Exploring Havana

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a vibrant fusion of history, culture, and artistry, making it one of the most captivating destinations in the Caribbean. Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), the heart of the city, offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, revolutionary history, and artistic inspiration that draws visitors from all over the world.

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A Glimpse into Havana’s History

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1519, Havana quickly became a key port for the Spanish Empire, growing into one of the most important cities in the Americas. Its natural harbor made it a vital centre for trade, while the city’s history is embedded with pirate attacks, colonisation, slavery, and revolutionary movements. One defining moment came in 1959 with the Cuban Revolution, which overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista and ushered in an era of socialism led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. This revolutionary spirit remains visible in murals, monuments, and the enduring pride of its people.

Architecture and Artistry

Havana’s architecture and tilework reflect this multifaceted history. Under Spanish rule for nearly four centuries, the city absorbed Baroque, Neoclassical, and Moorish influences, evident in its intricate geometric tilework, vibrant colours, and courtyards. As a major port, it also became a melting pot of global influences, with Portuguese ceramic artisans and African-Caribbean traditions shaping local craftsmanship. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Havana’s connections with the United States and Europe introduced Art Deco and eclectic styles, creating a rich architectural tapestry. These designs are a major source of inspiration for our latest collection, from traditional tilework to metal detailing seen in the lobbies of Art Deco Buildings. This blend of old-world elegance and local character makes the city of Havana a stunning reflection of its layered past, and presents a depth of character our AW24 collection hopes to explore.

Old Havana

Old Havana, or La Habana Vieja, is the historic heart of the city. It remains one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Known for its narrow, cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, grand plazas, and iconic landmarks like the Havana Cathedral and El Capitolio, an impressive public building. 

Despite the wear of time, Old Havana’s decaying elegance is one of its greatest charms. Many buildings display intricate tilework, wrought-iron balconies, and serene courtyards. While it’s a major tourist attraction, the area remains a lively part of modern Havana, with bustling cafes, vibrant music, and local life. Our hero design of the season, the Rueda Tile Print Cushion, is inspired by a ceramic design found in an 18th Century building in Old Havana. The loose, carefree pinwheel design epitomises the Cuban free spirit of movement and life. While our Ladrillo design is inspired by a tiled floor in a beautiful courtyard in Havana, this cushion is trimmed with a smart fringe which will add texture to any interior. Why not pair this piece with a smaller velvet cushion like our signature Tara or our new San Juan design, and layer with other coordinating soft furnishings.

Key Locations

The Bacardi Building

This Cuban landmark is crowned by a unique figure—a fruit bat. Once the headquarters of the renowned Bacardi rum company, this 1930 Art Deco skyscraper is a prime example of Latin American design. As the first skyscraper in Havana, it featured imported European stone and marble, with intricate metalwork and tiling details, prominently displaying Bacardi’s iconic fruit bat in its decor.

Restored in 2003 by the Cuban government and an Italian design firm, the building once again shines in Havana’s skyline. Although Bacardi no longer occupies it, the bronze fruit bat remains a symbol of the rum industry that put Cuba on the map, while the building’s design and history reflect Havana’s vibrant architectural heritage.

Our Remolino Embroidered Velvet Cushion features a swirling design inspired by the intricate Art Deco metalwork seen in the Bacardi Building, (this design can also be found on coordinating lampshades), while the delicate San Juan Embroidered Velvet Cushion features unique embroidered detailing, also inspired by the metalwork balustrades in the building. These cushions pair together beautifully, why not style with a soft Bordered Throw and layer with block print designs for an eclectic look. We love to add in our Ladrillo or Rueda designs or even a luxurious Silk Ikat Cushion with our velvet pieces for decadent seasonal living.  

La Casa de la Amistad

Located in Havana’s Vedado district, this historic mansion was built in the early 20th century for socialite Catalina Lasa and her husband Pedro Baró. It blends neoclassical and Art Deco styles and features lush gardens by French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. After the Cuban Revolution, this romantic residence was transformed into a cultural centre. Today, it hosts concerts, diplomatic receptions, and traditional Cuban music performances, offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and live entertainment. 

Our El Vedado design was inspired by a conservatory designed by René Lalique at Baro-Lasa, our El Vedado Geometric Pattern Candle Lampshade features an intricate design in rich colours - perfect for refreshing an existing wall light this season. This candleshade is actually an ideal fit for our very own wall lights, choose from three wintery colours for the perfect match. You can also find our El Vedado design on our rectangular El Vadado block print cushion, which looks fantastic positioned alone on an accent chair, or in a bedroom as part of a bed arrangement. Style the cushion as part of a pair and layer in front of a larger cushion, such as our soft Shisho Embroidered Velvet Cushion on top of a crisp white bedspread. Our new Aravali cutwork bedspreads are reversible and available with embroidery in several understated colours to suit any interior style, helping you to create a stylish bedroom haven for yourself or your guests.

Our Havana collection is a celebration of the city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and cultural vibrancy. From the timeless beauty of Old Havana’s colonial charm to the bold Art Deco influences seen in its iconic landmarks, this collection captures the essence of a city that is both historic and modern, intricate and lively. Every item is a tribute to Havana’s layered past and dynamic spirit, reimagined through detailed craftsmanship and stunning artistic designs. As with every collection, each piece is thoughtfully designed to complement one another or stand alone, blending seamlessly with your existing soft furnishings, home accessories, and décor. We invite you to bring a touch of Havana’s warmth and elegance into your home, embracing the rich textures, colours, and stories thoughtfully crafted into each design.