Lladro: A Legacy of Innovation from Valencia, Spain

Lladro's Innovation: Spain's Renowned Valencia Porcelain

OPENERS has already touched upon the contemporary works in the "Re-Deco" collection by Creative Director Jaime Hayon.
This time, we spoke with the young successor who drives the brand, not from the creative side, but about the innovative endeavors that have been unfolding recently.

Text by OPENERSPhoto by Jamandfix

How to "Reinvent" While Staying True to the Brand's DNA

The "Niagara" chandelier from Re-Cyclos

"Both Re-Deco and Re-Cyclos were initiatives to bring evolution to Lladro's history – to innovate the brand.
As a result of collaborating with renowned artists, we revisited Lladro's DNA and essence. These external creators, while fully understanding that DNA, brought forth new creations."
says David Lladro, an executive in management and second-generation member of the Lladro founding family.

"Re-Cyclos is a project that reconstructs fragmented pieces into entirely new forms. They are reborn as functional and beautiful elements for home decor and accessories.
It results in works with new combinations, utilizing parts that have always existed within Lladro's products."
For example, a chandelier composed of countless butterfly wings appears to glow, not only due to its contemporary design but also because the porcelain ornaments themselves emit light through the use of fiber optics.

From the "Bacchus" series of bottle caps in Re-Cyclos

The "Bunny" ornament from Re-Deco is a particularly ornate type.

Still Rooted in Valencia

David Lladro, representing the second generation of the founding family.

"On the other hand, Re-Deco is a collection that revives past best-selling pieces in a contemporary, chic manner, rather than simply revisiting them."
The items, with their original shapes intact, feature silver coloring applied randomly, as if tracing the original hues. This departs from traditional realistic reproduction, achieving a new, modern aesthetic.

The Lladro family, including David, still resides in Valencia, Spain.
"Valencia has a long history intertwined with ceramics since ancient times. This third-largest city in Spain still has numerous schools for studying ceramics.

I live in a refurbished 18th-century house with high ceilings and glass ornamentation above the doors, resembling decorative elements. My home, influenced by Spanish Baroque and Modernismo, is furnished with contemporary pieces, blending classic and modern styles.
I display Lladro pieces like pandas and large vases, but my favorite is the samurai. I appreciate its design and, more importantly, its concept."

Sales are set to begin at select high-end shops in Tokyo.

What is his role at Lladro, given his global travels?
"All of us in the second generation are executives, and I am in charge of management strategy. While it would be untruthful to say I've never wished to be involved in production, creativity isn't limited to design.
For instance, work like mine in management, exploring the possibilities of what can be done with porcelain, is also quite creative."

The new directions like Re-Cyclos and Re-Deco are likely projects realized because the second generation began to steer Lladro. And the next new product announced is Lladro's first room fragrance.
The items, divided into several parts, can be freely combined to enjoy original forms. Notably, the candle features a spout on its vessel, eliciting a chuckle.

There are six scent profiles in total.
"Oriental Dream" and "African Beat," among others, are reflections of their porcelain work, which draws on ethnic motifs from around the world.

Finally, we asked him to describe Lladro in three words.
"They are, without a doubt, Purity, Preciousness, and Serenity."