Latest news with #HumbertoCampana
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton
For more than a decade, Humberto Campana's work with Louis Vuitton has drawn on the textures of Brazilian nature and the complexity of his inner world. His latest creations continue that delicate balancing act. In celebration of Louis Vuitton's formidable history of trunk-making, interior design, and artisanal innovation, the Louis Vuitton: Savoir Rêver event, convened at the Riverfront Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, was a compelling showcase of the maison's heritage and craftsmanship. For Brazilian designer Humberto Campana, whose creations were among those exhibited in the Objets Nomades collection of limited-edition furniture and décor collaborations, the showcase marked another meaningful chapter in a career shaped by deep introspection and emotional depth. Above Brazilian designer Humberto Campana: 'All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Visitors to the exhibition were invited into a narrative journey tracing Louis Vuitton's evolution from its beginnings in revolutionary trunk-making to its present-day identity as a purveyor of luxury lifestyle. Archival photographs and original artefacts, such as the iconic flat-top trunk designed for seamless travel by car, train, or ship, set the stage for the immersive experience. A striking highlight was the exclusive pyramid trunk, hand-painted with an evocative depiction of Vietnam's Halong Bay—a poetic tribute to the meeting of French craftsmanship and Vietnamese heritage. Anchoring the contemporary section was the Objets Nomades collection, where visitors could engage with tactile expressions of global design, such as Humberto Campana's Cocoon chair, the plush Bomboca sofa, and the lushly layered Bulbo chair. The tour concluded with a sparkling display of Louis Vuitton's high jewellery creations, featuring patented diamond cuts such as the Star Blossom and Marquise—each piece underscoring the maison's dedication to artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The Estúdio Campana pieces presented at the event stand amongst the most distinctive works to emerge from their long-standing partnership with Louis Vuitton; the works have won broad admiration as masterpieces of innovative form and function. Even in these bright moments of recognition and success, however, Campana remains grounded by a creative impulse that reaches inward as much as outward. 'I deal with a lot of shadow,' says Campana. 'I have a big gap, a dark side in my soul. So I need to bring my best in order to heal. All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Read more: Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time It's a thread that stretches back to Campana's earliest memories. Born with the gift of exquisite sensitivity in what he describes as the hyper-macho rural village of Brotas, Humberto and his younger brother Fernando were raised in a strict Italian Catholic household—one not especially attuned to artistic expression. From a young age, the brothers were drawn to a more poetic way of seeing the world. They found joy in the vibrant hues of nature and the dreamlike beauty of cinema at the local theatre. During Sunday mass, while the padre delivered his sermons, they were often mesmerised by the shifting shapes of sunlight and colour cast onto the floor through the stained-glass windows. When free to roam beyond the town, they would delight in discovering botanical wonders, recreating the scenography of the films they loved in the blush of petals and textures of leaves. 'It was an old generation that belongs to the past,' he says. But I'm still dealing with these beginnings. That's the way that I always come back to my childhood—by creating playful pieces that are very colourful, very happy.' Above Bulbo—a chair inspired by blooming tropical flowers, creating a sitting space that is both luxurious and cosy. The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside. The Cocoon hanging chair is an openwork fibreglass shell lined with calfskin, evoking the protective embrace of a butterfly's chrysalis. Suspended like a nest, it invites introspection and serenity, blending organic form with meticulous craftsmanship. The Bulbo chair, unveiled in 2019, resembles a blooming tropical plume flower, its layered petals crafted from Louis Vuitton leather and fabric, offering a luxurious and intimate retreat. Meanwhile, the Bomboca sofa, named after a traditional Brazilian confection, features modular, cloud-like cushions that assemble into a playful yet functional seating arrangement, reflecting the designers' penchant for combining comfort with imaginative design. Together, these pieces exemplify the Campana brothers' ability to transform natural motifs into innovative, dreamlike furniture that harmonises with Louis Vuitton's artistry and travel-inspired design. 'All of our pieces are inspired by nature,' explains Campanas. 'I love nature. I love to plant trees. I love to make drawings about microorganisms; yes, I'm very fascinated by this world.' Above Bomboca, a sofa named after a traditional Brazilian candy, impresses with a playful, imaginative yet functional design approach. Humberto Campana's love for the natural world is part of what attracts him to Asia, a region he associates with the character of grace and gentleness that was absent from his childhood. 'I feel at home here,' he sighs. 'I left the plane and I smelled the smell of Asia. There is a tenderness. A connection with spirituality, all these elements that make me feel relaxed.' This is his third visit to Vietnam; during a previous trip he was captured by a boat ride he took along the Mekong River, where he purchased a traditional folding bamboo chair to commemorate the experience. The piece reminded him of his own work with natural fibres back home. 'I think I am much more like an alchemist,' Campana explains. 'I love to transform things. Two years ago, I worked in India to create a cabinet made out of grass and brass. I also love to work with charcoal. Now I'm creating chairs in bamboo too, piling them, creating a very complicated structure. Our work is not minimalist, it's extremely complex. Like my soul, because I still don't know who I am today. 'More and more I want to focus on this, because natural elements heal you. It's a kind of calm. There is the smell of the wood, there is the colour of the grass. It brings a nice vibe to the ambience.' Read more: Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living Above The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside This creative momentum, grounded in memory but oriented toward renewal, continues to propel Campana's vision today. At the heart of his practice is a desire to give back to his country, to his community, and to the natural world that has inspired him since childhood. His latest ambitions include establishing a foundation in the Brazilian countryside, where design, environmental education, and poetic beauty converge. 'It's a way to regenerate nature, to create workshops, and to share our journey,' he explains. The foundation will house a small museum celebrating the Campana studio's four-decade legacy, while also offering space for crafts, contemplation, and connection. 'I don't have kids. I'm not married,' he says. 'This is what I leave behind. It's something for my community.' In that gesture, as in so much of his work, Campana moves to resolve the emotional and material threads of his life into a force that heals, uplifts, and inspires. At the same time, Campana was searching for his own sense of self-worth. 'I love the studio. I love my people working with me, and I love creating things that people can use. Maybe it's a way to be seen, to be validated. Because my work goes into people's homes, and I feel welcome. 'I'm a very shy person, I don't have so many friends. I love to be alone. For me, it's wonderful to be in silence, and that's perfect. I need silence in order to create, to deal with my devils.' 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Metro
26-04-2025
- Metro
I explored Europe's 'most boring city' and found it bursting with life
Having read some downright withering reviews on Reddit, I imagined Athens to be a dirty, boring and overwhelmingly hectic city. But while the rundown outskirts are certainly serving 'shabby chic', the heart of Greece's ancient capital is extraordinarily beautiful. With labyrinthine cobbled alleyways, thousand-years-old ruins and street art that rivals Berlin, the birthplace of democracy gets an unfair rap. Whether you're into architecture, food, mythology or lying horizontal on the beach, Athens has something for everyone — it's time it gets the clout it deserves. I spent four days in the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' to find the best it has to offer tourists in 2025. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Fresh off an Aegean Airlines flight from London, I bundle into a taxi for the 40-minute drive to NEW Hotel, a modern five-star that's as much an art gallery as a place to sleep. Through the car window, I hear the sounds of the city: horns honking and street vendors chattering. Having read dozens of blog posts declaring Athens to be the ugliest, most degraded city in Europe, my expectations were low. But largely thanks to my accommodation, first impressions were good. Right in the historic heart of Athens, NEW Hotel is young and modern, with a terrace that captures a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding districts. Double rooms start from £238. Designed by acclaimed Brazilian architects Fernando and Humberto Campana, each floor of the hotel reflects a different element of Greek culture, from shadow puppetry to ancient sculptures. Gazing out, I see a city humming with life, and prominent landmarks, including the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. It doesn't look so dirty to me. From quirky flea markets to creative ceramics, Athens surprised me at every turn. Right in the thick of things is Monastiraki Flea Market, a treasure trove of vintage bric-a-brac where you can find everything from handmade jewellery to custom guitars. Named one of Europe's best vintage markets by Lonely Planet, the cobbled streets are quaint and cheery, and a lovely place to spend a few hours. There are countless street food joints to recommend, but I suggest resting your feet at Cafe Avissinia, a cute bistro that serves traditional Greek fare with a view of the stalls from its terrace. The market is open daily dusk to dawn. If high-end shopping is more your thing, head to Ermou Street, just below Syntagma Square. You'll know you're walking in the right direction when you start to see determined shoppers marching around clutching Zara and Sephora bags. Athens is renowned for its rich history of pottery, a creative scene that still thrives today. The word 'ceramic' originates from the ancient Greek word keramos , meaning 'potter's clay' or 'pottery'. In ancient times, clay was more affordable than copper and precious metals, so it became the preferred material for everyday utensils. I tried my hand at the ancient art at YiArt, a studio in the upscale Thiseio neighbourhood. At the ceramics seminar (€35 for a two-and-a-half-hour class), owners Ioanna and Penelope, guide you through the intricacies of pottery craft. Shaping the clay is therapeutic, and it's satisfying to watch your clay develop from a round ball to something with personality and character. I doubted my skills until my fellow would-be potters remarked how easy I was making it look – art is all about perspective. Tea and coffee are served during the workshop and if you're lucky, YiArt's resident cat might come and keep you company. It might be the most touristy destination in all of Europe, but no visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis. April and May are some of the best months to visit, before hordes of tourists descend for summer. (Entry to the Acropolis is €20.) Inside, I learn the history of the word Athens. Ancient Athens was made up of dozens of small villages that were amalgamated into one over time. This, my tour guide Betty tells me, is why we say Athens — as opposed to Athen. Athens can be stiflingly hot in summer. The best time to visit is in the shoulder season, which runs from April to May, and September to October. In April, temperatures are in the sweet spot for walking, with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C at night. You'll need sunnies, but you'll want to pack a light jacket for evenings too. Below the Acropolis' hilltop outcrop, Anafiotika Village is beautiful but often overlooked by tourists. Ancient terraced houses painted in Greece's white and blue line the narrow streets, with classic tavernas tucked under winding stairs and the scent of spanokopita (Greek spinach and feta pie) wafting in the air. If the Acropolis feels too obvious, just a 25-minute walk is the First Cemetery of Athens, a fascinating under-the-radar sight with no queues, and no entry fee. Marvel at the marble tombstones and lavish memorials to great writers, actors and poets of the past. Half Note, one of the city's best jazz clubs, is also right beside the cemetery, and worth a stop after a stroll. Museums are as common as pigeons in Athens, but an unexpected highlight was the Museum of Cycladic Art, home to one of the most important and complete collections of Cycladic art in the world. More Trending Cycladic art is best known for its small-scale, marble figurines – through history, the sculpture styles evolved through many shifts. The museum is often described as one of Athens' best hidden gems. For culture vultures keen to enjoy other lesser-known spots, try the Eleni Marneri Galerie, a showroom of modern Greek jewellery, or the Agia Marina Church. There's no doubt that Athens serves grunge along with grace. It's anarchical, arty, and at times, it is a bit grubby. But there are treasures to be found in the Greek capital, if only you know where to look. The main airport in Athens is Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos. If you want to travel in style, fly with Aegean and enjoy one of the lounges between check-in and boarding. Travelling in May, Metro found direct flights from London to Athens from £73. MORE: The 'dazzling' UK seaside town that's like being on the Amalfi Coast MORE: Jet2 slashes £100 off trips to European 'paradise' after UK travel company folds MORE: Major UK travel company forced to shut immediately with all future holidays cancelled
