New Italian Design Brands Emerge at Salone del Mobile 2016

A wave of small Italian design companies, often founded by designers themselves, is gaining momentum. Pioneered by Giulio Iacchetti's Interno Italiano, these brands leverage online platforms to sell artisanal, made-in-Italy objects. New entries include Portego, Bottega Nove, Karpeta, Texturae, and JPC. Designer Alessandro Zambelli, winner of the Premio Nazionale per l'Innovazione 2015, Premio per l'Innovazione ADI 2014, and Interior Innovation Award 2015, is involved with Portego and Texturae. Other designers include Ilaria Innocenti, Serena Confalonieri, and Livio Ballabio. Portego, founded in 2014 by Flavia Testi and Stefano Rossi, focuses on Veneto-inspired products combining craftsmanship with digital prototyping. Eligo, developed by Segno Italiano (Alberto Nespoli, Domenico Rocca, Leo Prusicki), debuted at Salone del Mobile 2016, emphasizing local craft archetypes. Bottega Nove specializes in ceramic mosaics and tiles with precious materials. Karpeta (founded 2006) and Texturae produce luxury rugs and wallpapers. JPC, launched by Livio Ballabio in 2015 with art direction by CTRLZAK Studio, debuted at Milan Design Week 2016, featuring products like the Orauro sofa by Emanuele Magini.