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

Carolina Jimenez, weaving memories...

The first time I saw a piece of Carolina Jimenez’ I felt an instant awe of appreciation. I remember this piece in particular because its whole composition had a beautiful sun-like palette. I would stare mesmerized at the huge 6ft x 6ft yellow toned weaved canvas -  it gave me a peaceful and warm feeling. It stood against a 12ft white wall in our bosses studio in Red Hook, right next to an East facing window, where every morning the sun would shine bright, intensifying its essence and electricity, yet evoking a sense of calmness.

Carolina and I are both Mexican and I found her work very interesting given that it uses textile techniques I grew up admiring. I wanted to interview as her work really made an impact on me, evoking memories of traveling around Mexico, seeing all these crafts that from a young age I appreciated. One of her first memories in Chiapas was seeing indigenous women in the park weaving and carrying their babies in rebozos,  walking around town in their vestidos chiapanecos, making you appreciate every single part of it.  The craftsmanship is extraordinarily detailed and beautiful, every single piece has different colors and shapes along with hours and hours of labor. 

Carolina’s work uses weaving techniques that along with memories as reference for her color palette create her art work. She will explain in more detail how she composes her pieces. 

O: So how did it all started?

CJ: While in college in Syracuse, I took a studio course outside of the Architecture program. I decided I wanted to do weaving since I had always been interested in fibers and textiles, and prior I had very much enjoyed knitting, so it just drew my attention. 

After my first class I felt “this is it, I should've been doing this the whole time.” 

I went back to school and I studied my MFA in textiles, mostly geared towards design, and towards that time I really wanted to explore using weaving as an art form. 

O: What is the inspiration for your color palettes, it seems like there's a lot of nature involved 

CJ: Yeah, there's a lot of nature. Everything I work on is based on a series of memories. I meditate on the small moments that I think make up our lives. We are an accumulation of the best strawberry we ever ate, or the best day with our parents, even the difficult things… we are all made up of these tiny little moments.  I then translate those moments into color or form. 

It could be from how I feel at 3:00 am on a sleepless night, or an interaction with a stranger on the street, talking about fruit you’re buying. 

O: Do you have different textile techniques, or only weaving? 

CJ: I just do the flowerloom and I am interested in learning the Chipainese and Oaxacan techniques along with dying the fabrics with natural dyes. For instance, for the fabrics I dye, I use cochineal = cochinilla, axiote seed, and more natural dyes that were used by Mayan’s to create pigment and paint the pyramids. 

I am also excited to explore pigments for different painting techniques I have been exploring with! 

O: What's the piece that you’ve seen yourself through

CJ: All my pieces are all little moments of myself, but I think the closest one are all these different panels I have been working on (pictured in the studio floor)

O: Do you have different textile techniques, or only weaving? 

CJ: I just do the floor loom and I am interested in learning the Chiapaneco and Oaxacan techniques along with dying the fabrics with natural dyes. For instance, for the fabrics I dye, I use cochineal = grana cochinilla, achiote seed, and more natural dyes that were used by Mayan’s to create pigment and paint the pyramids. 

I am also excited to explore pigments for different painting techniques I have been exploring with!

O: Do you use natural fibers?

CJ: Yes, I only use cotton, linen and silk. I want us to remember “we are here”, and natural fibers I think, have their own life mirroring our own life span. They might fade over the course of about 50 years.

O: do you think you’ll evolve into working in different craftsmanship styles?

CJ: I definitely think I will stick to weaving for the most part but I’d love to explore more techniques and crafts. Printmaking is something I have been very drawn to. I really love Chucho Reyes, the colors that he uses, and the craft techniques he used for making all these beautiful artworks. 

The choice to work with textiles and see it as art, i believe is so important.  Textiles deserve our respect. What people are doing all over the world with textiles is amazing, I think we should really value that. 

O: Who are your main inspirations

CJ: Helen Frankenthalen, although she is very gestural, I love how she created her own vocabulary and grammar within the painting, also exploring what her materials could do, I feel a lot of kinship with. 

O: I definitely see a lot of color use very similar to yours. 

CJ: I think that is my biggest tool. Color. The things color can translate to a viewer. 

Let's not forget about Joan Mitchel, Luis Baragan and Sheila Hicks, who actually lived in Mexico and married a Mexican man, although she eventually moved to France. 

O: So, I know you have a very exciting art residency coming up, can you tell us a little bit about it?

CJ: I have a 6 months fellowship at the MAD, NY (Museum of Art & Design). I'll  be working out of their space and people can come by Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to see my process and how I work. This time I’m focusing mainly on one natural dye from Mexico and I will see what arises from working with that, which is a little different from what I usually do, since I will be letting that lead my way forward…

Learn more…

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!