Creatives with a rare eye for beauty
A list of creators and unique talents with personality to know and follow—people whose work and distinctiveness resonate.
There’s no shortage of content or beautiful things online. In fact, there’s so much on offer that I often find myself putting my phone down after an aimless scroll, unable to fully absorb what I’ve seen or liked. I know I’ve come across ideas that intrigued me and visuals that caught my eye, yet my only way of remembering them is by tucking them away in one of my countless Instagram folders—saved for later.
However, the kind of content that truly stops you mid-scroll, keeping you from jumping to the next post, is rare. It lingers in your mind and reshapes your perception of what’s interesting. It’s the kind that cuts through the overwhelming noise, stands out as a celebration of individuality, and becomes essential in the creative landscape precisely because of its singularity.
It’s no revelation that Instagram often gets a bad rap. It’s accused of promoting superficiality, fostering unrealistic beauty standards, and encouraging a culture of comparison and envy—all the good things. Creatively, too, it’s said to perpetuate a curated perfection far removed from reality, offering little insight into the effort behind the projects it showcases. It’s also not exactly a haven for self-identity, with the pressure to conform to trends often outweighing the encouragement of pure creative expression.
While there’s truth to these criticisms, I firmly believe that two things can be true at once (a sentiment that my friends would likely call politically correct). Instagram is also a vibrant space for creativity and connection. It’s a platform where voices emerge, where people share their passion, and where discovery thrives. I see it as a treasure trove of creative discoveries—sparks of inspiration that fuel imagination. Through this lens, I’ve uncovered a diverse array of talents and individuals who contribute to a more beautiful world with their projects.
When I was building my previous business (hello Casa Abbell!), Instagram was my first tool for putting myself out there. Sharing my creative identity felt like a daunting leap into a not-so-kind world. Yet, despite the fear, it became one of the things that kept me going. It connected me with people I had never met, fostered a small community around my work, and gave me the joy of seeing others appreciate what I created, sometimes even enough to share their own thoughts with me. Through Instagram, my business reached beyond my immediate circle, and my first orders came from strangers who had stumbled upon my work. It was also a source of learning, with countless examples to follow and, just as importantly, lessons in what not to do.
Perhaps that’s why I have such deep admiration for creatives who simply put themselves out there, present their work authentically, and dare to be eccentric, eclectic, and refreshingly different. And perhaps that’s why, despite my periodic detoxes from the platform, I always find myself coming back when I need inspiration. The key, like in everything, is balance—just enough Instagram to spark ideas, not so much that it leaves you feeling like everything’s been done and there’s nothing left to add.
As I continue navigating this ever-evolving relationship with the app, I find myself continually drawn to certain individuals I’ve discovered through it—creators who remind me that beauty resides in imperfection, that originality still exists, and that the most compelling work is often the most personal. Through The Intentional Tab, my goal is not only to share material finds but to highlight inspiring ideas and creatives who ignite the desire to create beautiful moments and spaces. Here are a few of those.
Sol Pardo of PARDOhats - Accessories Designer
Sol Pardo launched PARDOhats as an experimental project that eventually evolved into a brand committed to celebrating the enduring value of craftsmanship. Each hat serves as a canvas for Sol's ideas and emphasizes the importance of slow fashion, requiring 10 to 50 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Through this dedication, Sol creates exclusive, timeless objects that transcend fleeting trends.
Her pieces bring me immense joy. They are unique, quirky, and full of personality. When I discovered the brand while living in Barcelona, I quickly became a bit obsessed (as I do!). Unable to find the one I wanted at their reseller's shop, Vasquiat, I wandered all over the city in search of what I believed to be their official store. Eventually, I found myself knocking on the door of their atelier, where I was warmly welcomed by a group of incredibly friendly and talented girls into the enchanting world of PARDOhats.
Oscar Piccolo – Object Designer
Sicilian-born Oscar Piccolo is part of a new wave of young artists redefining the relationship between objects and space through a multidisciplinary approach. Shaped by a migratory childhood, his work offers a singular perspective on the possibilities of interiors. In an interview, he shared that his connection to objects began out of necessity—constantly moving as a child, he saw them as anchors of familiarity, carrying them from place to place as a way to create a sense of home. This deeply resonates with me as it was this exact sentiment that shaped my relationship to objects and material finds, where they became my way of building and rebuilding a sense of home amidst constant change. I already admired his work, but knowing this about him made me appreciate it even more.
Alighieri – Jewelry Brand
Rosh Mahtani founded Alighieri as a way to navigate a dark period in her life, drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s journey through the unknown. Each fragmented talisman echoes his story of being lost in a dark wood, transforming personal struggle into modern heirlooms that celebrate imperfection and vulnerability. In 2014, she set out to create one piece of jewelry for each Canto of The Divine Comedy, embracing her lack of formal training as a source of creative freedom. This unconventional approach allowed her to develop a distinct visual language—one of raw, imperfect textures—ultimately shaping Alighieri into a highly successful and special brand. My affection for it may stem from the cherished memories of my mom religiously reading Dante in her bed during my childhood, or perhaps from my particular inclination towards irregular jewelry textures. Regardless, it’s been one of my favorites for years.
Super Yaya - Fashion Brand
Born in Abidjan, Lebanese artist Rym Beydoun brings a special perspective to fashion with her label, Super Yaya. A Central Saint Martins graduate, she draws inspiration from West African style and ‘90s Ivorian pop stars, blending tradition with playful, Afrofuturistic twists. Fabrics are hand-picked, dyed, and printed in Côte d’Ivoire before being transformed into designs in Beirut. Rooted in local pride, Super Yaya has gained recognition for its bold, authentic take on West African fashion.
At a time when minimalism, capsule wardrobes, and The Row-esque restraint dominate, Super Yaya feels like a breath of fresh air, a joyful, uninhibited embrace of uniqueness and self-expression.
Madison Brill from I Love Craigslist - Curator of Rare Finds
Madison’s Instagram account @ilovecraigslist has become a go-to for savvy design enthusiasts. As the self-proclaimed ‘unofficial CEO’ of the online marketplace, she performs a public service by scouring through often sketchy classifieds to unearth one-of-a-kind furniture finds and sharing them with her followers free of charge. Not everything on her page is perfectly curated to Instagram standards, yet it exudes excellent taste and feels authentic, fun, and real and provides a refreshing break from the overly polished aesthetic.
George Greaves, Co-Founder of Printed Goods - Illustrative Artist
George Greaves created Printed Goods as a collaborative creative project with the belief that art can and should enrich everyday experiences. He and his brother are incredibly gifted designers and illustrators drawing on classical mythology, symbolism, and archetypes to create contemporary pieces that echo the past. I recently stumbled upon this commission for a mural design for a swimming pool, reminiscent of Picasso’s, Braque’s, or Hockney’s approaches to transforming such spaces into true works of art.
Presto London – Conceptual Dessert Design Studio
Presto is a London-based creative studio specializing in design-led cakes and chocolates I only discovered recently. Since then, I’m consistently impressed by the beauty and originality of their pieces.
Founded by Lauren Duncan, who studied design at Central Saint Martins and gained experience with brands like Louis Vuitton and Uniqlo, Presto offers delicious and eye-catching creations that bring a contemporary twist to festive treats. If you ask me, this is the perfect studio to commission for a special event if you're based in London.
Quintana Partners - Interior Designers
Founded by designers Benito Escat and Pol Castells in 2016, Quintana Partners has made a significant impact in residential, retail, and hospitality interior design. They are celebrated for their ability to uncover the raw beauty of a building's past, blending historical elements with contemporary design in an unconventional and slightly eccentric way. I recently came across their work in the first La Veste store that opened in Paris, and I really appreciate their attention to detail, as well as their innovative use of color and texture. Check out their online space, House of Quintana, to find decorative objects, tableware, furniture, lighting and lifestyle essentials.
Omer Gilony - Creative Director & Set Designer
Tel- Aviv born and now based in Lisbon, Omer Gilony is a multi-faceted artist, set designer, and florist whose stunning tablescapes draw inspiration from 18th-century paintings. She has established herself as a creative force, combining a baroque aesthetic with surrealism in her floral arrangements and food styling. Omer’s creations evoke a sense of curated nostalgia, characterized by rich, earthy tones and intricate details that celebrate opulence and heritage. It’s no surprise that Omer chose to make Lisbon her home, as the city itself exudes this nostalgic, imperfect, and enchanting aesthetic.
Miranda Keyes - Artist & Sculptor
London-based artist Miranda Keyes studied sculpture at the Edinburgh College of Art, specializing in bronze before discovering her passion for glass. She appreciates the independence that working with scientific glassblowing offers, allowing her to explore the material deeply. Miranda’s journey has been both slow and intuitive, leading her to embrace glass as a sculptural medium. She challenges its perception as lesser, focusing instead on its nuances and the beauty it conveys. As a true Venetian and a lifelong lover of Murano glass creations, her work particularly speaks to me.
Mestiza Estudio - Creative Studio
Founded by creative directors Monica Urquijo Zobel and Malena de la Torre Suárez, Mestiza Estudio is a contemporary creative studio specializing in branding, strategy, design, and art direction. They collaborate with a variety of talented creatives, crafting identities for galleries, fashion brands, restaurants, and hotels. Their approach is deeply personal, rooted in their experiences and a love for experimentation. There hasn’t been a single Mestiza project I haven’t loved over the years, and their approach to art direction and creation is exactly what I would envision for my own dream studio.
These are some of the creatives that make me feel something—I hope they do the same for you and you enjoy this as much as I loved putting it together. Can’t wait to share more soon. x
Love. I think having an eye for beauty and being able to curate is becoming so powerful, especially in today’s social media world. I wrote a few thoughts on the power of taste here: https://open.substack.com/pub/whyyoushouldcare/p/the-power-of-taste?r=laov1&utm_medium=ios