Worn Studio: Natalia Ortega’s Tribute to Craftsmanship and Slow Interior Design

Founded by industrial designer Natalia Ortega and based in Spain, Worn Studio is a reflection of her commitment to creating meaningful, intentional design. Ortega’s work stands at the intersection of contemporary aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, and her studio has become a renowned name in the world of interior design art. Drawing inspiration from natural materials like clay, wood, stone, leather, and blown glass, Worn Studio’s creations embody the philosophy of slow design where each piece is crafted with care, reflecting a deep respect for the environment and the heritage of handmade artistry.

Aracne, the space designed by Natalia Ortega, from Worn Studio.

Worn Studio’s approach to design is a meditative process, centered on sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling. They collaborate with artisans from small villages in rural Spain, particularly in Castilla-La Mancha. By working alongside master craftspeople in ceramics, woodwork, stone carving, blown glass, and embroidery, Ortega aims to preserve the age-old techniques passed down through generations while infusing them with contemporary innovation.

Bow Candle Holders

Bow Candle Holders

Their commitment to slow design ensures that every creation is intentionally crafted, taking into account the origin of the materials and the meticulous process involved. Ortega reclaims the essence of traditional craftsmanship, from the slowness of the making to the care and attention to detail that each piece requires. Her studio promotes an intimate relationship between humans and the inanimate world, offering a counterpoint to the fast-paced, disposable nature of mass production.

Valentina Picnic Cutlery by Worn Studio

Worn Studio’s palette of materials includes elements like clay, wood, stone, leather, and blown glass, each sourced responsibly and selected for its inherent beauty and tactility. By using these natural resources, they seek to emphasize the importance of sustainability, drawing attention to the way these materials change and age over time.

Ooo Chair – Upholstered Wood and Marble Chair by Worn Studio

King Ooo Chair – Upholstered Wood and Marble Chair by Worn Studio

Each object designed at Worn Studio is not only a reflection of the material it is made from but also a product of the landscape and culture of its origin. Spain, the land where Worn Studio proudly operates, is steeped in rich cultural heritage, and Ortega’s designs pay homage to this. Her objects, whether they are furniture, lighting, or smaller decorative pieces, capture a dialogue between the artisan, the material, and the place where they were made.

Bow Chair

Bow Chair

One of Worn Studio’s most notable collaborations has been with luxury fashion house Loewe. As part of a project for Ramadan, Worn Studio worked with Loewe to craft an exclusive collection of ceramics that mirrored the attention to detail seen in Loewe’s leather goods. The pieces were created in collaboration with four Spanish artisans, blending Ortega’s signature use of clay and leather with Loewe’s craftsmanship. One standout item from the collection was a glazed ceramic vessel adorned with leather details, presented in a meticulously carved wooden box. This project epitomized Ortega's ethos of merging modern design with traditional craftsmanship, spotlighting Spain's artisanal heritage on a global stage​.

LOEWE Ramadan Gifting

LOEWE Ramadan Gifting

Their influence continues to stretch globally. Ortega’s designs have been featured in prominent international projects in cities such as Paris, Milan, and the UAE, positioning Spanish craftsmanship within the broader context of Design Art. By participating in these global design arenas, Worn Studio highlights the relevance and importance of artisanal craftsmanship in a contemporary context.

Bulbo Stool – Upholstered Blown Glass Stool by Worn Studio

Worn Studio Artisanal

Through her work, Natalia Ortega continues to raise awareness about the importance of respecting the environment, supporting local craftsmanship, and embracing the beauty of natural imperfection. Worn Studio is more than a design studio, it is a movement that brings together history, culture, and sustainability in every piece it produces. Natalia Ortega has created a space where traditional crafts meet modern design, resulting in objects that resonate with authenticity, depth, and care.

Arachne Stool – Upholstered Wood and Marble Stool by Worn Studio

Anni Lamp

At a time when design is often detached from the hands that make it, Worn Studio stands as a reminder of the value of craftsmanship, offering pieces that are as much about the people who make them as they are about the people who use them. The studio’s dedication to slow design is a powerful statement in today’s fast-paced world, encouraging us to reconnect with the objects we bring into our lives and to cherish the stories they tell.

An Artisanal Approach by Worn Studio / Identity