UXUA, Trancoso, Brazil | UXUA Casa Hotel and Spa extended its commitment to community by launching UXUA CASA, a homewares collection using local carpenters, weavers, ceramic artists, and still emphasising the use of recycled materials. These are totally authentic, sustainable initiatives by which tourism deepens local traditions instead of eroding them, and leaves the nature untouched.
Wilbert Das's youth was spent living close to nature on a farm in the Dutch countryside. At 19, he left to study fashion at the revered Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem, and from 1988–2009 worked as a designer and creative director in partnership with some of Italy's largest fashion, furniture, lighting and textile companies.
“I only want to make things with a soul”
UXUA was born in 2009 inspired by a love of travel and a visit to a remarkable corner of the world where industrial processes were never embraced, a tropical paradise which Wilbert discovered was a perfect setting for crafting distinct, contemporary design using antique artisanal skills and a whole community's passion for tradition and beauty.
UXUA the word comes from the Pataxó indian language, and means wonderful. UXUA the products come from Trancoso, and carry the authentic spirit and energy of the town's people.
