Colombian design collab ‘Unidos’ launches first capsule collection
The pandemic has signaled the end for many enterprises, both big and small; however, it has also opened the door for new beginnings and innovative ways of thinking. Such is the case with ‘Unidos’, an initiative that seeks to bring together small and medium-sized design studios in Colombia, while still maintaining their identity.
According to the initiative’s official statement, “We are creating a design front through collaboration in order to reach new architectural and construction projects nationwide. More than ever, right now is the moment in which we need to support Colombian design."
‘Unidos’ was conceived by Colombian design studio Del Portillo, and while the initiative began long before the pandemic, it has gained traction since the start of the lockdowns. We sat down to talk with José Del Portillo so he could tell us in his own words about his project, which represents a great step forward for Colombia’s design sector. delportillo.co
How did this initiative come about?
‘Unidos’ is an initiative led by my studio, Del Portillo, in which we have joined forces with 7 design brands from Bogotá and Medellín: Folies, Vrokka, Vida Útil, De la Rocha, Kret, Houd, and Moblar. It started because we realized that we are not just competition, but we are also friends and we can support and help each other move forward professionally in this difficult time.
So we came together to create a capsule collection, where we chose signature products from Del Portillo’s catalog for the other brands to modify in terms of color, functionality and materiality. The resulting collection features 7 brand new design pieces by Del Portillo transformed by these 7 participating brands. With the brand Folies, for example, we took the Rodeo bar cart and turned it into a chair.
This first capsule collection will be available soon through Del Portillo's virtual platform.
Vega Chair by Del Portillo.
‘Unidos’ not only aims for us to support each other in terms of the creation of this capsule collection— it is also a means to better prepare ourselves, with regards to sales strategy, financial planning, intellectual property registration and other activities to exchange learning and creativity.
How do you think ‘Unidos’ differs from other likeminded initiatives like Design Room Colombia, or other groupings of this type?
The biggest differentiator is that it ‘Unidos’ is a group created by designers, while Design Room Colombia is created by a state entity.
Our intention is also to tackle contract (commercial interior design) projects and to be able to better communicate and highlight Colombian design and support each other in each other’s work.
Why do you think unity and collaboration are important so that we can all get ahead?
I think that it is very important for us to realize that we are not competition, but that we can be allies in finding and creating new project opportunities.
The most important thing with this alliance is to achieve benefits together. We want 'Unidos’ to be a solid, lasting union.
What do you think is the future of design in Colombia?
I think now is the time to stop seeing ourselves as competition and start collaborating and working together in order to leverage each other’s strengths and learn from each other and just give each other a hand. We must stop seeing each other as competition and start seeing each other as allies.
Vega Chair with a wicker backrest and Onice desk, both designed by Del Portillo.