Italian Design refers to all forms of design in Italy, including interior design, urban design, fashion design, and architectural design.

Italian fashion is amongst the world’s most important and influencial. Examples of major Italian fashion houses are: Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Trussardi, Versace, Etro, Max Mara, Fendi, Moschino, Missoni, and Benetton to name a few.

Italy is also very influential in car design. Over the ages, Italian cars have been recognised worldwide for their stylishness and practicality. Famous Italian cars include the Alfa Romeo converitbles of the 1950s, the Ferrari Spider and Ferrari Formula supercars, and the symbolic Vespa Piaggio, which became one of the most fashionable and affordable vehicles in Italy after World War II, being first produced in 1946.

Italy has also produced some of the greatest furniture designers in the world, such as Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass. Examples of classic pieces of Italian furniture include Zanussi’s rigorous, creative and streamlined washing machines and fridges, the “New Tone” sofas by Atrium, and most famously the innovative post-modern bookcase, made by Ettore Sottsass for the Memphis studio in 1981. The bookcase became huge a cultural icon and design event of the 1980s.

When it comes to design, Italians have led the way since Roman times. It has been that way for such a span of time that this ability is more than heritage; it is a bloodline that sees and values the beauty hidden in an object.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)