Remnants of life and colour: Interview with Zita Chocarro (Hamabi Design)
Hamabi is synonymous with colour and joy, featuring unique pieces of contemporary textile design that Zita, its creator, brings to life with artistry and plenty of ideas.
Hamabi, in Basque, means 12, a number laden with symbolism. Twelve are the months of the year, the symbols of the Zodiac, and twelve are also the apostles (or the knights of the Round Table, if you are more chivalrous…). Be sure to visit their online shop and read our interview to find out more about her.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I am Zita Chocarro, a somewhat self-taught textile designer. Before this, I studied fine arts and worked for many years as a fashion designer. I have always loved drawing, painting and crafting. Also rummaging through buttons, cutting fabrics and making dresses for dolls... So I would say my vocation was always there.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
I really like the design process: selecting fabrics, looking for an idea for a collection and playing with colours to make very special pieces. I feel proud of having imagined a brand from scratch, one that is original and constantly evolving.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
My head is full of images that serve as inspiration: from what I see on a walk through the city, in nature or on social media. Then I have to bring them down to the reality of the materials I work with, and make them turn into a real product, but that is also an interesting challenge. You have to condense a great deal into something very specific. I'm not very musical, I listen to podcasts when I'm doing something mechanical or I enjoy the silence if I need concentration.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Blue, always.
My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell, my family classic.
Trip to Darjeeling.
I don't have a favourite album, Spotify remixes 🙂
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your decorative objects…
I am decorating my house little by little, we've only been living in it for 6 months. But the sofa and beds are full of blankets and cushions: they're used for taking a nap, for building dens with the kids or throwing them all on the floor to play more comfortably. I try to look for colourful pieces to brighten up the corners, but the kitchen is where I keep plates, cups and bowls of all sizes and colours, the table is different every day!
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
A very large and very comfortable sofa in a fun colour.
A great plan at home always includes...
Bake something! Sponge cake, brownies, biscuits or pizza.
Do you have a signature dish?
I keep trying lots of recipes I see on Instagram, I fancy everything: sweet, savoury, exotic, classic... But lately I've been perfecting lasagne and it's turning out pretty tasty.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
I have three cities, I am a bit of a nomad. From Pamplona (where I am from and all my family live): the RincĂłn de RedĂn and the walk along the city walls. From Barcelona (where I lived for 15 years), Poblenou in general, I miss wandering the streets and the restaurants! From Seville, where I live now, the Alcázar and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Abroad, I love big cities to fill me with inspiration: I am looking forward to going back to London, Paris or New York.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
Hamabi is going slowly but surely. I imagine a whole load of colourful and cheerful products to make your home a cosy and fun place.
