Where were you born and where did you spend your childhood?
I was born and raised in
Luanda, Angola.
How did the USA first come into the equation?
I flew for the first
time to America with the intention of studying Chemical Engineering, bearing in
mind the natural wealth of our nation. After a year, it became clear that I
would have to change course. Not because my affection for my homeland had
changed, but because I could see that there were other ways that were more
natural to my skill set and with which I could express the inspiration that
Angola brings to me. With this in mind, I moved to New York to study Interior
Design at a renowned teaching establishment (New York School of Interior Design),
and stayed true to my skill set and inspirations. Anyone who grew up with me in
Luanda was not surprised by this change. As a child, I was always seen designing
and changing anything. It didn’t matter if it was clothes, shoes or decoration.
Anything I could make more beautiful and elegant, I would.
Did you dream of the field of Interior Design as a child then?
My passion has always
been the fashion world. I never dreamed about being an interior designer. But,
at that time, I did not have the support of my uncles, who raised me. They have
always been very conservative. They have always believed in academic education,
not only as a means of personal growth, but also as a trigger for the
development of our country. Once they saw my potential as a designer, I got
their support.
What lies at the origin of the project I. LOU?
It came about from an
intimate desire to express my African culture in full, so as to better use my
creative skills. The first collection, 45
Degrees, came about from this desire and intrinsically represents the
socio-cultural realities of Angola.
Combining tradition with modernity – is this the core concept behind
your creations?
Absolutely. I have
always used traditional African furniture as the basis. I like to invoke the
emotions of African culture and, at the same time, reveal the beauty and
complexity of the continent. And the way I have found to be the most viable,
following current design trends, has been to give a touch of modernity to
traditional pieces.
Can we say that Angola is always represented in each of your pieces?
Angola is my inspiration!
It certainly is and always will be linked to my work, even if subtly, whether
in lines, colours, or materials. I am very proud of my origins and the
inspiration that they give me.
«I like to invoke the emotions of African culture and, at the same time, reveal the beauty and complexity of the continent»
In addition to Angola, what inspires you the most?
I combine African
influences with the lightness of Northern Europe. These countries have a long
history in the fields of design and art in general and are known for the
simplicity and elegance of their designs.
How have Americans reacted to your work?
One of the reasons I
decided to start in America was because I knew that the development of my pieces
would have more impact and acceptance here, at least at the beginning.
Recently, I signed a partnership contract with a renowned international hotel
and tourism company. We are finalising the prototype phase of a new collection,
which I have developed exclusively for this company. I can hardly wait to share
the new collection with the world!
Tell us about a piece of yours for which you feel particular pride, or
that has a strong symbolism.
The Zungueira Lounger. There is in it a contrast between the elegance
of the balance of the organic and dynamic lines of the seat and the strength
and straight lines of the base, which represents the strength of the Zungar
woman, carrying her heavy burden. The piece has an incredible visual impact and
has proved very popular in all the exhibitions at which it has appeared and has
also generated interest from galleries associated with university sociological
museums.
I. LOU is present in New York and Los Angeles. What do you want to be
and where do you want to go from here on?
My next direction will
be the Angolan market, where it all started. In the near future, I want to
expand my creations worldwide, and I cannot think of a better place than
Angola. After that, I intend to continue to expand into the Portuguese-speaking
world, including the Brazilian and Portuguese markets.
