DESIGN STORIES: COCO DAVEZ

DESIGN STORIES

Coco Dávez, also known as Valeria Palmerio is an artist, a painter, photographer and artistic director, whose work is currently on display at the Maddox Gallery, Westbourne Grove. Colour is central to Coco’s work and as a result has brought about some incredible collaborations with global brands such as Chanel, Kenzo, Netflix, Prada, Vogue and even Nespresso.

Tell us about the design background of your brand and your work. I began studying in 2010 purely in the field of illustration, when I was working for the national and international press. Over the years I have been expanding into other fields that I can reach with my art, from public campaigns, textile design, scenery, illustration for fashion houses, photography and art direction.

What does Coco Dávez represent as a company? Coco Dávez as a brand represents a universe full of colour that dates back to childhood but at the same time, brings out a creative part of ourselves. It encourages us to play. I think that is a part we lose as adults, something that we should never lose.

How do you fit into the interior design industry? Interior design is a field that I love, I realised this the first time I lived away from home. I moved to London in 2010 with very little money and very few means, and realised that I needed to start creating a space where I felt happy every day. So, I started painting pictures to decorate the walls, I created furniture and accessories with some materials and I realised how I enjoyed this whole process. Interior design is a beautiful profession, it makes people feel better, it’s something that I have experienced both in the design of my current home and of all the places where I’ve lived.

What has been your most successful milestone to date? At the moment the collection that has worked best both inside and outside my country has been my collection of ‘Faceless’ portraits, and the one that has opened more doors for new projects. ‘Faceless’ was exclusively unveiled at renowned influential London based art gallery, Maddox Gallery on Westbourne Grove. The exhibition is my largest and most acclaimed body of work to date. There are many British characters that I’ve always wanted to paint, so the timing is perfect.

How do you manage working globally? It’s very interesting for me to be able to reach new markets and see through different eyes, I love learning all the time with what I do. What is the biggest challenge for you in the global art and design field? I would like to embark on a journey into the field of artistic installation, ephemeral architecture and immersive art, it would be a dream to achieve it.

What’s next for Coco Dávez? At the moment, 2020 begins with my next solo exhibition at Maddox Gallery, LA. I would like to take out a second editorial project and I’ll potentially be making an announcement soon about a special event in my city, Madrid.

What do you aspire your brand to look like in 20 years time? I would like Coco Dávez not only to be a study discipline but also a school that brings together great professionals as well as multiple disciplines.