7 2 • r e s t a u r a n t d e v e l o p m e n t + d e s i g n • J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
A WORLD VIEW
D
esigned by David Collins
Studio, Ella Canta is a
4,400-square-foot Mexican
restaurant from Chef Martha Or-
tiz. The design holds true to the chef's phi-
losophy of blending tradition and modernity
and draws inspiration from the architecture
and landscapes of Oaxaca. Strong shapes,
soft colors and clean lines celebrate the
historic architecture of Ricardo Legorreta,
the ceramics of Gustavo Perez and the
textures of artist Ernesto Alva.
"The design concept takes ele-
ments from Martha's cuisine, Mexican
architecture, materiality, craft, color,
texture and art," says Simon Rawlings,
creative director of David Collins Studio.
"Our study of the country's mid-century
furniture really shaped a direction that
would stay true to Mexico's flair and also
fit its London home."
Set within the floor-to-ceiling windows adjacent
to Hyde Park, large circular lenses of textured glass
feature hammered gunmetal frames. The lenses are
inspired by the work of Mexican artist Feliciano
Bejar, who is known for his magiscopios style of
sculpture that used glass to distort vision.
Ella Canta, London
The stylish bar evokes Mexican furniture de-
signer Eugenio Escadero's influence with black clay
formed in an organic asymmetric shape, topped in
rouge griotte marble and framed in walnut paneling.
This approach continues through the bespoke tables,
cantilevers, walnut barstools, tan leather banquettes
and armchairs.