The Heritage Artistry of AO DOMINI
Nestled in the heart of Orense, Galicia lies a heartfelt tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and the art of slow living. AO DOMINI, founded by Lilia Méndez, is a multidisciplinary project that intertwines art, interior design, textiles, furniture, lighting, and even fragrance, offering a sensory experience that reconnects us to tradition while embracing a modern aesthetic. Grounded in natural materials, organic forms, and impeccable artisanship, AO DOMINI honours culture and craftsmanship with every carefully curated piece.
At the heart of AO DOMINI lies a deep reverence for textile heritage. One of its most extraordinary endeavours is the revival of traditional Galician fabrics - textiles woven over 80 years ago on wooden looms, hidden away in rural homes, waiting to be rediscovered. Lilia and her team seek out these forgotten treasures, often stored for generations by the descendants of the original weavers.
Some fabrics are pristine, while others bear the marks of time, but all are imbued with history and the skilled hands that created them. Through careful restoration and collaboration with local artisans, these textiles are given a second life, transformed into timeless, sustainable collections that honour the past while shaping the future.
Lilia’s journey to AO DOMINI is one of passion and purpose. With over fifteen years of experience in architecture and global design brands, she longed for something deeper - a return to her roots and a way to express her own vision. Travel and exposure to diverse cultures ignited her love for artisanal craftsmanship, inspiring her to curate a collection that blends handmade, vintage, and contemporary designs with warmth and authenticity. Each piece she selects is guided by the emotions it evokes in a philosophy that ensures every object holds a soul, a story, and a sense of belonging.
In Galicia, textile production was once a way of life, nurtured by generations of women who cultivated flax and wove exquisite linen and wool fabrics. But industrialisation and fast consumption pushed these traditions to the brink of extinction. AO DOMINI seeks to reverse that course, preserving these ancestral techniques and celebrating them as an integral part of contemporary design.
Every piece under the AO DOMINI name is handmade, untouched by industrial processes, and meant to last for generations. Lilia’s work is not just about reviving textiles - it’s about preserving memory, honouring those who came before, and reminding us of the beauty in slow, intentional craftsmanship in a living archive of tradition, ensuring that the artistry of the past remains woven into the fabric of our future.
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Further Information:
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Tótem Mediano Longevity, AO Domini
All other images courtesy of Lilia at AO Domini