FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THE BRAND

What are our values?

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

We value clean lines and natural material. Our design approach has a European flair (German, French, Scandinavian) due to our design philosophy coming from the Bauhaus but also through the lens of Latin America and Mexico in particular with everything that is embedded in it: rawness, nature, human hands, symbols, tropical modern, brutalism, modernist. We work and invite to work with designers from various countries that share these universal values.

TRANSMISSION

We dedicate a lot time and energy in using traditional and ancestral know-how, sometimes old from 700 years old but also we are one of the only companies in the world to have developed transmission and training programs to specific know-hows like the weaving of palm or seagrass for example.

INNOVATION

Being “green” is part of every aspect of what we do. Our approach is environment friendly. Being environment friendly starts with a good design that is timeless. It is in the products and supplies we use. Sometimes we run out of material because there is too much rain, or not enough. We embrace this natural cycle. We are also one of the first companies in the furniture industry worldwide using a full vegan, non-toxic, non-animal base CACTUS leather alternative. We have many similar approaches at every level of what we do so it is in our DNA and necessarily needed in our marketing material.

Where does the name “Luteca” come from?

We originally wanted to refer to Aztec mythology which we love but we needed a name that could have an antique and modern sound at the same time. A name that could reflect the existing historical bridge between Mexico and France to begin with but also the international citizenship of our founders established between France, the United States and Mexico. A brand name that highlights simply how the French approach - and maybe Paris in particular - really brings lights on existing exceptional know-how and in this case on ancestral Mexican craft among other things. Philosophically and physically. Fun fact: many people like the Parisian Haussmann architecture and overall look of Mexico City brought by Maximilian, Carlota, and Porfirio Díaz during the XIX th century. “Luteca” actually comes from the name of Paris during the antique Rome, “Lutetia”. Personal history also reveals that Luteca’s founder, Sebastien Reant, had grand-parents and parents who owned an interior design firm in Paris called “Lutecia” for more than 40 years. Many of our designers have French connections: Cuban born Clara Porset lived and studied in Paris at Beaux Arts, Mexican Pedro Ramirez Vazquez studied crystal in France winning many local prizes and also was the finalist for the architecture project of Le Louvre with a giant fountain similar to what you can see at the anthropology museum in Mexico City which ended up being the pyramid of Chinese-American architect Pei. In addition to Sebastien and Amanda weighting on design themselves, we also have French European designers in our contemporary collection such as Studio Martes with more to come. One of our licensed designers is the only Mexican designer who went to the Bauhaus school, Michael van Beuren, and then studied under Josef Albers at the Black Mountain college in North Carolina. We welcome a cosmopolitan roster of designers who embrace all our values. “LUTECA” is now an incontestable trademark.

SOURCING AND MANUFACTURING

Where is Luteca furniture made?

Our furniture is produced by various workshops and partners for both indoors and outdoors: in Mexico, in the United States, in France and Portugal depending on the product, the project and the volume. It also depends if it is a residential or an hospitality project since we equally do both. We do distribute already made furniture and objects from third parties and we can also have furniture and objects coming from our designers manufactured or crafted.

Where does Luteca source its materials?

The materials used in our collection are mostly sourced from Mexico, United States and France.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE FURNITURE?

Leather

The leather that we use for our furniture is from ELMO, a company based in Sweden. They produce leather with incredible quality that has protective coats. We recommend cleaning once a month with a special lotion for leather and protective lotion 3 to 4 times a year. For this process, please use a clean cloth and spread the circular movements. Be careful of not applying the products directly on the leather, but to use the cloth. Moreover, to avoid premature deterioration, cracks and discoloration, do not place leather near high heat source such as radiators or expose to direct sunlight.

Wood

The wood that we use for our furniture is locally sourced from Mexico. The highest quality of wood has been selected for the production of our furniture. If the wood is stained by a liquid (oil, wine etc.), please use immediately soft cloth, and apply flour to absorb the stain. For daily cleaning, please use a barely damp microfiber sponge. We also advise to use mineral spirits occasionally with confident circular strokes. Then, please use butcher’s wax or bee’s wax no more than once or twice a year. Be careful of not applying the products directly on the wood, but to use the cloth. Moreover, to avoid premature deterioration, do not place leather near high heat source such as radiators or expose to direct sunlight.

Glass

The glass that we use for our furniture is locally sourced from Mexico. For daily cleaning, we advise you to use a mild glass cleaning products or white vinegar or lemon juice diluted in water with light circular movements. Please do not scrub.

Stainless steel

The stainless steel that we use for our furniture is locally sourced from Mexico. For maintenance, please apply lemon juice diluted in water, hot or sparkling water or talc. Please use microfiber cloth in circular movements.

Brass

The brass that we use for our furniture is locally sourced from Mexico. All brass tends to oxidize when expose to air creating a patina. If you wish to maintain the original aspect, we advise you to use soap and water and rinse the dust and dirt off and then apply a brass polish. Please do not apply the product directly on the surface. However, the patina is also a beautiful finish.

WARRANTY

What is the Luteca’s warranty policy?

A two-year warranty is provided against manufacturing defects – Please see “Terms and Conditions”. The warranty does not cover the damages due to natural deterioration. However, please feel free to contact us, we can advise you a professional best suited for your request.

What is the withdrawal period of an order?

All orders are definitive.

How does Luteca deal with product return?

In case of return, you will need to contact us to file your claim. We will need photography and the original purchase invoice.

ORDERS

How to purchase Luteca’s products?

Luteca’s products are sold in showrooms throughout the country as well as at our headquarter.

Where to buy – Showrooms

Where to buy – Headquarter

Is it possible to order samples?

We offer sample boxes on sale.

Is it possible to order a Luteca catalogue?

Catalogue is available for download.

How to make an appointment at a showroom?

Please see showroom section.

Please feel free to contact Luteca headquarter to make an appointment.

Does Luteca deliver internationally?

Yes.

What is the lead-time?

Our production lead time is about 16-18 weeks.

Are the Luteca products customizable?

All Luteca’s products are customizable. Please see Catalogue.

What are Luteca’s payment policies?

Does Luteca offer payment by installments?

What are the means of payment?