RICARDO LEGORRETA

(1931-2011)

Ricardo Legorreta’s work is best known today for reinterpreting Mexican architectural style through the use of colour, monumental scales, and geometric shapes, inspired by Islamic architecture and the work of Louis Kahn. Furthermore, he was able to synthesize Mexican tradition with the plastic integration of artists across the world, and with this, he was able to consolidate a Mexican modernist language. 

Many of Legorreta’s most famous works are present in Mexico’s landscape today: from Monterrey’s MARCO museum to the Centro Nacional de las Artes in the country’s capital, including the Camino Real hotel in Mexico City, one of his favourite works. Here, he was able to polish his language: Mexican modernity finally found its biggest proponent. Legorreta was able to blend together Mexican colours alongside proportions, textures, and materials, not just in his buildings but also in every component: accessories, furniture, lighting, and landscaping. Among the furniture he designed for the hotel, the Vallarta line stands out; it became so popular that the architect had to start selling it outside the hotel. At Clásicos Mexicanos we were able to work hand in hand with Legorreta’s studio to obtain the exclusive rights for each individual piece and develop and produce these designs.