Montserrat Alvarez’s current purchases include Jacquemus bodysuits, Dior lip balm, and cocoon armchairs.

Montserrat Alvarez's current purchases include Jacquemus bodysuits, Dior lip balm, and cocoon armchairs.

Embracing Summer Vibes with Heimat Atlantica: The Magic of Colorful Hand-Woven Bags

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Summer is not just a season; it’s a state of mind. And no one understands this better than Montserrat Alvarez, the designer and founder of Heimat Atlantica. This accessories brand is known for its colorful hand-woven bags that exude a happy-go-lucky vibe, regardless of the time of year. Unlike the conventional French market totes or Jane Birkin wicker baskets, Alvarez’s creations are pure magic.

Alvarez’s journey began in Galicia, Spain, where she grew up in a small fishing town. She moved to Rome at 18 to study art history and then to Paris to work with the talented Bouroullec brothers, renowned in the field of design. Surrounded by creative spirits with a contemporary point of view, Alvarez felt inspired to create something of her own after a breakup.

During a trip to Portugal, Alvarez stumbled upon unique basket bags specific to the region. Intrigued, she found a skilled artisan who could create a multicolored version for her. Being an avid collector of charms and fetishes, she decided to attach them to the front of the bag to manifest her desires, especially finding new love. Objects have always held a special place in Alvarez’s heart, evoking nostalgia and reminding her of special moments and travels.

Despite lacking a traditional fashion background, Alvarez followed her instincts and launched Heimat Atlantica in 2016. Her appreciation for craftsmanship and a blend of old and new resonated with other creatives, including the renowned fashion designer Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons, with whom she collaborated in 2018.

Heimat Atlantica bags are meticulously crafted in a traditional Portuguese workshop. Reed sticks are handwoven, sun-dried, and dyed with pigment to create intricate patterns. Alvarez designs the patterns herself. The bags are adorned with Sargadelos talismans, inspired by local myths and fables, handmade in Galicia. These charms hold a special meaning, such as attracting love, happiness, and protecting one’s belongings.

So what does Montserrat Alvarez, now an expectant mother who found true love in the end (thanks to her charms, perhaps?), carry in her bag? Let’s take a peek!

The Last Thing I Bought

Heimat Atlantica Cupid La Falaise
$432 from Heimat Atlantica

Montserrat recently moved from New York City to Geneva and stocked up on dishes and other home essentials.

My Everyday Bag

Heimat Atlantica Cupid La Falaise
$432 from Heimat Atlantica

Montserrat’s go-to bag is the vibrant Cupid bucket bag in red, designed in collaboration with Flora Langlois. What makes this bag extra special are the seahorse charms that catch the light and make noise as you walk. Talk about fashion that’s literally music to your ears!

Inside her bag, Montserrat carries Dior’s Lip Glow Balm, which adds a pop of color to her natural lips. She also keeps a pocket brush, preferably the Mason Pearson baby blue one, to tame her long hair. And let’s not forget her trusted Moleskine notebook, monogrammed with gold, silver, or rainbow lettering to store tickets and mementos from her travels.

The Best New Mom Gift I’ve Been Given

Kaikai Kiki Flowers Stuffed Rainbow
Sale: $40 (was $50) on Amazon

As an expectant mother, Montserrat received Takashi Murakami flowers, which she adorably placed on the hood of her Yoyo stroller. She also loves Rop van Mierlo prints for her baby’s room. These gifts truly make motherhood bloom!

My Pregnancy Essentials

Jacquemus Yauco Ribbed Knit Bodysuit
$430 from Net-a-Porter

Montserrat hasn’t splurged on unnecessary maternity clothes but rather repurposed pieces from her existing wardrobe. She found comfort in sexy, stretchy bodysuits from Jacquemus that highlight her curves. Protecting her skin from the sun’s rays is important, and she does it in style with a big straw hat from her friend Sol Pardo of Pardo Hats. Embracing the changes in her body, Montserrat also swears by stretch mark body oil.

The Book I’m Reading Right Now

“The Beauty of Everyday Things” by Soetsu Yanagi
$15 on Amazon

Montserrat recently revisited her favorite book, “The Beauty of Everyday Things” by Sōetsu Yanagi. It focuses on appreciating objects and their stories, embodying the simplicity and beauty of Japanese culture and their love for imperfection and daily rituals.

My Travel Must-Haves

Loro Piana The Gift of Kings Polo
$3,125 from Loro Piana

When traveling, Montserrat enjoys wearing one of her husband’s old Loro Piana sweaters. Despite its holes, the sweater’s excellent design and quality make it both soft and chic.

The Last Piece of Furniture I Bought

Gaetano Pesce Serie Up 2000 Chair and Ottoman
$6,511 from B&B Italia

Montserrat’s home reflects her eclectic taste and love for design. She’s planning to purchase Gaetano Pesce’s “Serie Up 2000” chair. Inspired by the silhouette of a fertility goddess, the chair comes with a matching ottoman resembling a ball and chain, adding a touch of profound meaning to her living space.

So there you have it, a glimpse into the world of Montserrat Alvarez and her Heimat Atlantica universe. With vibrant hand-woven bags, meaningful charms, and a touch of magic, she effortlessly brings joy and style to every season.

Montserrat Alvarez’s current purchases include Jacquemus bodysuits, Dior lip balm, and cocoon armchairs.