MIAD Madrid 2025 First Prize Award went to Pepe Leal [INTERVIEW]

First Prize Award at MIAD 2025 ¨WHERE THE PAST AND PRESENT MEET.¨

Madrid Inside Art & Design (MIAD) 2025 celebrated the awards for its second edition last week at La Casa de la Luz (Simon Showroom). We are pleased to announce the jury's selection, made by Teresa Sapey, Enric Pastor, and Maria Macias where First Prize Award went to Pepe Leal in collaboration with Eichholtz.

"SUITE 16" by Eichholtz, designed by Pepe Leal, was recognized for a project that effectively harmonizes historical and contemporary elements. The jury particularly commended the innovative material combinations within a setting that thoughtfully complements the Neo-Mudéjar architecture of Plaza de las Ventas.

Pepe Leal’s Vision: Blending History and Contemporary Interior Design

Eichholtz: Pepe, this collaboration between you and Eichholtz at MIAD has been generating quite a buzz. From the very beginning, Eichholtz expressed their certainty in wanting to partner with you. Tell us, what made this relationship so smooth, so organic?

Pepe Leal: Well, I think the foundation was already there. I’ve been using Eichholtz pieces in my interior design projects for a long time. I know the brand well. I understand their design philosophy, their commitment to quality and luxury finishes. And that's the key, isn't it? When you speak the same language, collaboration becomes effortless.

Eichholtz: And what exactly is that "language," in your view?

Pepe Leal: It's a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, the integrity of materials, and for a design aesthetic that resonates with our clientele. We both cater to those who recognize and value high-quality decorative accessories and furniture. We both understand that true luxury lies in the details and the timeless elegance of well-made pieces.

Eichholtz: It's clear there's a deep respect for the Eichholtz brand. But with so many exquisite collections, was it difficult to choose which items to feature in this particular project?

Pepe Leal: Difficult? Yes, I confess it was! In the best possible way, of course. You see, Eichholtz has released such a stunning new collection this year. I wanted to incorporate as much of it as possible. And that, in itself, was a challenge, because there are so many beautiful pieces that combine antique brass finishes and glass elements.

Eichholtz: So, what was your process? How did you navigate that abundance of choice?

Pepe Leal: It wasn't just about the new collection. I also wanted to weave in some of my favorite pieces from previous Eichholtz collections. It was about creating a harmonious blend, a dialogue between the old and the new. Achieving that balance, making sure each piece complemented the others and contributed to the overall vision, that required careful consideration. It was a delightful challenge.

Eichholtz: Pepe, we're standing in this truly remarkable space, a testament to your creative vision. It's clear that something special has been achieved here. Can you tell us, what was your initial inspiration for creating this unique environment?

Pepe Leal: Well, inspiration is rarely born from a single source, is it? It's a confluence of elements that ignite the creative spark. And in this case, there were two very powerful influences. Inspiration first and foremost, was the space itself. This bullring, with its inherent history, raw textures, and distinctive color palette, is inherently inspiring. It possesses a unique character that immediately speaks to you. The second crucial element was the new Eichholtz collection, exceptionally rich in quality decorative accessories and designer lighting. It's clear that a great deal of thought and craftsmanship has gone into each piece. The textures, the finishes, the overall design language – it all resonated with me.

Eichholtz: So, it was a dialogue, in a sense, between the existing space and the new collection?

Pepe Leal: Precisely. It was about finding a harmonious balance between the inherent character of the bullring and the refined elegance of the Eichholtz collection. It was about creating a space where these two elements could complement each other, telling a story together in a timeless and sophisticated manner.