ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Formafantasma Named Creative Directors of Santa Maria Novella

institutional · 2026-09-24

Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi from Formafantasma have been named the creative directors of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which holds the title of the oldest pharmacy in the world, established in 1221. Their selection was influenced by their commitment to a multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on sustainability and materials. Santa Maria Novella is renowned for its rose water disinfectant and Acqua della Regina, created for Catherine de' Medici. The brand preserves its traditional techniques and Neo-Gothic architecture. Formafantasma will manage product development, packaging, communication, retail environments, and events, with a focus on enhancing the brand's heritage. They highlighted the significance of appreciating the knowledge passed down through generations, marking a step forward in Formafantasma's international reach.

Key facts

  • Formafantasma (Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi) appointed creative directors of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
  • Santa Maria Novella is the world's oldest continuously operating pharmacy, founded in 1221 by Dominican friars.
  • The brand gained fame for its rose water disinfectant against the plague and Acqua della Regina for Catherine de' Medici.
  • Formafantasma will oversee products, packaging, communication, retail spaces, and events.
  • The duo were former Wallpaper* Designers of the Year.
  • Their approach emphasizes materials, sustainability, and multidisciplinary work.
  • They aim to build on the brand's history rather than redefine its image.
  • The appointment expands Formafantasma's global footprint.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Formafantasma
  • Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
  • Dominican friars
  • Wallpaper*
  • designboom
  • Medici court
  • Santa Maria inter Vineas church
  • Serpentine Galleries
  • Dezeen
  • Rubelli
  • Kieffer
  • Italmobiliare

Locations

  • Italy
  • France
  • London
  • New York
  • Florence
  • United Kingdom

Sources