We are delighted to host the founders of Cocina Studio, Hernán de Majo and Renata Brenha, as our first Summer Residents.

Our residencies were developed to give time and space for professionals to explore links between different areas of knowledge and activities that inform their practice while broadening and strengthening a network of people willing to work together. We want us all to imagine and create brighter scenarios for our present and our future.

Hernán De Majo

Chef Hernán De Majo is an Argentinean chef renowned for his innovative approach to plant-based cuisine. Alongside Brazilian fashion designer Renata Brenha, Hernán founded Cocina Studio, a unique intersection of culture, art, and food. This dynamic space celebrates the senses, beauty, and culinary expression, creating a playground for gastronomic adventures. Hernan's culinary creations are deeply rooted in South America, characterized by their plant-based, seasonally crafted dishes. Sourcing the finest British and European produce from studio-associated farms, his menus are a testament to sustainability and quality. Hernan's dedication to culinary excellence is reflected in his ongoing research into the origins of Latin American cuisine and the rich world of plants. This has led to the development of a new culinary practice that embraces a diverse array of textures, colours, and flavours, ultimately fostering a deeper respect for nature. Cocina Studio was finalist in the Young British Food Award in 2018, in the category of vegetables. In February 2020, they launched their first book, "Project 1," at The Photographers' Gallery in London. This publication beautifully merges the disciplines of food, fashion, and photography. Cocina also collaborated with musician, political artists, chefs, sommeliers, astrologists, yoginis, food producers, universities and charities amongst others, hosting supper clubs, food events and exhibitions across the UK, France, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.

Renata Brenha

Renata Brenha is a Brazilian womenswear designer based in London, with an MA in fashion from the Royal College of Art (2018) and a postgraduate diploma from Central Saint Martins (2016). Founded in 2019, her eponymous brand reframes the place of women and Latin America in contemporary fashion, based on a sustainability proposal and the reuse of resources with a strong artisanal vein.Semi-finalist for the Latin American Fashion Awards 2023 in the emerging talent category, Renata experiments with sustainable methods to develop a creative practice capable of facing the collective challenges of our times and recovering the human aspect in design. Her textiles are predominantly developed in-house from carefully chosen materials that would otherwise be considered waste. She is also an artist in residence at Sarabande Foundation established by Lee Alexander McQueen. Nowadays, Renata Brenha’s brand is expanding globally and can be found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, Japan and South Korea, as well as on some of the world’s leading fashion destinations, such as Selfridges, 10 Corso Como and Super A Market.

Photos courtesy of CocinaStudio