Cent – a marriage of design and gastronomy

A collection of plates designed by Luis Eslava in collaboration with chef Andreu Genestra.

The Valencian designer Luis Eslava and chef Andreu Genestra have collaborated to create a collection of plates that aims to present food in new ways as well as find innovative uses for such materials as stone and marble and to explore their qualities.

The Cent collection moves away from a conventional, static way of eating, opening up a huge range of possibilities in which gastronomy becomes a form of enjoyment, encourages socialising and definitively constitutes a new form of culture. Cent comprises two collections – Cent Collection 1, which consists of marble pieces in various forms, and Cent Collection II, an evolution of the collection, designed for Spain’s Great Match, an annual event held in New York which promotes Spanish gastronomy and design. This offers a unique showcase for over 360 Spanish wines from 40 regions along with guarantees of the origins of these regions, as well as Spanish restaurants based in New York. The plates in the second Cent collection, made of marble, Silestone and beech aspire to complement the conversations between those attending the event while they enjoy the tasting of quintessentially Spanish tapas and bar snacks. The marble and stone plates were manufactured by the company Mármoles Mabello, while the beech ones were made by the designer.

 
The work of Eslava stands out for its ability to surprise, and is inspired by the observation of everyday life. His designs are renowned for their experimental forms, and they explore new possibilities in terms of techniques and materials, which gives it a particular charm. He has worked for such companies as Almerich –   for which he designed his Magnificent, Boomerang, Self Lamp and Velcro lamps – LZF – for which he created the Agatha and Armadillo lights – Sancal, Uno Design, Camper, Nash & Flower as well Japanese firm Okusa, among other companies. As well as winning several prizes for his designs, he’s taken part in exhibitions and conferences on Spanish design in New York, London and Istanbul, organised by ICEX.