THE VIA MOTIF STORY

The signature look of Via Motif dates back to 1990 when owner Cathy Steinberg discovered pandan, a richly textured woven natural fiber, during a visit to a remote village in Indonesia. At the time, the tradition of weaving this aloe based plant into woven mats was quickly becoming a dying craft.  Recognizing that with some refinement in production technique and the addition of lush color, this traditional craft could be revitalized, she pioneered the first pandan collection of home accessories.

Over the years what started with a series of pandan boxes produced by a handful of artisans evolved into over 400 items manufactured in Via Motif’s own factory in Java by over 450 skilled craftsmen and support personnel. Under the watchful eye of Eric Montoya who joined Via Motif in 1995 as factory director, the company has developed a solid reputation for delivering products of consistent high quality. Today, Via Motif remains the marketplace’s premier pandan producer.

Steinberg, with a background in architecture, and Montoya, trained in fine arts and design, collaborate on Via Motif’s award winning products and creative direction. Steinberg’s time is spent between the company’s Miami headquarters and showroom and design studio in Paris. Montoya, based in the company’s Java locale, is always on the lookout for new and unusual materials that Via Motif can enhance and modify to make uniquely their own.