António Ribeiro and Raquel Ribeiro, both 26 and 25 years old, are alumni of the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo, where they completed their undergraduate degree in Product Design and their master's in Integrated Design at the School of Technology and Management. António, from Vila Verde, was working in the production of concrete facades for export, while Raquel, from Moreira de Cónegos in Guimarães, developed skills in 3D projects and space visualization. Together they created the Mosquito brand, which has now taken its first international step with the presentation of the NYVEN armchair at the Oslo Design Fair, Norway's largest purchasing fair and the main meeting point for the design, furniture and interior decoration industry in Scandinavia.
The Mosquito project was born from an individual idea by António during his master's, when lecturer Liliana Soares said the brand was being born. Raquel later joined the project, contributing the interiors and 3D projects component. The name Mosquito reflects the attitude of the two designers: without large structures or established positions in the market, they seek to make themselves noticed and create impact, just as a mosquito can get where it is not expected. NYVEN, the piece chosen for the international debut, was developed together, combining António's initial intention with technical and formal solutions worked on by Raquel, seeking to break with conventional lines without sacrificing functionality and comfort.
The production of NYVEN involves a network of artisans and Portuguese territory: the structure was developed with a craftsman from Famalicão, the carpentry is done in-house by Mosquito, and the upholstery is handled by a professional from Paços de Ferreira. The chosen materials include walnut wood and genuine leather with an aged effect, selected not only for their characteristics, but for the experience they provide and the ability to gain character over time. Participation in the Oslo Design Fair took place as part of the Living in Between exhibition by Associative Design, an entity with whom the designers began building relationships even before they had a consolidated market presence.
When they received the invitation to Oslo, António and Raquel felt above all a sense of responsibility, considering that the piece had to demonstrate what they believe in. The reaction to the armchair was very positive, particularly for the use of pure materials and the direct relationship with the matter. Contacts were established with architects, designers and potential partners, although conversations are still in an early stage and both state they want partners who understand Mosquito's identity. Looking back at their academic journey, they highlight lecturers Liliana Soares and Ermanno Aparo, stating that what remains from UNIPVC is not a specific tool, but the courage to try, the ability to seek solutions and the confidence to believe that a small idea can go much further.
