totmama

Ever since my stint living in Spain, I have admired the work of Jordi Labanda. His very modern, yet retro illustrations were on everything from teen pencil bags and backpacks to a wonderful line of scents and other products produced by the big spanish style starters Zara and Mango. His drawing style was knocked off by many a designer, but no one can capture the true feel of his work. He has an eye and attention to detail that speaks of his traditional Spanish surroundings and upbringing. If you ever get a chance to check out the book of his illustrations, Hey Day, you will see what I mean. He gives you a peek into a time and place that is typical modern Spain, yet feels like mid-century bachelor. You feel like you were in your frisky great aunt’s sitting room in 1957. To this day I am kicking myself for two things; not buying one of his gorgeous and girly suede “sweet” or “bla” handbags while I was in Spain, and passing up an opportunity to interview him for a final project in my intensive Spanish classes at Esade. 

Labanda has reached overseas, having some success in the US. A huge line of summery and fun notebooks, backpacks and plastic accessories, produced by Miquelrius, were sprouting up everywhere. Each illustration had a mood, and there was someone that every person could identify with.  They are hip for teen and “young at heart” women alike. Now I have found some lovely and sophisticated items he’s added to his collection, rugs and floor coverings. They are lush and flirty, just like his other works, but with a artful feel that you just can’t duplicate unless you clone him. They are lovely. Now I’ll have to add another thing to my regrets! They don’t sell these rugs here, yet.