An industrial designer with more than 15 years of experience, a speaker and promoter of industrial design; Hector Alvarez is considered one of Mexico's most important designers. After several professional achievements that made him play a leading role as a representative of Mexico on the world stage, in 2018 he arrived in Milan for the Design Week, in the district of Isola, to unveil a selection of his creations. 

After he confirmed his presence at the next edition, Milano HOME decided to interview him to discover some behind-the-scenes details and get a small preview of what we will see in the new year. 

How did you become passionate about drawing?

Ever since I was a child, I loved to observe everything around me, especially the materials and shapes surrounding me. I was curious to find out how objects were created and fantasized about their history and how they were made. I loved drawing: I enjoyed drawing cars and I was very enthusiastic about solving problems or schoolwork. When choosing my university studies, I found a degree in industrial design, and I was totally passionate about it. Since childhood I was attracted by the idea of designing objects that are part of our lives, and it has always been my passion: the shape, the colour, the language of objects.

How would you define your products and which features should never be missing?

I try to communicate the emotion of the product I design and convey it to those who choose it. My goal is to have people look for their aesthetic language in the objects through the transgression of matter, which proposes a special way of being, of living. These design objects are practical, easy to clean, easy to use. They are products that seek to build a contemporary context while denoting progress, character, simplicity and a form of everyday elegance that makes life even more attractive.

What I believe should never be lacking is a simple, high-quality functionality, not only in materials but also in form and meaning, in aesthetics, in progress, while always being respectful of the soul. I believe that design should not just be practical for the human body and mind, but also for the human spirit.

What materials are you most likely to use and why this choice?

The materials I use most are natural ones such as ceramics, glass, wood and metal. I’m always looking for their more plastic applications. However, the most important component in my creative process is light. If I’m not using artificial light through a LED source, I use natural light to reflect the shape and textures of my products. When I design them, I think about how natural light will reveal their shape and volume.

What do you expect from your participation in Milano HOME?

Thanks to Milano Home I will have the opportunity to present my products in Europe to as many people as possible through effective, large-scale marketing. It is a very important and significant event for my work and my legacy as a designer. I have high expectations.