Pure luck: the hidden charms of Heimat’s handwoven bags

Pure luck: the hidden charms of Heimat’s handwoven bags
Designer and founder of Paris-based bag brand Heimat Atlantica, Montserrat Alvarez.
(Image credit: Iris Humm)

The time-honoured crafts of Galicia have found contemporary expression in Heimat Atlantica, a new Paris-based brand founded by designer Montserrat Alvarez (pictured). Its structured, brightly patterned bags, made from handwoven reed, are lined with supple Spanish leather, and each is embellished with red, white and blue porcelain fetishes manufactured by Sargadelos, a workshop steeped in Galician history and its tradition of magic realism. The fetishes are believed to have unique talismanic powers that protect one’s wealth, shield one from curses or help find love. Heimat Atlantica has already found a following among the design elite – both Pascale Mussard of Hermès and Clémence Krzentowski of Galerie Kreo are professed fans.

As originally featured in the November 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*212)

Pure luck: the hidden charms of Heimat’s handwoven bags

Structured, brightly patterned bags are made from handwoven reed and lined with supple Spanish leather

(Image credit: Iris Humm)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Heimat Atlantica website

TF Chan is a former editor of Wallpaper* (2020-23), where he was responsible for the monthly print magazine, planning, commissioning, editing and writing long-lead content across all pillars. He also played a leading role in multi-channel editorial franchises, such as Wallpaper’s annual Design Awards, Guest Editor takeovers and Next Generation series. He aims to create world-class, visually-driven content while championing diversity, international representation and social impact. TF joined Wallpaper* as an intern in January 2013, and served as its commissioning editor from 2017-20, winning a 30 under 30 New Talent Award from the Professional Publishers’ Association. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he holds an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton University.