What is Italian Design? 

Hello to you lovely readers!

We, the writers of this article, have lived in Rome for more than 15 years. We are a family who all studied Design in Rome, and to top that our parents were all architects who also studied in Italy about 45 years ago!

Now Imagine the love and passion we have for Italian Design.
We want to talk about Italian Design styles with you, go through different forms and kinds, and identify big personalities in Design together.

We have each carefully taken care of different sections of this article for you so you can learn all about Italian interior, industrial, automobile, and fashion design and designers.

We hope you enjoy this article as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you.

What is Italian Industrial Design?

Italian industrial design was born between the first and second World Wars, with the Biennale di Monza founding in 1930 and the Milan Triennale in 1933 between the first and second world Wars.  

Industrial designers began to focus on creating crafts that focused on ‘form’ as well as ‘function.  The designers aimed to maintain a balanced relationship between the form, appearance, sensory element, weight, volume, and function of an object in more detail at the same time. 

“We have more imagination, more culture, and are better mediators between the past and the future”

Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Italian architect

Among the main features of the movement was the attempt to create a style that was free of class barriers.

Italian industrial design has traveled throughout the twentieth century, leaving its imprint on how the shape of everyday objects is recognized in contemporary industrial society. 

Italian industrial design is applied to all different fields such as furniture, lighting design, automotive design, yacht design, etc.… and leads to a better quality of life through innovative products, systems, experiences, and services.

This movement provides an optimistic way of looking at the future by seeing problems as opportunities.

“True innovation is the fruit of a single mind.”

Marcello Gandini, Italian car designer

 What is Italian Automobile Design?

Italians are known for their attention to detail and mastery of craft and that includes high-quality automobiles. 

Italian cars are designed to provide emotion and an experience rather than provide just transportation. Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Fiat are some examples of Italian well-known automobile brands. Italian cars are associated in the world’s mind with speed and luxury. 

People behind the production of these names are the ones who use their imagination and creativity to move the art and science of automobile making forward. 

Pininfarina, Zagato, Bertone, Italdesign Giugiaro, and Carrozzeria Ghia are the five big design houses behind the design of iconic Italian car brands. Their designs make up the majority of anyone’s “best-looking cars” list. 

Italy has a long history of pleasing automotive aesthetics that can be traced down back to the Renaissance and the country’s artistic heritage. Da Vinci’s cart is considered the first concept car ever. 

The passion for fast and beautiful cars runs very deep among Italians. To Italians, cars are part of the culture and incorporate both elegance and tradition. 

Cars are no different than fashion, food, art, women, or architecture. Italian car designs express a deep passion for quality, beauty, and elegance.

It officially started when the first small car was invented by Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino – known as Fia in 1899. Since then, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ferrari have continued to set the standard of car design. 

In 1925, the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio compared the Fiat 509 to a beautiful woman for its elegance, tenderness, and its ability “to pass every roughness with ease.” 

“It’s pretty much pointless to compare Italian and American sports cars”, Pucciarelli said, noting “It is like comparing hamburgers to a proper Pasta Bolognese. They will both fill you up, but one is fast food and the other is a dining experience.”

The fast side of Italian culture and cars

The lifestyle in Italy is relaxed, which comes as a shock to many foreigners. 

There’s no rush at lunch, and in the afternoons, all the shops and restaurants close down, so everyone can go home and rest before going back for the second half of the day. 

This slow and easy life has one exception: Italian cars. Italian drivers love speed. 

The most legendary Italian automobiles

The Alfa Romeo automobile company started in 1910 and they began mass-producing small cars after World War II. 

Then we have Enzo Ferrari, which probably came up with the most well-known Italian sports car. 

Ferrari started as Alfa Romeo’s racing cars before they broke off on their own in the 1930s. 

The cars were very successful in Formula One racing, and they started manufacturing road vehicles in order to financially support the racing venture.

Fiat is more suitable for consumers who are seeking smaller cars. It has been named the European Car of the Year 12 times and has a huge presence in countries outside of Italy. 

Then we have the story of the luxurious Lamborghini. 

Lamborghini was created by a former World War II mechanic named Ferruccio Lamborghini who owned a successful tractor-building company. 

Ferruccio eventually found himself wealthy enough to buy luxury automobiles like some of the other brands mentioned. Later, he aimed to build the perfect grand touring automobile, and the Lamborghini 350GTV was born.

The Lamborghini motor company eventually faced a financial crisis and was purchased by multiple foreign companies, but the vehicles are still proudly made in Italy.

Maserati is another namesake Italian car company founded by three Maserati brothers, whose workshop first built only race cars and later on began manufacturing road cars as well. 

The company has been bought and sold several times, once even to Chrysler, and more than once to Fiat.

To conclude, there’s no denying that the Italians have consistently produced the best-looking cars. And let’s not forget that auto brands from around the globe (England, Germany, Japan, and even America) have always come to the Italians for their automotive design and expertise.

“It wasn’t an architect or a designer who invented objects, but an artisan.”

Giorgetto Giugiaro, Italian automotive designer

What Defines Italian Design?

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

What is considered “Bel Design” and “Linea Italiana”?

The phrases “Bel Design” and “Linea Italiana” entered the vocabulary of furniture design in Italy during the 1960s and early 1970s. 

It started with Italy’s economic boom and ended with the oil crisis and industry-critical anti-design movements. 

The typical characteristics of Bel Design were innovative experimentations with the use of elegant materials and some collaborations with the plastics industry.

Examples of Bel Design were many classics such as:

Plia, Giancarlo Piretti’s Plexiglas folding chair for Castelli (1968), 

Joe Colombo‘s chair for Kartell (1968) (model 4867)

Selene, Vico Magistretti‘s plastic chair for Artemide (1969)

Divisumma 18, Mario Bellini’s calculator for Olivetti (1972)

In the post-war era, Bel Design from Italy became a synonym for modern and aesthetic furniture design. It stood for innovation.

The center of this development of modern furniture design was Milan.

“I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future.”

Gianni Versace, Italian fashion designer

What is the Rationalism style? 

Italian rationalism (Architettura razionale or rational architecture) is an architectural style and movement which was mostly developed in the 1920s and 1930s. 

It is inspired by the scale, structure, and symmetry of ancient Roman architecture, but without the embellishment and ornamentation associated with the styles of classicism and neoclassicism. 

The ideology was embraced in 1926 by a group of architects named Gruppo 7. Their ideology set out to produce logical buildings. 

These buildings were elegant in an understated way – that sought a balance between the excesses of neoclassicism and the sterility and destruction of futurism. 

The young members of Gruppo 7 were Luigi Figini, Guido Frette, Sebastiano Larco, Adalberto Libera, Gino Pollini, Carlo Enrico Rava, and Giuseppe Terragni. 

The Italian rationalism manifesto called for an architecture movement with openness, logic, and order, following some of the ideas of Le Corbusier, but they also expressed rhythm and classical proportions in a tribute to history.

What is Italian Fashion Design?

Fashion has always been a part of Italy’s cultural life and society. Italians are famous for their attention to dress in style. Good appearance ( la Bella figura ) has (retains) traditional importance.

Italy is one of the leading countries in fashion design, alongside France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. 

Italian fashion became prominent during the 11th to 16th centuries, when

Cities such as Rome, Palermo, Venice, Milan, Naples, Florence, and Vicenza started to produce luxury goods, hats, cosmetics, jewelry, and rich fabrics at the peak of artistic development in Italy during the 11th to 16th centuries.

We’ve all seen the most generalized concept is “Made in Italy”, which links to a merchandise brand expressing excellence of creativity and craftsmanship.

Italian luxury goods are known (renowned) for the quality of the textiles and the chicness (elegance) and the refinement of their construction. 

Many high-top luxury brands (such as Chanel, Dior, and Ralph Lauren) also rely on Italian craft factories, located in highly specialized areas in Naples and in the center-north of Italy (Tuscany, Marche, Veneto, and Piedmont), to produce parts of their apparel.

Why is Italian Fashion among the world’s most important Fashion Designs?

Italian fashion is among the world’s most important fashion designs in the world for its high-quality craftsmanship, sharp tailoring, and luxury designs since the 11th century. The manufacturing and export of fashionable items are an integral part of the country’s economy.

Why Milan is considered the true fashion capital of the world?

Milan is without a doubt the capital of Italian and international fashion. The fashion capital is the perfect place for fashionistas and industry enthusiasts.

Since the Middle Ages and Renaissance Milan, Venice, and Florence became the center of fashion. 

Milan as the fashion capital of the world has continued to be a prominent industrial city until this day. 

Designers turn to this Italian fashion mecca for its trend-setting status and its manufacturing connections. 

As a fashionista, you can get lost in Quadrilatero d’Oro (the golden rectangle) which is the world’s most famous shopping district filled with the fashion industry’s biggest names and boutiques. 

The golden rectangle has been named because the boutiques are limited to four streets – Via Monte Napoleone, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Venezia.

Via Monte Napoleone above all is considered one of the most expensive and prestigious streets in the world. Its name dates back to 1804, the time of Napoleon’s rule. 

Milano Unica is a trade fair that is also a must-see event for any fashion enthusiast. 

This fair is dedicated to clothing and accessories made in Italy and Europe, and it is a unique opportunity to see the most exclusive designs in the fashion world as well as upcoming designers. 

Another Milan important fashion event is the quintessential bi-annual event or the (Milan Fashion Week). 

An unmissable event for all fashion lovers and industry professionals. The collections are at the September-October and February-March editions. 

Last but not least, is the MICAM, the leading footwear exhibition where you can fix your eyes on next year’s collections. You can attend this exhibition in March.

“To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.”

Giorgio Armani, Italian fashion designer

What is Italian style fashion?

Well, it may come as a surprise to you that there is not a certain, well-defined, type style that we can introduce to you as the Italian style fashion. 

Italian style staples range from flirty to edgy, tailored to loose, and casual to elegant. However, be it a sleek leather skirt or the boldest party dress, Italian fashion is always elevated and easy.

 What are Italian most important brands well known for?

Armani is well known for its minimalism and sophisticated style. 

Versace for its exaggerated, lavish and ultra-luxurious lines. 

Gucci for its symbolic chicness and style. 

Prada for its glamor and glitz. 

Valentino for its supreme elegance

Dolce & Gabbana for its outrageous dresses

Moschino for its smart/casual outfits and T-shirts.

Who are The Most Famous Italian Fashion Designers? 

Gianni and Donatella Versace

Roberto Cavalli

Guccio Gucci

Emilio Pucci

Mario and Miucci Prada

Giorgio Armani

Salvatore Ferregamo

Valentino Garavani

Ricardo Tisci

Gianfranco Ferre

Alberta Ferretti

Frida Giannini

Alessandro Michele

Adele and Edoardo Fendi

Franco Moschino

Nicola Trussardi

What is Italian Interior Design?

Italian interior design is well known for being a combination of rustic architecture with modern furniture. 

Most Italians keep the character of old buildings while combining them with modern furniture, this creates a mix of rustic and contemporary styles.

Modern interpretations of Italian design are minimal and sleek. 

Traditional Italian designs are natural, organic, and material heavy.

What is the Italian interior design style?

Historically, Italian interior design and architecture date back to the early 15th Century in Florence.

Interior design in Italy is very much dominated by architectural stone columns and elegant baroque styling. 

Fast-forward to today’s Italian-Style homes, and you will still see amazing craftsmanship and stunning styles.

Old World Italian homes have walls with Decorative molding with trim around doors and windows, Murano crystal chandeliers hanging from paneled ceilings, floors covered in marble tiles or glossy wood, and lavish rugs laid on them for added comfort. 

Choosing everything of the greatest quality and of supreme elegance is a must, and the Gilt style accompanied by Crystals, glass, marbles, and mirrors can be seen a lot. 

Add Terracotta tiles if rustic interior design is more interesting for you.

Old World Italian style may sometimes seem over the top to those who prefer a more minimalist approach to decorating. So, let’s take a look at a more modern style interior design style that has a place in Italian homes these days too.

The furnishing is less ornate but the same level of luxury remains through the exceptional quality used. The interior is minimal but you will find an unexpected shiny accessory or a crystal chandelier used. 

Even modern minimal Italian homes have a touch of luxury design through shiny lacquered kitchens, sculptural chandeliers that are still draped in glass crystals, and elegant furniture that continues the tradition of high quality. 

Italy is a world trendsetter and has produced some of the greatest furniture designers in the world, such as Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass. (We will talk about these designers later in this article)

What is Tuscan Interior Design?

Tuscan interiors take inspiration from elements of nature. 

Crumbling stone walls, intricately constructed iron accessories, rustic stone farmhouses, marble flooring, and strong hardwood furniture are elements of this decorating style.

Home decorated in Tuscan style has a rustic, sunbaked look portrayed by crumbling stone patios, simple and firm furnishings with chic iron accents, terra-cotta tiles, textured wall finishes, elegant, detailed murals, and trompe l’oeil designs.

“The most resistant element is neither cement, nor wood, nor stone, nor steel, nor glass. The most resistant material in construction is art.”

Gio Ponti, Italian architect

What is Rustic Italian Design?

Rustic Italian emphasizes pairing polished elements and smooth textiles against natural rough surfaces to create a dramatic design impact through significant textural contrast. 

The sun-soaked color scheme in rustic Italian style creates a warm, welcoming environment with a charm.

Rustic interior design has a natural, rough, aged, and casual design style. 

The category is broad and includes variations, like Tuscan, coastal, cottage, and modern rustic. Regardless of the type of variation, rustic style highlights rough, natural beauty.

Who are some Italian interior design icons?

10 Icons Of Italian Design

Alessi

Alessi founded by Carlso Alessi is a leading producer of kitchen design. 

This family-run business started in 1921 by producing cooking utensils and fine metal cutlery. Alessi creates the most innovative kitchen designs and is considered one of the archetypes of ‘Italian Design Factories’ until this day.

Ettore Sottsass

Born in Austria in 1917 but raised in Milan, Sottsass is another icon of Italian design. 

He is known for redefining office design by using a combination of exciting forms, bright colors, and unique styling. 

His company called Memphis group initiated the use of fluorescent colors, irregular shapes, and slick surfaces. These elements became characteristics of post-modernism.

Boffi

An iconic interior design firm whose name is synonymous with innovation and excellence in kitchen and bathroom design. 

Pierro Boffi founded his company in 1934 as a craftsman-led company, and since then he has had the greatest success in the world of contemporary interior design.

 Fornasetti

Piero Fornasetti is a designer of more than 11,000 products. 

This Milanese icon was a painter, sculptor, interior decorator, and book engraver whose production of objects and furniture is the most varied and largest of the 20th century. 

He created a graphic vocabulary that is simply known as Fornasetti. This visual vocabulary uses colorful and playful designs, and the imagery always includes an element of surprise and wit.

Giorgetto Giugiaro

Italian car design icon Giorgetto Giugiaro is one of the biggest names in the profession. 

He was a technical designer who founded ‘Ital styling’ in 1967 and was involved in the design of some of Italy’s most exotic cars, such as the Alpha Romeo ‘Alpha sud’ in 1971.

Jannelli & Volpi

Established in 1961 by Oreste Jannelli with his wife and his cousins, Jannelli & Volpi, or J&V is an Italian market leader in wallpaper and furnishing fabrics and produces textiles and wall coverings that are for high-quality interiors. 

They made their debut at the ‘Maison & Objets’ exhibition in Paris.

Giò Ponti

Considered to be one of Italy’s most important designers Gio Ponti is an architect, industrial designer, furniture designer, and publisher who made his debut at the first Biennial Exhibition of the Decorative Arts in Monza in 1923.

Later he became involved in the organization of the Triennial Exhibitions of Monza and Milan. His most recognized building is the Denver Art Museum which was completed in 1971.

Cassina

Cassina founded by Cesare and Umberto Cassina is another Italian design company pioneer in Industrial design.

The company has been elevating the quality and exposure of design by stretching the limits of possibilities with the availability of new materials and faster methods of production.

Cesare ‘Joe’ Colombo

Joe Colombo, a painter, and an architect have created some of Italy’s most iconic product designs. 

Highly experimental with plastic and other new materials, his designs have a classic ‘futuristic’ look. His clients include Alessi, Zanotta, and Boffi.

Zanotta

Zanotta, Founded by Aurelio Zanotta is one of the recognized leaders in Italian Industrial Design. 

The company has a place on the international design stage, due to its exciting products that are known for being technologically advanced yet stylistically formal. 

Who is the best modern Italian interior designer?

CRISTINA CELESTINO

DIMORE STUDIO

MARCO PIVA

MATTEO NUNZIATTI

PATRICIA URQUIOLA

STUDIO PEPE

“When you’re criticized for something, it’s best to wait two or three years and see.”

Gae Aulenti, Italian architect and designer

Who are the best  Italian Interior Designers You Need To Follow On Instagram?

Here are five Italian interior designer accounts to follow to get inspired by creativity:

ps + a palomba serafini associati @palombaserafini

Matteo Thun @matteothun

Arper @arper_official

Elisa – Easy Relooking  @easyrelooking

Achille Salvagni @achillesalvagni

Is Italy a good place to study design?

Italy is a historical leader and current trendsetter, home to the most famous fashion and design brands. 

This beautiful country has been a leader and a protagonist of movements that had an impact on art and design at the national and international levels, such as futurism, rationalism, and the Novecento Italiano. 

Italy also hosts prestigious international events and fairs such as MIFUR (International Leather & Furs Exhibition), Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair), Milano Unica (International Italian Top-end Textile Fair), Homi (International Home Show), and Milan Fashion Week. The country offers excellent design and fashion academies in different cities.