as moms it's important to think about the future. Our kids and the future generations will have a very hard time co-existing on our planet if we continue as we are right now. 

A take on I had from last year is time management. I think it  is something a lot of people underestimate, but with my second baby I’ve realized it is critical for us to be able to focus on what makes us happy and what is important for us, which inevitably is what inspires our creative practice. 

Since last year I’ve allowed myself to “dream”.  

I started paying more attention to my needs - a wake up call telling me to take care of myself. Managing the time to eat well, drink well and enjoy life because we never know….

O: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to do the same as you?

M: Never give up.

O: What is your strongest inspiration?

M: Think more about quality than quantity. When creating Marie Laffont I wanted to create a brand which translated high quality & simplicity. All the homogeneric brands that mass produce have a very negative impact on our planet in terms of consumption, production and creation. People often think of high quality as too expensive and not worth it, but in the long run high quality products are an investment, and a long term one. My shoes are the highest quality, and they are crafted by Italian Artisans using their age-old techniques, making our shoes one of a kind. 

As a small brand this is what I would like to convey: “Quality over quantity”.

O: What is the most important message that you want people to take away from when buying a pair of Marie Laffont? 

M: As I said previously, my main priority for Marie Laffont is quality.

O: Where does your inspiration come from?

M: My collections are inspired by women artists whom I imagine wearing my shoes. For instance, my collection “Georgia” was inspired by Georgia O'keeffe and Frida. My boots are named after Frida Kahlo. 

Later S/S 21 collection was an inspiration of the nostalgic feeling of missing the South of France, where I grew up going in the summers. During this time I hesitated if I would ever go back to the place I enjoyed as a kid so all the memories, the textures, and colors inspired me for this collection. 

F/W was difficult because I lost my mom so the one pair of shoes I designed was GIGI, naming it after my mom. 

Bon, that comes to an end of our interview with Marie Laffont, a superwoman odissea is very inspired by. Head to her website to learn more about her brand www.marielaffont.com and stay in touch for her upcoming releases!

Changes of fortune No. 2 - Caroline Lucia

Credit: Nathalie Mtz.A

Caroline and I met back in Paris in 2016. We were introduced by a common friend since I was living there at the time and she needed a place to stay for a couple of days. Since that first time we met at La Banquette Cafe - cute little coffee place in Le Marais a couple of blocks away from my old apartment we became good friends. We shared a lot in common, since she started her career in New York and then moved to Poland, LA and eventually ended up in Mexico City.

She now works for Zii Ropa and is an amazing photographer that captures life and moments through her lense.  

O: So, I’ve introduced a little bit about yourself and how we met which has been for almost 5 years. Do you want to tell us a little bit about your jumping around the globe?

C: New York City is a transit city where I met so many people from other places that when my time was up, I wanted to see those friends so I took myself to Europe and traveled a bit to Barcelona, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin and around. By the end of that summer, I wanted to stay in Europe but somewhere where I spoke the language and that's why I ended up in Poland. Both of my parents immigrated to the US and I grew up speaking Polish - I had this desire to live in the country where my parents grew up and understand their story and my heritage. I lived in Gdansk for about a year, going to school and taking on freelance projects like the one that took me to Paris, where I met you, Nathalie! After almost a year, I felt like I needed to progress in my career and with some influence from a new love, I moved to LA. I worked in wholesale and even got into styling! I really liked it there but never was enamored by the city so when my boyfriend at the time said he wanted to move back to Mexico City, I was all in for it.

I had visited Mexico several times before this big move and through a very special friend of mine, Marina, I met a lot of people from here throughout my 20s. So when I finally moved, it all felt very, very easy and harmonious to settle in. And now, I am coming up on 3 years of living here and can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be. Since leaving Chicago, Mexico City is the city I have lived in the longest and where I feel the strongest ties to.

O: I think we have in common the fact that we’ve moved around cities looking for new opportunities. What would you share, you’ve learnt about this?

C: Say yes to those opportunities that might give you a little bit of fear or doubt in your respective career. There were so many times when I felt uncomfortable going to a new place or taking on a new job but always at the end of the day, there's a takeaway. May it be a new friend, a new place discovered or something about your capabilities and what you need to work on. With all the random jobs I have taken, I can confidently say I know what I DON'T want to do! Sounds silly but it's brought me closer to doing what I want to do. People just need to get out of their comfort zones!

O: I know you’ve mentioned feeling like Mexico is home. How so? It’s such a different culture to where you grew up.

C: Oddly, my Polish culture shares many similarities to Mexican culture. It is hard to describe but there's something familiar and I also think being surrounded by my closest friends and their families' being so inclusive has made this place feel so much more like home than NYC or LA. NYC and LA can sometimes have a little bit of a pretentious attitude, it's hard to find genuine people (not always). In the end, my community here loves to have a good time and are there for you. That's what I want home to feel like.

O: I have been a huge fan of Zii Ropa since I got introduced to it by you! what would you like to share about the brand so more people know?

C: I am so proud to be a part of this project and seeing it grow the way it has. Observing fashion in Mexico, it sometimes lacks simplicity and functionality in its design and ZR is just that. Our founder and designer, Bridget, has such a solid vision and isn't influenced by the fleeting trends and has created a space that works for her and the rest of the team. And I think opening the store was very important for us so that our customers can see a physical location that encapsulates ZR's ethos and identity. Doing that during a pandemic year was nerve wracking but it has been successful so, it feels like anything is possible! We have many plans in the pipeline and will stay true to our core and grow organically.

O: Where do you think the world is heading to with fashion and the retail world?What do you think is important to know about brands when buying from them - specially if they are emerging brands?

C: I try to buy from brands that are authentic, maintain integrity, and have fun. I dont think fashion needs to be politicized and instead it should be a space to explore yourself and have fun. The world is so crazy as it is, so to me, I want to shop with brands that give me a little bit of escapism. But above all, knowing what you are wearing, how it was made is always important. At the end of the day, fashion is a huge polluter and we need to be more conscious of what we are wearing, who made it, who benefits from it etc., hence, I think second hand/vintage is huge right now! We have enough "stuff" in the world to keep going round and round!

O: What are your three favorite brands

C:

1. ZII ROPA

2. Chloe

3. my mom's closet ;)

O: What is your favorite thing to do?

C: Having a moment to soak up some Vitamin D

O: What is your favorite restaurant? (it can be anywhere!)

C: I'm not a big foodie but I love to go to restaurants for a good time with good friends and obviously good food. So I will have to say a place I frequent because their pastries, sandwiches and fresh sourdough are deli! SAINT in Condesa

O: What is your favorite city in the world?

C: Mexico city <3

Instyle Mexico February 2021

“Instyle Mexico mentiones @odissea.ny as one of their 10 top Mexican jewelry brands.”

Changes of fortune No. 1 - Regina Gunapranata

Regina is new to Mexico City. We´ve known each other for a couple of years now. We met in Paris back in 2016. Nicole Bello, who introduced us, is a good friend of us both and we gathered back in the days of Chambre Noire, a little bar in the 11th arroindisment in Paris.

Even tho I never really hang out with Reggie, because of our Parisian busy life, I could feel we had a lot of common interests in arts, her style and her way of being was something that I always felt very at ease with, and this made her very interesting.

When I heard she moved to Mexico City, and I had just arrived too, I invited her over to get coffee with and chat about life (I had also seen her project, one of many, Body Found, a poems and illustrations book that talks about women. I loved it).

On April 18th she came over with her boyfriend, Sebastian and we had lunch over some interesting life insights, since times are tough because of COVID it was nice to get together and just have some laughs and cooking done.

I wanted to know more about Body Found, for me the whole ideas depicted beautiful pictures of a very delicate subject… Women’s sexuality and body acceptance. As most of us have experienced negativity around this, I thought this book was perfect to understand more about how we all women feel. So I decided to ask her some questions about it.

Here you can read more.

O - How did you started Body Found, actually why did you started it?

R - Back in 2016, I was living in Paris, and my younger sister had just moved to Sweden. My sister and I have always been writers, but around this time we started sending each other tidbits of poetry and prose. As we sent each other more and more pieces, it seemed that the pieces were having a real earnest conversation with one another. I just had this aha moment where I thought — we have to compile these into a book!

O- Whats the meaning behind the name?

R- The pieces we wrote are very raw and honest pieces based on our own experiences as women finding our bodies. The name speaks to the fact that so very often we all go on a journey of coming back and of finding ourselves, our bodies. 

O- Did you ever felt a challenge with it? Like people reacting a way you weren’t expecting? 

R- We definitely had our hesitations about publishing the book. We grew up in a very conservative and religious family and in a lot of the text, my sister and I write openly of exploring our sexuality and finding pleasure. We kept thinking about our mom and how she’d take the work!

O- Did you ever felt vulnerable about talking of women bodies?

R- Being born a woman makes us vulnerable. For this very reason we so often avoid talking about our experiences as women, and having a female body complete with breasts, period, vulva, womb etc — as if doing so could add more insult to the injury. In the end, we felt that being radically honest and vulnerable was more important, and we were convinced other women would connect with our stories.

O- What has been something that’s surprised you to realize after staring Body Found?

R- So many people reached out to us on in appreciation of our raw honesty. It affirmed our suspicions that most women don’t have the space to openly and safely talk about their experiences as women. 

O- If there was one thing you could advise to any other girl, what would it be?

R- I think, especially during these wild times we’re living in, stay soft and vulnerable, and where you can, practice radical honesty with yourself and others.