Discover Mercedes Salazar’s Seychelles-Inspired Homeware Line

Discover Mercedes Salazar’s Seychelles-Inspired Homeware Line, Created Exclusively for The Luxury Collection


One of the first things travelers will notice upon arriving in Seychelles is the diversity of both its culture and its nature.

The island nation’s capital, Victoria, reflects a tropical meeting point of European, African, Indian, Middle Eastern and East Asian influences. Explore outward, to Mahé’s beaches, the islands of Praslin and La Digue, or private keys, such as The Luxury Collection’s North Island, and one will find an extraordinary cross-section of biology (from rare hummingbirds to centenarian tortoises to graceful ocean sunfish, not to mention the country’s lush flora). The place is equal parts rare and spectacular, an emerald-and-sapphire gem set some 700 miles from the East African coast.

It’s fitting, then, that the Colombia-born and based designer (and Luxury Collection Global Explorer) Mercedes Salazar would find inspiration in such a textured wonderland.

Mercedes Salazar is world-renowned for her jewelry and homeware, which blends all of the color, rhythm, artisanship and alluring magical realism of her home country with a popular, global appeal. Recently, after a trip to North Island, she launched a homeware collection that was galvanized by the unique, nearly 500-acre resort. Exclusive to The Luxury Collection, and available here, her wicker candlesticks, vases, placements, baskets and more infuse her South American creative sensibilities with the “barefoot luxury” and boundless natural beauty of Seychelles.
The Luxury Collection: From the black hummingbird to the tortoise shell motif, these designs are beautiful. What was it about Seychelles’ nature that most captivated you?

Mercedes Salazar: North Island is home to so many different beautiful birds, flowers, and animals, I found myself discovering something new on every morning walk. I decided to reimagine the island’s flora and fauna through design, as an homage to the people that take care of the island and its ecosystem.

Why did you decide to create these pieces in particular? From placemats to napkin rings to cupholders and more… What made you want to work on items for the table?

I decided to create this home capsule collection because I believe that the table is one of those magical places where, no matter what, you congregate with loved ones. At the table, we share our words, thoughts, feelings and food. I think, more than ever, these special moments need to be decorated with love, and there are few places as lovely as North Island!
What is your most unique or special memory from North Island?

I have so many beautiful memories! One that I will always keep in my heart is from the moment you land on the island, the giant tortoises are waiting for you, almost as if they’ve invited you to their home. After a few days, I saw some caretakers helping baby sea turtles walk to the surf line. I admire the stewards of North Island. Their mission is to protect it, and they do it with so much love and kindness. Scuba diving is also a very unique experience to remember. There’s just something different and amazing about the water in Seychelles!
What surprised you about North Island and Seychelles overall?

What surprised me the most was the size of the tortoises, they are huge! I knew Seychelles was famous for them, I just didn’t know they were so large. I was also surprised by the beautiful bats that you could see hanging in the trees, the kindness of Seychellois people, the beauty of the sea, and the details in my guest room.

What was your favorite experience at North Island? Something you’d recommend to future visitors!

I really enjoyed taking a cooking class, but I have to say, most of all, I miss riding around the pathways, observing all of the color and life. And, of course, there are tiny details that stand out. For example, I miss having colorful fruit plates in the morning, by the sea.