Cleto Munari reflects on his career and collaborations with design legends in exclusive Artribune interview
In a unique interview with Artribune, Italian designer Cleto Munari unveils his dreamlike home and studio located in the Palladian region. His artistic path commenced in 1973 alongside Carlo Scarpa, culminating in the renowned Argenti collection showcased in Venice. Following a dinner with Enzo Ferrari in 1974, Scarpa encouraged Munari to invest in a distillery, leading to the creation of Grappa Forte. Munari purchased a 300-square-meter residence on the Grand Canal in Venice, designed by Ettore Sottsass and finished in 1980. He also partnered with Porsche on automotive designs and crafted a jewelry line featuring 250 pieces. For 12 years, he provided consultancy to the Rivetti Group. Presently, his nephew Alessandro oversees the family legacy while Munari delves into eyewear, expressing concerns about the oversaturation in design.
Key facts
- Cleto Munari interviewed by Artribune in November 2023.
- Munari's collaboration with Carlo Scarpa began in 1973 and lasted until 1978.
- The Argenti collection was presented in Venice with 300 guests.
- Grappa Forte was founded in 1974 after a dinner with Enzo Ferrari.
- Munari bought a 300 sqm apartment on Venice's Grand Canal designed by Ettore Sottsass in Memphis style.
- He collaborated with Porsche on interior customization.
- Munari created a jewelry collection of 250 pieces by architects including Ettore Sottsass, Mimmo Paladino, Alessandro Mendini, and Richard Meier.
- He consulted for the Rivetti Group (Giorgio Armani, Valentino) for 12 years.
- Munari is now exploring eyewear with acetate, titanium, and carbon.
- His nephew Alessandro is CEO of Cleto Munari.
Entities
Artists
- Cleto Munari
- Carlo Scarpa
- Ettore Sottsass
- Alessandro Mendini
- Philippe Starck
- Gio Ponti
- Marco Zanuso
- Dario Fo
- Alain Mikli
- Lawrence Ferlinghetti
- Mimmo Paladino
- Richard Meier
- Emanuel Ungaro
- Enzo Ferrari
- Alessandro Munari
- Alessia Caliendo
- Lorenzo Marzi
- Gianluca Piovesan
- Nicolò Bassetto
- Nicola Cattelan
- Lorenzo Del Sal
- Giorgia Pietribiasi
- Lorenzo Danesin
- Davide Toaldo
- Lorenzo Zanovello
Institutions
- Artribune
- Harry's Bar
- Porsche
- Rivetti Group
- Giorgio Armani
- Valentino
- Cleto Munari
- Memphis
- Central Saint Martins
- IED Roma
Locations
- Vicenza
- Venice
- Canal Grande
- Settimo Torinese
- Italy