Franca was born from an idea: there are common threads that bind us. No matter where you come from or where you are going, there is a commonality to be discovered. This common language, or lingua franca, is what we strive to achieve.  Craftsmanship, design, and artistry make up the foundation of our work, and we continue to seek out ways to bring the soul of lingua franca to each piece.

Team

JAZMIN DE LA GUARDIA

Having been born in Paraguay and growing up with a mother from Uruguay and a father from Cuba, Jazmin became passionate about travel and art from a young age. She followed that passion all the way to Pratt Institute where she received her BFA. The skills developed at Pratt helped her in the creation of the whimsical patterning that Franca is known for.

UMA

Uma is a husky mix who is busy living the good dog life in Brooklyn. She is a regal lady that keeps her cool even when her brother Bowie bothers her all day long. If you ever come by the studio you can expect her to demand lots of pets from the second you walk in.

SIERRA YIP-BANNICQ

Sierra is a Brooklyn dog mom with roots in Chinese and French culture. She studied Industrial Design at Pratt Institute after having grown up in Beijing, it was during her studies where she met Jazmin and later founded Franca. Over the past couple of years she has become more and more interested in using new materials and production methods.

BOWIE

Bowie, middle name trouble, is busy living his best teenage years destroying boxes at the studio. He is the newest member of the Franca family. His talents include opening doors and sniffing out crumbs from trash cans both near and far.