Raquel Arañón, originally from Asturias, has lived in various cities including Madrid, Barcelona, and London. Her training is in fashion design, although her interests have always been broader than just creating clothing. She has held diverse roles in the fashion and retail industries, developing her creative and organizational skills. After moving to Mallorca, she shifted her focus to teaching and freelance projects, exploring her artistic talents, including ceramics and painting. A transformative period in New York solidified her vision and inspired her to create the Mallorca Design Day, an event distinguished by its thematic focus and dedication to showcasing emerging design talent.
What is your overall impression of the latest edition of the Mallorca Design Day?
The balance is definitely positive. I believe that this has been, so far, the most complete edition, thanks to a combination of factors that have amplified its scope and impact. We have seen a significant increase in interest and participation, both locally and internationally.
The integration of AI seems fascinating. Can you give us some examples?
The integration of artificial intelligence was one of the keys to this year’s success. We created Lola, a virtual assistant that embodies the fusion of indigenous culture and futuristic technology. Lola was not only a scenic presence but also co-presented the final gala, interacting with the public and providing information about the festival. Furthermore, inspired by the famous giant dog of the Guggenheim, we created a 2.5-meter-high topiary sculpture, an installation that caught the attention of all visitors.
And how did you encourage participants to use AI?
We launched a challenge to the participants of the design competitions, inviting them to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in combination with traditional craftsmanship. This approach stimulated creativity and led to the creation of innovative and surprising projects that were able to reinterpret the theme of the edition, “Craft Intelligence,” in original and unexpected ways. We applied this approach in several sectors: fashion, interiors, landscape, and food design.
Mallorca Design celebrates in a unique environment. How does the territory of Mallorca influence the projects presented, and how do you promote local talent?
The connection with the territory is a distinctive element of the Mallorca Design Festival. The island, with its rich history, its vibrant culture, and its natural beauty, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers. The festival, in turn, represents a unique opportunity to promote local talent and enhance the island’s cultural heritage. The lack of similar events on the island makes the Mallorca Design Day a valuable opportunity to create synergies, promote networking, and introduce professionals in the sector. There is a lot of design for hotels and homes, created by creatives from all over the world, and there is a lot of collaboration with Mallorcan designers who work abroad.
How has the festival evolved over the years?
Initially, the talents of the island struggled to gain visibility, despite their value. Having gained solid experience and built a vast network of contacts, I felt the need to create something special to give voice to local creativity. From the first press conference, I wanted to emphasize that the festival would not be limited to fashion but would embrace all design disciplines. Although not easy, the Mallorca Design Festival has grown steadily over the years, establishing itself as a point of reference for the sector.
It sounds challenging but rewarding. Can you talk about sponsors and sustainability?
We are fortunate to have the support of numerous sponsors, both local and international, who believe in our project and share our vision. Their trust allows us to create a high-quality event that helps to position Mallorca as a center of excellence for design. Among our most loyal partners, we can mention we’ve worked with the institutional support from, among others, the Consell de Mallorca, Fundació Mallorca Turisme, the City Councils of Palma and Inca, and the Conselleria d’Empresa of the Balearic Government; and sponsorship from Meliá, Mercedes Autovidal, Coca-Cola, Actiu, Gaggenau, and Jardins de Tramuntana, and numerous architecture studios. The festival is linked to Agenda 2030, and we promote sustainability and the use of local materials.
What plans do you have for future editions? Are you considering any changes?
We are still processing the emotions and results of the fifth edition, but we are already looking to the future. 2026 will mark the tenth anniversary of the Mallorca Design Festival, an important milestone that we will celebrate with a special and surprise-filled edition. In these years, we are building important relationships and promoting young designers with our future-oriented vision. Defining the theme will be crucial in outlining the guidelines for the next edition.
