Alma de Luce expresses history and culture through modern design and traditional craftsmanship. The sibling duo, Helena and Carlos Costa, created the Portuguese brand in order to keep memories of the past alive. The pieces are brought to life through Portuguese craftsmanship, which creates recognition of the World’s cultural heritage. The brand’s signature, “feel the memory”, conveys its embodiment of rich memories through noble materials in one-of-a-kind pieces. Helena Costa, CEO and designer of Alma de Luce, gives us an inside look at the brand.
What style would you describe Alma de Luce?
Alma de Luce embodies the light of memories through the soul of contemporary furniture pieces highlighting a strong traditional language.
Each product has a unique design to it, where does the inspiration come from?
The inspiration nest feeds itself with trips, memories, research or simply something told to me. The major step comes with the knowledge of putting all these together and then just create the piece. We strive to deliver less well known memories, but fulfilled with history, so that they represent some surprises at the first glance.
The shapes of the furniture are very distinct; how is the design determined?
The design stands as the support to tell the memory. We take memories into artistic furniture pieces like many others do it by painting, writing or photographing. We strongly believe in this trilogy: high standard noble materials, high quality Portuguese Craftsmanship, and an inspired design. Thus, we deliver the expression of feelings and emotions fueled by memories. Those memories are embodied in our pieces, establishing a unique identity and creating their own soul.
What materials are used in the make of the pieces?
We’re actually driving a fusion, both in materials and techniques, between traditional and innovative trends. We only rely on the noblest and high-quality materials, like wood, brass, gold leaf; and when it comes to the actual ones, our choice goes to premium such as Corian and Swarovski crystals. These choices are carefully taken in order to enhance the desired astonishing look of the final pieces.
What is in store for Alma de Luce’s future?
Alma de Luce has received an honorable invitation to exhibit in an exclusive event organized by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, for owners and members, which will be held at the Saatchi Gallery in London in December of 2015, and we will also be exhibiting at the Decorex Show in London from the 20th to the 23rd of September. We will have one of our pieces, the ENXOVAL, exposed in one of the world’s greatest art galleris in Paris, the OPERA GALLERY.
