Over the past decade, Natalia Criado has nurtured her eponymous brand, establishing herself as a dynamic creative force in the world of contemporary design. Born and raised in Colombia, Natalia discovered her talent for design early on, which led her to pursue industrial design at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Milan. This experience provided her with a strong technical foundation and exposed her to Italy's rich design heritage, shaping her creative voice and driving her toward a unique, multicultural aesthetic.
Criado’s designs are an embodiment of her cultural journey, a delicate balance between the legacy of her Colombian roots and the artistic sophistication of Italy. In 2018, she launched her tableware and object line, and with it, she embarked on a journey that would merge her passion for craftsmanship and design.
Drawing on pre-Columbian forms and contemporary influences, her creations reflect the fusion of two worlds. Collaborating closely with artisans from both Colombia and Italy, Criado integrates traditional techniques with modern minimalism, breathing life into pieces that are as functional as they are artistic.
Criado's commitment to craftsmanship is a central element of her work. Whether it’s tableware, jewelry, or home accessories, her designs exhibit precision and care, often featuring geometric shapes that seem deceptively simple but carry deep cultural meaning. The influence of pre-Columbian art is particularly evident in her creations, as she infuses these ancient forms with a contemporary edge. This balance of past and present, tradition and innovation, is what makes her work stand out in the crowded world of design.
Her “Joyas en Casa” collection is a testament to this blend of cultures and concepts. Using natural stone accents, Criado transforms everyday objects into sculptural pieces that echo the qualities of fine jewelry. Her choice of materials and attention to detail imbue these items with an industrial personality, making them both functional and visually striking. This sculptural quality resonates with the growing trend toward objects that serve both as utilitarian tools and as pieces of art.
Natalia Criado’s designs are not limited to the objects she creates; they extend into the stories behind them. By working with artisans from both Colombia and Italy, she not only supports traditional craftsmanship but also weaves her personal narrative of cultural fusion into each piece.
These collaborations are essential to her process, as they allow her to transcend boundaries and redefine what it means to create in a globalized world. Her work is not just about aesthetics, it's about preserving the essence of two distinct cultures and finding harmony in their differences.
Criado has also attracted the attention of international brands, such as Diptyque and Swarovski, for whom she has designed exclusive pieces. Her multicultural, eclectic, and sophisticated style resonates on a global scale, positioning her as a designer who can effortlessly move between the worlds of art, fashion, and industrial design.
From the streets of Bogotá to the studios of Milan, Natalia Criado’s journey is one of passion, collaboration, and cross-cultural dialogue. Through her brand, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary design, proving that objects can carry with them not just utility, but a deeper sense of identity and heritage. Each piece she creates is a reflection of her story, a fusion of form and function that speaks to the past, the present, and the future of design.
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