Rafael Prieto understands ingredients — the founder of Savvy Studio is, after all, also the chocolatier behind Casa Bosques. His alchemy works across the senses: recent works include a top-to-bottom Versace rebrand, creative direction for Proper Hotels, a collection of rugs based on swimming pools in novels for Christopher Farr, a mirror for Emma Scully and Friedman Benda Gallery. For Rafael, the common thread is taste.

What do you do when you hit a creative block?

I just have to acknowledge it and be gentle with myself. Then I start looking outward — checking galleries, stories, magazines, and sources I’ve liked in the past — to understand why I’m not inspired. I know it will eventually come back, so I try not to stress about it. If I have a timeline, I just ask for help.

What’s the last article you sent to a friend?

An article in the Atlantic about chocolate shortages in Halloween candy leading to more novelty flavors.

What’s the worst recommendation someone’s given you?

You should leave New York.

What’s something you bought for under $100 that changed your life?

Nothing I’ve ever bought changed my life.

What’s the last film you watched that moved you deeply?

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. It’s so intense, so good. It made me anxious — but also made me reflect on particular subjects.

What book have you gifted most?

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. It’s brilliant.

Write us a fortune cookie.

If you can see it, it exists.

Find Rafael on Cosmos and Instagram.