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The Fair
Words by: ICFF December 10, 2024

Silvina Chialva, as founder and Creative Director, established the design direction of her studio: Black Oveja. Driven by immense curiosity and inspired by nature and art, she studies the logic of patterns and components found in nature and how something organic can be mathematically measured.

In 2019, she founded the studio and began her ongoing exploration of Japanese self-sustainability techniques. Her fascination with wool—admiring its nobility, durability, biodegradability, and purity—led her to develop a responsible, triple-impact approach to her work, one that refrains from controlling nature’s reaction to manufacturing interventions. Through this philosophy, she champions the uniqueness of each object and its value as a work of art.

In 2021, she launched her own brand, CHIALVA, and currently showcases her art at the Miami Design District and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Córdoba, Argentina.

Black Oveja won the Launch Pad 2024 Lumens People’s Choice Award at ICFF.

As a kid, what did you answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a kid, I always said I wanted to work in a big company. I built my career in the corporate world, learning a lot about how businesses run and how teams work together. But over time, I discovered my true passion for design. It was a surprising shift, but deciding to pursue design has been one of the best choices I’ve made in my career.

Which designer and/or piece of work inspires you? Why? Cristian Mohaded is a designer who truly inspires me. I admire how he combines materials and captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship in a modern way. His pieces are not just functional—they speak to values of tradition, quality, and exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting a deep respect for the materials and techniques he uses.

Who are three designers you follow on Instagram? Cristian Mohaded, Patricia Urquiola and Mathieu Lehanneur

What is your design philosophy?
I believe that the imperfections found in natural materials are not flaws, but rather unique qualities that add character and depth to an object. Craftsmanship, for me, is the personal touch that each maker imparts to their work—something technology can’t replicate. It’s what makes an object truly meaningful and allows it to tell a story beyond its function.

Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work? I was born and raised in Argentina, a country rich in biodiversity. Nature is my main source of inspiration. My work draws from the fractal patterns found in nature, and my entire collection of interlocking pieces is inspired by the diverse landscapes of Argentina—ranging from salt flats to rocky valleys and the vast steppes. These natural forms and textures are at the heart of my designs.

Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to be a designer? If so, what was it? I spent most of my career as an executive in an international multinational, following a corporate path. But one day, during a steering committee meeting, I realized something wasn’t resonating with me anymore. That’s when I understood that my passion for design was stronger than my career in business. I was 35 years old, and it was a turning point for me. It became clear that I wanted to build a different world—one where I could shape my own path as a designer, an entrepreneur, and someone who wants to make a meaningful change in the world and in the system.

Which of your pieces, products, and/or projects are you most proud? Why? I’m particularly proud of my entire Interlock series. It’s been a real challenge. I work with mathematical design, and developing the mindset to create a piece that can connect with the next—forming a new whole supported by the sum of its parts—has been a key part of developing my method. It’s geometric design, rooted in exact science, yet it also embraces imperfection. This balance between precision and natural unpredictability is something I’m very proud of.

What is the most pressing issue in the design world today? One of the biggest issues in design today is the dogmatic pursuit of consistency and standardization, which often comes at the cost of environmental impact. The design community needs to rethink its aesthetic, moving away from a “perfect” look created with synthetic materials, and instead embrace the unique qualities of natural materials. Even recycled materials can sometimes have a larger environmental footprint—up to four times greater—than using natural alternatives. If we continue down this path, we’ll never be able to break the cycle of “un-sustainability”.

What’s now?
I have just completed the DAE (Diseño Argentino para la Exportación) program, an intensive design incubator in collaboration with the British Council and STEAMHouse from the University of Birmingham. This program aims to foster the growth of Argentina’s creative industry. Out of 300 studios that applied, I am proud to be one of the 15 finalists selected to receive the Sello de Diseño Argentino Exponencial (Argentinian Design Seal), awarded by these prestigious organizations in recognition of excellence in Argentine design.

Additionally, I am excited to be part of Be Original Americas, an initiative that promotes authentic design across the Americas. We are also currently working on our new collection, which we will present at ICFF 2025 in New York.

What’s next?
We are working on launching an e-commerce for United States and also planning our participation at ICFF next year. We’ve just completed a significant chapter with Wanted Design, a chapter that concluded with an incredible recognition—the Lumens People’s Choice Award this year, but I believe we are now ready to take the next step in 2025.

Last question: What is your favorite movie, band or/and song?
My favorite series is This is Us, band Norah Jones and song Coming back to life sang by David Gilmour (from Pink Floyd)

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