Our Story
Alma Malinconico
Born in Lecce (Italy), my grandmother, Alma Malinconico, was a powerful force in our family. The way she expressed her love was through her cooking, and although she passed when I was still very young, I very much remember her thanks to her delicious recipes. Every meal she prepared was an act of care, a reflection of her belief that food has the power to bring people together. She passed down her recipes and her philosophy to my mother, Claudia, who later passed it down to me.
Growing up in my family, meals were never rushed, they were sacred moments that brought us closer together, full of conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
Our Responsibility
Our seamstresses work from a local factory in Tumbaco, Quito. Although highly skilled, they come from some of the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in Ecuador, where access to education, training, and healthcare remains very limited. As a safe, legitimate, and fairly compensated profession, Malinconico allows these women to become empowered in their communities, earn a livelihood for themselves and save up for the future of their families.
By working with Malinconico, these women are breaking the cycle and earning their livelihoods through doing something they love. Because each piece comes not only with fair pay, but also with the pride of having contributed to creating something beautiful with their own hands.
Our CollectionOur inspiration
When I met Pedro, I discovered that his family shared a similar bond with food and shared meals. In Ecuador, his family meals are sometimes the one time during the day when everyone—his parents and three sisters—gather in one place. His mother, Maria del Carmen, has a natural flair for hosting and a passion for creating beautiful dining experiences. Her placemats, crafted with care and creativity, are always a part of these meals, adding a touch of artistry to their everyday rituals.
A few years ago, she began selling these placemats in Ecuador, and her success and dedication became a significant inspiration for us.
Founders
And finally, Isabel & Pedro.
Our mission is to carry on our familiar traditions and invite you to create your own.
For both of us, meals have always been a way of showing love and building memories. A few years ago, we met at a large dinner and we love coming together with our families and friends as often as we can. Although our lives become increasingly faster and more stressful, we are determined to keep a tradition of shared meals, slowing down, and treating food as more than just a necessity. Our placemats are sophisticated and add a touch of luxury to the table – whilst being consciously designed for everyday use and effortless care. With Malinconico, we wanted to honour not only the legacy of how we were raised, but of all mothers and grandmothers that gather the family and bring everyone together. We envisioned a brand that would inspire others to slow down, take pride in hosting, and cherish the time spent around the table with loved ones.
