For 15 years, Rebeca Redek has been enriching the offer of Koper’s old town with original and charming works of art and craft. She initially ran the Re-Gallery on Župančičeva Street for ten years, where she showcased selected artworks. Five years ago, she found her ideal space on Prešeren Square (known to locals as Muda), where she combined her shop with her creative corner, giving rise to the playful and charming name Hudamuda.
THE “FATAL” LIGHT OF MUDA
Rebeca Redek (born 1982), originally from Lucija, has lived in Koper for 15 years, now residing in Bonini. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, specializing in Decoration, she opened Re-Gallery in 2010 on Župančičeva Street. “That space was more of a gallery than a shop – I sold my own work, but also that of other artists: paintings, prints, artistic ceramics…” she explains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began reflecting on making a change – in both activity and location. When the opportunity to take over a space on Prešeren Square 1 arose, she seized it immediately. As she says, it was the light – a crucial element for any creator – that proved “fatal.”
With the move and the new name Hudamuda – a playful and affectionate tribute to the square that locals call Muda – she also reinvented her business concept. In this new space, which unites a shop and a studio, she offers gifts for all occasions, created, as she puts it, “with heart and soul.” In addition to her own creations, she also features the works of local and Slovenian artists and artisans. “For example, there are prints by Sonja Prosen, originally from the Primorska region, and children’s products from the Koper-based brand Balabini. As for ceramics, I feature works by Nina Zupančič, Daša Kogoj, and the brands Sanjamkeramikart and Gudar,” says Rebeca, naming just a few of the artists she collaborates with.
“I don’t want to be a classic souvenir shop, where everything just says Koper. Hudamuda is a gift boutique where creativity and originality come together.”
“MADE IN KOPER” PRODUCTS
The products can also be personalized, with a strong emphasis on quality. In the case of Rebeca’s own creations, these are truly “made in Koper.” Over the past two years, she has especially enjoyed creating small botanical watercolours in her mini studio, often enriched with pebbles and sea glass collected along the Slovenian coast. She frequently adds a phrase or thought in Slovene or English. One of her pieces reads: “Take a little piece of the Slovenian coast with you.” In recent years, she has also been crafting colourful earrings made of polymer clay.
NOT A TYPICAL SOUVENIR SHOP
“The idea behind this shop is to offer products that can’t be found anywhere else in the world – these aren’t mass-produced Chinese items you see everywhere,” Rebeca emphasizes, adding that this is exactly what makes Hudamuda such a special place. Among her customers are many locals, but also tourists who appreciate this kind of work and, as she says, are willing to spend a bit more to take home something unique. “I don’t want to be a typical souvenir shop, where everything just says Koper. Hudamuda is a gift boutique where creativity and originality meet,” she reiterates.
Rebeca is also very active and creative on social media, especially on Instagram and Facebook. She has a website too, but since every item is unique and slightly different, she prefers direct sales and personal contact with customers.
Hudamuda is therefore a must-visit stop for anyone seeking original, unconventional gifts or small tokens of affection that embody the spirit of craftsmanship and uniqueness.
