ISSUE NO. 25

A February Issue

Reclamation is about taking back what was lost—like culture, identity, or history. It allows us to reconnect with our roots that have been erased. Through art, design, language, and storytelling, we rediscover our cultural identity, find healing, and preserve our heritage—for ourselves and future generations.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

A Mountainside Retreat in the Heart of Baja

Located between the stunning coastal towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, this residence provides a serene retreat in Mexico’s Baja California Sur region—a place known for its breathtaking contrasts: from its pristine beaches to the rugged, mountainous terrain, and rich cultural heritage.

Handmade & Heartfelt

The design approach features handmade cultural elements—like light fixtures and woven baskets in the kitchen and a striking painting in the living room.

Symbols of Spirit

Upstairs in the bunk room, a collection of wooden animal masks brings a deeper connection to the past—paying tribute to the Mayan and Aztec traditions where these masks were used in rituals, storytelling, and celebrations.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Los Angeles: A Touch of Grit

Fear of God—an independent luxury fashion label—converted a downtown Los Angeles loft into a combined office, studio, and showroom. The space creates contrast by combining warm minimalist elements—like travertine stone tables and a cement desk, with cold industrial features—like steel racks and raw concrete floors.

Raw & Elegant Ethos

Drawing from the brand’s desert palette, it combines elegance with industrial grit, with each element adding warmth. The design reflects the brand’s ethos—simple, elegant, and a bit raw—in every detail. Features like rough-edged stone tables introduce different textures to the space.

Connecting Spaces

The layout encourages energy and connection. The showroom is intentionally placed in the center and the walls stop short of the ceiling—helping maintain visual and sound connections between each of the rooms.

VISUAL COMFORT

Adapting, Moving, Thriving

Born in Guinea-Bissau and raised in Portugal, Armando Cabral has always carried the spirit of his West African background in his work. His designs—whether in footwear or homeware—have long been a bridge between his heritage and artistry.

His Design Philosophy

The New York-based designer teamed up with Swiss furniture brand USM to create a collection of custom furniture. The collaboration is inspired by the Nkyinkyim—an Adinkra symbol from West Africa that represents movement, adaptability, and progress. It represents the resilience and transformation of the Akan community from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire—qualities that Cabral has always felt resonate deeply with his personal story.

Beyond Function

From a bookshelf to a platform bed, lounge chairs, and valet wardrobe stands—each piece reflects a celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of design to carry meaningful stories across generations.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

The Echoic Rug

This rug stands out for its dynamic interplay of rigid and organic grids, creating a visually striking yet fluid composition. Inspired by West African and African American textiles and modernist artists like Paul Klee and Ruth Asawa, it carries rich cultural and artistic depth.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in February

To everyone who has been part of Interior Identity Across the African Diaspora these past few weeks—we’re witnessing the collective energy and hunger for establishing a design movement that reflects our people and our history.

Together, we’re building a space where our identities and stories are valued and celebrated. It’s a beautiful reminder that our history is not just something to be remembered—but something to be lived, expressed, and carried forward.

Wishing you a restful Sunday—I’ll see you next week, my friend.