Bibis Castañer Masdeu

Resin worker

©Noemí Elías

Original ornaments

Bibis crafts adornments to embellish the creations of others
She opened her workshop in 1995 with husband Álex Gutiérrez
She uses different organic resins and natural pigments

Fashion creations, be it couture or ready to wear, custom jewellery and accessories would not be the same without the addition of elements and details to complete their look and feel. This is where Bibis Castañer Masdeu makes an entrance, through the design and making of decorative elements, both from her own collection devised every year and bespoke ones, commissioned by her clients and crafted thanks to a process based on dialogue and trust. Bibis continues the family tradition, where as an apprentice she learned to sketch, shape resin and wood as well as etching techniques. Her skills include the use of different organic resins and sustainable natural pigments, making up a very personal colour chart as well as dazzling, shimmering and marble-like hues and effects.

Interview

©Noemí Elías

©Noemí Elías

Where does your passion for this craft come from?: I am fascinated by the idea of creating so many different pieces, each being a small world of its own and representing always a challenge. The outcome is a positive surprise, and there is always a lesson to learn and added value from the result.
What makes an ornament special?: There is so much attention to detail and we make sure they have a special and unexpected touch, whether it is the vast array of colours and effects, the finishing or the tiny elements inside each resin-made piece for instance gold leaf, flowers, silk threads, feathers or sequins.
What are you inspired by?: Barcelona is a source of inspiration, a cosmopolitan, Mediterranean city with its colours and energy. But also the sea and the horizon of the Costa Brava and the country landscapes of Ampurdán, I feel a deep connection with nature.
When was a memorable moment in your career?: To have been selected by a committee to display our creations at Maisons d’Exception in Paris. Then there are of course the daily achievements thanks to collaborations with our clients, helping them embellishing their creations or designing the one-of-a-kind ornaments they commission.

Bibis Castañer Masdeu is a master artisan: she began her career in 1995 and she started teaching in 2014