Michael Habachy explores Mexico's latest renaissance at Design ADAC

The new Habachy Designs + Atelier showroom. Photo by Galina Coada

Explore Mexico’s latest renaissance with interior designer, Michael Habachy, founder of Habachy Designs  Atelier, at Design ADAC on April 21 at 3pm. The panel discussion “Tour of Mexico: Design & Heritage” will include 20^th century Mexican design revivalist Amanda Reant of Luteca, textile designer Maddalena Forcella of Madda Studio and glass fusion designer Isabel Moncada. Together they will discuss how Mexico’s cultural and artistic renaissance is shining a spotlight on architecture and home design says Michael Habachy.

“Mexico is at the forefront of design right now,” Habachy says. “They’re ahead of the curve and what’s beautiful is they’re contemporary in their thinking of architecture and design, but they’re mixing it with old world craft.”

           Michael Habachy          

Habachy who is Egyptian, was named the 2019 Southeast Designer of the Year by Veranda Magazine and ADAC. His dream is to build a second home in Mexico. He recently returned from a stay at Paradero, a hotel designed to blend into the natural landscape of the Todos Santos desert. Located at the intersection of five ecosystems - the hotel sits where coastal, mountain, agriculture and marine life meet. The immersive experience appeals to his sensibilities and affinity for sustainable practices embraced by the indigenous communities. 

Over the years Habachy has established relationships with Mexican artists and designers to curate a showroom dedicated to artisanal craftsmanship. He even partnered with renowned architect and architectural photographer César Béjar to shoot one of his recent projects. There will also be pieces by Caralargo, a design team based out of Querétaro, available for purchase.

Mexico City is now considered a creative powerhouse with the expansion of Mexico City Art Week, MADE Week and the newly opened La Casa Roja dedicated to the life and work of Artist Frida Kahlo. The movement focuses on art and contemporary design while integrating indigenous practices into the production process increasing the value of each piece. Habachy says the creative traditions that have been passed down by generations of Mexican artisans can’t be reproduced in the states which focuses more on mass production of fashion and interiors.

"When someone put that much time and energy into make something it becomes a heirloom and will last for generations."

Forcella, an Italian born Mexico based textile designer, blends her contemporary vision and designs at Madda Studio with Chiapas weaving traditions. The Chiapas are Mayan women who use ancestral weaving techniques on backstrap looms to produce intricately designed and brightly colored textiles. The dyes are naturally produced with flowers like dandelions or  elements like tree bark. These indigenous practices can be found in the Yucatan, home to the Mayan Renaissance also taking place.

“We love the sustainability aspect,” Habachy says. “Techniques like hand knotting and handweaving are done in places like India and Nepal and we love supporting those communities. We also love supporting the communities of women who live in these villages.”

Right outside of Guadalajara, Moncada works with local wood worker, metal workers and weavers to create asymmetrical lamps. The pieces are made with horsehair, traditional blown glass and wood. Moncada embraces imperfection in her work signaling a rebelliousness, but also a dedication to the artisanal process that Habachy finds intriguing.

“In the states everything modern seems to be too new and too manufactured,” Habachy says. “Mexico really embraces wabi sabi - the perfectly imperfect.”

For more information on Design ADAC happening April 21-23 visit www.adacatlanta.com