BIO
Over the past decade, Natalia Criado has nurtured the growth of her eponymous brand, embodying a creative multitask-driven approach that permeates her diverse creative endeavors.
Born and raised in Colombia, Natalia discovered her innate talent for design at a young age. Her creative journey led her to obtain a diploma in Industrial Design at IED in Milan, where she further honed her skills and embraced a new cultural background. Enriched by this fusion of influences, Natalia embarked on a transformative path, founding her own brand of jewelry and accessories in 2011.
Drawing inspiration from the heritage of pre-Columbian forms, Criado's works express a fusion between the cultural legacies of Colombia, the place where she was born, and Italy, the one that adopted her. Collaborating closely with expert artisans from both countries, she skillfully combines contemporary design and craftsmanship, breathing life into objects characterized by minimal geometric shapes. It is through this collaborative process that Natalia not only showcases her artistic vision, but also supports the traditions that reside within these crafts.
She considers artisans as her creative partners, valuing their expertise and incorporating it into her design process. By creating pieces entirely by hand, Natalia not only adds value to her creations, but also offers consumers products ingrained with authenticity and heritage awareness.
Working with materials such as brass, glass, gemstones, and ceramic, Natalia Criado captures the subtle beauty of everyday objects. However, her artistic journey goes beyond the conventional use of materials. Her design process is marked by a spirit of experimentation, where she explores the transformative nature of metals and other elements. For Natalia, this transformative process starts with the meticulous crafting of wax, as she delicately sculpts and refines her ideas. This process culminates in the fusion of metals and other materials, bringing her designs to life.