Design Concepts and Stories

Since I was a child I used to craft lamps and candle holders using unusual materials for that time (the 1980s) chalk, copper, lead enriched with sea glass-stones found on the Ionian coast where I grew up. A passion for light that slowly has been growing and completed with notes of design together with a thirst for knowledge about materials and their respective use and behavior.However, there comes a time when life, for obvious reasons of survival, detaches you from your passions. the long of the time In 1989, I left Calabria and moved to Turin, where I have been...

Gica, also known as Gica Contra—the counterpart of Bastian Contrario—is a design lamp dedicated to my son, Riccardo. Like all children, Riccardo grew up challenging and questioning his parents' opinions, pushing back with his unique perspective on everything. His firm "NO" to my suggestions, rules, and ideas became a familiar refrain in our home. This playful tension, a story shared by every parent and child, gave me the inspiration to create Gica. One evening, after yet another of Riccardo's passionate refusals to agree with me, I sat down and sketched an exclamation mark (!), capturing that powerful moment of resistance....

On a sweltering July day in Calabria, at my parents' house, I was looking through some photos of my daughter Carolina while she slept beside me, curled up in her little wicker basket. I alternated these photos with ultrasound images from her gestation, following the incredible progression of her development over nine months until she was fully formed. I was there for every check-up, experiencing the joy of each milestone. I’ll never forget the thrill of discovering her gender at 17 weeks. As I watched her now, peacefully sleeping, I was filled with wonder at the sight of my beautiful...

Italian design is synonymous with sophistication, elegance, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. From fashion to furniture and beyond, Italy has a rich tradition of producing exquisite, handcrafted pieces that blend beauty with functionality. In this blog article, we explore why Italian design adores craftsmanship and delve into some essential elements that define its enduring appeal. Embracing Craftsmanship: A Tradition of Excellence Italian craftsmanship is rooted in centuries-old traditions, where artisans pass down their skills from generation to generation. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of Italian design: Attention to Detail: Italian artisans are known for their meticulous...