De mí, para tí
Project
Food Design
Date
2018
Role
Product Designer
In collaboration with: Natalia Ceballos and Ana Paula Bremer
Duration
2 months
Responsibilities
Design
3D modelling
Universidad de Monterrey Rectory Contest Winner
Instituto Cultural Mexicano de Washington, DC. Selected for “Nuevas raíces del diseño mexicano” exhibition
About the project
"De mí, para tí" it is a conforming tequila set supported by two "caballitos" which are the shots, two individual bases dual plates and a center plate that promotes socializing between people during the tequila drinking experience Its design is inspired by five themes: The legend of Mayahuel and Quetzalcóatl, the Mexican cuisine, Mexican design con- contemporary, food design and the identity of the University of Monterrey
Inspiration
Tequila
Tequila is an alcoholic beverage obtained through the distillation of the musts from the Blue Weber Agave variety. It can be considered as the emblematic drink of the country. This beverage has been produced since the 16th century when the Spanish discovered the properties of this agave plant. The indigenous people of this region used it as a raw material to make nails, spears, and other things. Since then, drinking tequila has become a ritual in which it is combined with different flavors such as lime, salt, and sangrita to enhance its taste.
Drinking tequila is considered a unique experience that represents Mexico and its culture. Tequila is the most representative drink of Mexico, which is why, for both Mexicans and foreigners, drinking tequila is more than just consuming an alcoholic beverage. It is a complete experience filled with sensations that touch all the senses of the person who drinks it.
The Legend of Mayahuel
One of the many legends about tequila tells the story of Mayahuel, a beautiful young woman who lived with her grandmother, a Tzitzimitl, which means "stars that try to prevent the sun from rising." The young woman was in love with Quetzalcóatl, and they planned to escape together. She fled with Quetzalcóatl to be forever in love, transformed into branches of a tree where they would be together. However, the grandmother discovered their plans and sent her Tzitzimime companions to kill them.
There was a cosmic battle where Quetzalcóatl was saved, but Mayahuel was consumed by the stars and died. Quetzalcóatl collected Mayahuel's remains and buried them. After some time, the place where Mayahuel was buried gave birth to the first agave plant, which provided the Mexica people with raw materials and gifts for their livelihood.
Mexican cuisine
In Mexico, a significant part of Mexican identity is associated with gastronomy. Primarily through experimentation with food and beverages, people assign emotional values to them and relate them to memories and experiences. That is why it becomes a fundamental part of the everyday life of all Mexicans.
Over the years, the meaning of Mexican cuisine has encompassed more and more elements, ranging from the ingredients themselves to the space where it takes place, utensils, and more. Within Mexican cuisine, there are also elements that continue to prevail, such as mosaic patterns, Talavera ceramics, wooden or stone utensils and cabinets, enamel, glass, or clay pots, and metal furniture with wooden details. All of these are adorned with warm colors like red, orange, yellow, green, and blue, intensifying the welcoming feeling that has prevailed throughout many decades.
Food design
Food is a fundamental part of human life, and this has led to it becoming a branch of study ranging from nutrition to the way it is presented to consumers, such as packaging, dishes, and utensils for food. This is where the term "food design" emerges.
This field of food design encompasses various subcategories: food design (chemical and molecular modifications), design of food-based products, design for food (objects for serving, cooking, presenting, etc.), food-inspired design, design of food spaces, and dish design.
Food design has spread worldwide, but it has particularly flourished in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia due to their rich variety of gastronomy, customs, and dishes related to food.
"Food design is using design for the innovation of gastronomic experiences, giving them new cognitive, emotional, and sensory meanings, taking into account their social, nutritional, and cultural value." Maria Najera (2017)
Mexican contemporary design
When introducing this topic, it is important to consider the difference between craftsmanship and design, as these are terms that tend to be related. Craftsmanship refers to an object created by someone knowledgeable in the technique, and its value increases due to the perfection and history it embodies. On the other hand, design encompasses the entire process of preparing an object or product, including the creative factor, feasibility, materials, costs, production, and more.
In recent years, contemporary Mexican design has gained greater visibility, aiming to merge Mexican traditions and culture with modern design characteristics.
The characteristics of contemporary Mexican design include:
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Use of regional materials with natural finishes.
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Incorporation of international design elements.
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Fusion of neutral colors with pops of vibrant hues.
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Implementation of new environmentally friendly materials.
By embracing these features, contemporary Mexican design showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, contributing to the cultural and artistic landscape of the country.
