Showcasing the rich heritage and cultural significance of Italian design, the recently celebrated Italian Design Day 2024 emphasised the meticulous craftsmanship, technology, attention to detail, and innovative spirit that have made Italian products synonymous with luxury and style worldwide.
The Embassy of Italy in Malaysia and the Italian Trade Agency threw a vibrant celebration yesterday (7 March) in honour of the enduring elegance, innovation and sustainability synonymous with iconic Italian design principles.
Marking the eighth edition of Italian Design Day, the event was held at the residence of the Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia, His Excellency Massimo Rustico, paying homage to renowned Italian brands such as Ferrari, BARISTA ATTITUDE, iXOOST, Riva from the Ferretti Group and marked the grand opening of the FOPE flagship store in Malaysia.
Through captivating narratives, attendees gained insight into the stories behind these iconic brands, exploring the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines Italian design excellence.
This is highlighted by Flavio Manzoni, chief design officer of Ferrari who, delighted to take part in this Italian Design Day in Malaysia, said, “The Ferrari brand combines tradition and innovation, passion and progress, beauty and driving pleasure – a perfect case in point for today’s topic.”
Manzoni added that Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, said “Those who will come after me have accepted a very simple inheritance – to keep alive the will to progress pursued in the past. For us, this legacy represents a promise which we intend to keep.”
The founders of iXOOST, Giovanni and Matteo Panini, spoke of a similar promise, “We produce luxury BT speakers, where the quality of the materials and the technical know-how merge to create a listening experience that is in perfect harmony with its aesthetics.”
According to the Paninis, it is no coincidence that iXOOST has its origins in the same region where iconic brands have made history in the Italian automotive and motorsport industries. They added, “In fact, every creation is handmade and tailor-made in Modena, the heart of the Italian Motor Valley.”
Speaking on design, technology and innovation, Arnaud Dupuis, Asia manager for the Ryoma group which carries, among others, the BARISTA ATTITUDE brand, presented their range of products, and Shanya Taratikundech, Asia brand ambassador introduced TEMPESTA, official World Barista Championship coffee machine, a cutting-edge technology wrapped in breathtaking design by Adriano Design, Torino.
The Ambassador pointed out, “While Italian brands embrace innovation at every step of the design process, they also bring a sense of luxury, style, and quality to everyday Malaysian life, enriching experiences and reflecting a commitment to excellence that transcends borders. Italian jewellery brands like FOPE are admired for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship. Malaysians often cherish Italian jewellery as heirlooms, passing on the enduring beauty through generations.”
Claudia Piaserico, Head of Design for FOPE, echoed this mastery, “Luxurious yet versatile, comfortable and genderless, minimalist yet refined, FOPE jewellery’s aesthetic revolves around the gold components from which the iconic FOPE mesh was born. Flex’it technology, which makes the jewellery flexible, embodies a cool sense of contemporary elegance. This is jewellery that transcends trends, space and time, to be worn all day, every day”.
In addition to celebrating Italian design heritage, Italian Design Day 2024 shone a spotlight on the sustainability initiatives embraced by Italian brands. Recognising the importance of environmental stewardship, many Italian brands are prioritising eco-friendly practices in their manufacturing processes. From upcycling materials to implementing energy-efficient technologies, these initiatives underscore the commitment of Italian design brands to minimise their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable future.
This is confirmed by Margherita Sacerdoti, Head of Investor Relations & Sustainability for the Ferretti Group who remarked, “Made in Italy design and innovative technology underpin the success of our yachts, with a special focus on sustainable yachting as epitomised by Riva El- Iseo, the first full-electric powerboat that launches the E-Luxury segment.”
Source: Italian Trade Association (Press Release)
