Missana
Missana is a Spanish furniture brand based in Valencia, celebrated for its contemporary upholstered furniture that combines Mediterranean warmth with refined craftsmanship. Co-founded by Pepe Albargues, the company has developed a distinctive design language rooted in the region’s light, optimism, and rich manufacturing heritage. Through collaborations with both established and emerging designers, Missana creates collections that balance expressive forms, comfort, and functionality with a timeless aesthetic.
Guided by a spirit of innovation and a commitment to quality, Missana works closely with local artisans to produce furniture distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful materiality. Under the creative direction of Pepe Albargues, the brand continues to explore new forms of expression while remaining faithful to its Mediterranean identity, creating pieces that bring personality, elegance, and enduring character to residential and hospitality interiors.
Interview
I am Pepe Albargues, Co-founder of Missana. I was born in a tiny village called Massalaves, located 40km south of Valencia in Spain, and I am still living there.
I have always been connected to the art world in such a way, but it is difficult to give a precise memory of it. I would say I’m passionate about art in general since I can remember.
Yes, I have always worked in the design world and started exploring new techniques in the 3D world just a few months ago.
I am a designer, and my passion for upholstery, plus my Mediterranean location, my love for light and nature have led me to the design creation.
I believe that the inspiration for my creative process comes from all what is around me. I just need to reflect, note them, and start working on them. But I also like to interact and talk with people around the world. Traveling is extremely important, as you are always inspired by the experiences you get from that.
I am an early bird, so my working day starts at 5:30 am. As I am also responsible for the production department at Missana, the first thing I do is to check that everything is going as it is expected. Then, I go straight to carry on with new prototypes. I always have new products to develop on my work desk.
Because they were determined not only by my inspiration but also by the product itself.
Basically, the technique I use in all my creations is artisanal, with a lot of care and detail.
First of all, I would say that they have to do what they are good at, what is easy for them, and above all, what they love showing passion for without giving up.
Perhaps my designs belong to the avant-garde movement, but an expert could define it better than me.
I am not that sure who I have been influenced by, but without any doubts, by several designers, as they are the source you are seeing, exploring, and analyzing every single moment.
I love Jaime Ayon’s work, but there are plenty of contemporary designers I really admire for their creativity.
I think it is more or less the same answer as the previous one. I guess I have been inspired by plenty of circumstances, by a special trip, by a film or theatre play, as they are my favourite entertainments.
I would say, without sounding too pretentious, that my creations are a mixture of tradition and authenticity.
Just to say we live in an amazing world surrounded by a priceless beauty.
“We live in an amazing world surrounded by a priceless beauty.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
It is when the heart, mind, spirit and body are relaxed and in perfect harmony
It is related to all kind of illnesses, pain and grief
My stubbormness and shyness
Arrogance, pride and jealousy
There are so many people I admire for their talent and virtues that it would be difficult to select just a person
Setting up Missana Lab
In full bloom and happiness
I don’t think there is one, a virtue is the best essence of human beings
The intelligence and empathy
There is no difference between man and woman, so the quality I like is exactly the same as in the man without considering genders, so intelligence and empathy
I don’t know, I should be recorded to check it
A talent based on astronomy discoveries
Getting less involved in things which take me away from my family
My children
I would like to be the same person as I am, with the same family
Where I live now, in Spain close to the Mediterranean region
My family
Cruelty and abuse
My work, astronomy, cinema, and theater
Respect for human beings
Respect and loyalty
Isaac Asimov, Jules Verne
There is no specific name, but people supporting and encouraging both in the real and fiction world
I would like to have had Galileo Galilei’s talent
Amazing people you can trust
Edgar and Jorge, my children’s names and Violeta my granddaughter’s name
Vulgarity
Things I could have done better but, which are difficult to list them all
At home surrounded by my family
Perseverance as the key to success
“I would say, without sounding too pretentious, that my creations are a mixture of tradition and authenticity.”
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