The Capes of Madrid

Amidst the centuries-old arboretum at Hemelrijk, Daniel de Belder transforms salvaged timber into distinctive wooden artworks, each infused with his family’s legacy of horticulture and craftsmanship. Situated on the Belgian-Dutch border, his atelier celebrates nature’s organic bounty, rooted in a deep connection to his family’s land and the storied trees that flourish there. Daniel reflects on his creative process, his respect for natural forms, and the inspiration he draws from wood's intricate grain and texture.

At their atmospheric studio in Seville, artists Daniel Maldonado and Luciano Galán are reviving the traditional craft of Moorish and Mexican-tinged ceramic heads, often emblazoned with hearts. Their name, The Exvotos, stems from the votive candles placed on altars and is entwined with their shared passion for religious iconography and symbolism.

Born in Mali and raised in France, Aboubakar Fofana’s early life was an amalgamation of two worlds. This duality sparked his pursuit of traditional craft, bridging the cultural divide through the study of ancient artisanal practices. His craft is more than just textile making: it is a meditative practice deeply rooted in ancient traditions of indigo dyeing and organic, sustainable artistry.

Cabana visits the oldest cape makers in Spain to learn about the technique behind creating these classic garments, their recent history, and the philosophy of doing things slowly. Margo Fortuny spoke to Marcos Seseña in Madrid before slipping into several velvet capes. The Seseña family has been producing these beautiful handmade pieces since 1901. Favored by Pablo Picasso, Luis Buñuel, and Ernest Hemingway, their capes still turn heads.

Nestled in the heart of Romania, the town of Horezu is renowned for its traditional pottery, a vibrant art form steeped in centuries-old craftsmanship and folklore. This UNESCO-recognized craft is known for its unique style, a visual story that celebrates heritage, artistry, and the spirit of Romanian culture, still being written today by the dozens of hands that continue to mold the clay in the village of Olari, on the edge of Horezu.

In the mountain rainforests of Rwanda, the unparalleled Nyanza baskets reach for the skies. For a thousand years, in “le pays aux miles collines,” the traditional coiling technique has fostered unique large baskets used as both prestige objects, and as utilitarian storage vessels. The tradition continues to develop, manifesting some of the finest baskets created in the world today.

The embroidered textiles of the Greek islands offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and craftsmanship. Far from forming a unified tradition, they reflect the vibrant diversity of the Aegean's past—where Venetian grandeur and Ottoman restraint left their marks. The tradition of women crafting elaborate wedding trousseaux, from dresses to bed valances, evolved in the hands of generations, preserving symbols that connected communities.

Francesca Simpson explores the intriguing millennia-long history and enduring appeal of Murano glassware, discovering a highly specialist, old-world craft now facing a challenging, uncertain future.

Exploring the captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and vibrant color at the heart of Khiva, Uzbekistan's most remote Silk Road city, Susan Scollay delves into the unique atmosphere of the Ichan Qala, the revival of traditional arts, and the dedicated artisans of the Khiva Silk Carpet Workshop. Here, ancient techniques and natural dyes revive intricate designs inspired by the region's illustrious Timurid past.

The antique textile experts at HALI Magazine continue their journey through the kaleidoscopic history of textiles, this time focusing on Ikat fabrics. Read on to discover astonishing examples, and the unique methods and materials of this enduringly popular, vibrant design.

Cabinetmaker Rollo Durnford Wood is a pioneer at the forefront of reviving the near-lost art of caravan restoration, renowned for his skilful work honed through self-taught study of the time-honored techniques used by wagon makers and artisans. He describes it as a process of solitude and meditation; carving, fettling and painting in his converted barn studio in rural Wales.

From his studios in south London, British artist Hugo Wilson creates vibrant, large - scale works that examine ideology and humanity's obsession with it. Classically trained, his paintings, prints and sculptures have been exhibited and installed in prestigious locations around the world, notably in the ceiling of a ballroom in a Bavarian castle. Hugo shares with Cabana his beginnings and inspirations.