Designer Sebastian Herkner has been fascinated by reinvention of cultural craft using modern and innovative materials since he was studying at Offenbach University of Art and Design, from which he graduated in 2007. This merging of new technologies and traditional craftsmanship made him the right designer to realize Ames Sala line, which introduced the Caribe collection at IMM Cologne 2017.
Ames creative director Ana María Calderón Kayser, originally from Colombia, wanted to create a collection that highlights Colombia’s culture and craft. Herkner, who received the 2015 EDIDA Award for Best International Newcomer and the 2016 Guest of Honor at IMM Cologne, spent a year traveling around Colombia, drawing inspiration and meeting local manufacturers.
Herkner spoke with ArchiExpo about discovering Northern Colombian region Santa Marta’s traditional Momposino weaving, the bright colored plastic straws from which it’s made and working with local craftsmen to refine the design and produce pieces manufactured entirely in Colombia for the European market.
