In a blend of heritage and contemporary lifestyle, this series embarks on a journey exploring the foundations of global creativity and lifestyle. Each story showcases men deeply connected to their origins, expressing their essence through their crafts and attire. 

 The story of Xabier Agote (San Sebastian, 1964) is governed by a single dream:  

“Bizirik hil” (‘die alive’). Or in other words, "never stop dreaming".  

Even as a child, when he used to go fishing in the port of his native Donosti, he dreamt of chalupas and bateles, wooden boats that were disappearing. Years later, he dreamed of being a shipwright, a trade nobody wanted. For five years he saved enough money to go to Maine (USA). 

 “Travelling allows you to discover that knowledge is on the move. And that is how, in 1985, he learned in the news that the Canadian government had found (and salvaged) the wreck of the San Juan, a Basque whaler sunk off the coast of Newfoundland in 1565. From that moment on, Xabier sensed that rebuilding the boat would be his dream come true. And he has not stopped rowing until now.“ 

  “To bring his dream to fruition, he created the Factoría Marítima Albaola (1987), a multidisciplinary space to recover Basque maritime tradition. From this space located in Pasajes (Guipúzcoa), the same place where the San Juan set sail, not only is the whaler being reconstructed but we also find a shipwright school, workshops, a traditional naval school and theatre groups. A host of activities revolving around the traditional Basque maritime universe, which is no mean feat.” 

 “500 years ago, after the discovery of America, Spain was a maritime empire that built its ships in Seville, Cadiz, Ferrol and the Basque Country, "whose ships would be today like NASA's rockets", Agote compares. Technological innovations of the time combined with Basque whaling tradition, which ventured beyond France to sail to Newfoundland or Labrador (Canada), in a chapter of audacity and courage. 

 Chapter by chapter, as we uncover these captivating stories, we reveal the significant role that heritage plays in shaping personal style and identity. Each individual’s journey embodies a distinct mix of legacy and avant-garde influence, where craftsmanship harmonizes with creativity. 

This exploration not only showcases the dedication behind their work but also emphasizes the inspiration and strength that arise from respecting one’s roots. Ultimately, these narratives encourage us to honor our own backgrounds while appreciating the rich diversity of global expression found in every field.