Taking flight

I have fond memories of the summer we arrived in Venezuela during which I lived in my beloved uncle’s home, adjacent to his atelier. The most gentle human I have ever met, he was an artist and tailor who fabricated custom-made shirts for diplomats, professionals, and television personalities in Caracas. My cousins and I scavenged for linen and cotton remnants to make clothing for our dolls. Because I am blessed with a creative gene and —some might say— cursed with my kin’s perfectionism, barring my family nothing fuels my senses more than designing and weaving detail-driven beauty into everyday life.

Southern Spain, circa 2011
In his retirement home studio, ever the student, my godfather/uncle humbly shares art tips with my children.

In 2014 we chose the name “Designs by Alina” over the more intuitive “Alina de Albergaria Jewels” because we did not wish to be confined to only one area of design. The pandemic gave birth to our Belgian linen and Fortuny masks which in turn paved the way for what we always knew we would offer: a collection of highly unique luxury gifts and home decor. As a former student of architecture with a penchant for home entertaining, this is but a natural progression.

Much gratitude to Santa Barbara Magazine and Peachy Magazine for publishing two of our homes, to my better half whose business acumen and website expertise have been invaluable and, of course, to our loyal clientele and friends for supporting this creative endeavor throughout.

Time to retreat to my own atelier…