We believe that the future of design — at least, the most exhilarating and original concepts — is in the variety of indigenous artisans. Always on the lookout for a unique perspective on this realm, in Buenos Aires we discovered the work of Perez Sanz, a design veteran whose work remains unknown outside of Argentina.

On entering the Perez Sanz store (Posadas 1317), the head scratching begins. While admiring the bags, belts, and objets d’art on display — each featuring exquisite leather latticework, metal, or stone — one experiences a sort of retail déjà vu: haven’t I seen this on Barneys‘ first floor? Or L’Eclaireur, maybe. But following an inquiry to the sales staff, we learned that this line is local, and that Perez Sanz is known in certain circles for simply amazing products begging to expand beyond the confines of the small store. Adriana Indik, a gallerist friend of the designer was at the store the day of my visit. The proprietress of a Paris gallery and another around the corner from Sanz’s store, Indik rather aggressively took up the designer’s cause, insisting on his viability outside the country, thrilled that I had a camera in hand and was there to sound the alarm regarding this not-so-new talent.

Upon meeting Sanz, he told me of his "25-30 years in art and design," and how he arrived at designing bags and belts in resin and mica, featuring silver and bronze hardware, "out of sheer pleasure." By "investigating techniques for [his] art, decoration, and things of architecture," he "arrived at this." "This" refers to pieces so unique and conversational that each is a work of art. He counts Serra and Noguchi among artists he loves. He has a great appreciation for Martin Churba, his design contemporary. And says his work is Argentinean because he brings the spirit of the culture to it, but likens the cultural influence to the way that tango is Argentinean in that it arrives from a feeling, without a template. He speaks about "creating different forms, another language,"
where "it starts with the very important selection of materials." And throughout this eight-month-old, two-story store, the eye is assaulted by handcrafted bold bags and other accessories, many requiring several artisans to assemble. Here is leather encased in cut-out silver; there a belt buckle of polished marble; now scarves and objets d’art that mix metals and stones. Down the street, where the original store (Posadas
1477) has reigned for three years, you’ll find more home décor objects and a killer assortment of wallets in skins of snake, croc, and lizard, many hidden in an impressive cabinet that serves as centerpiece for the room.

Sanz sees his work selling in New York, Paris, Brazil, and Bolivia, but he recognizes the challenges of delivering such one-of-a kind pieces to such different ports of call. It’s a challenge he’s up for. His website officially launches next month; in the meantime, reach him via email.
-Jason Campbell

Photos:
Perez Sanz collection