Swedish designer Gustav Craft wins inaugural Fendi Design Prize with Rome-inspired furniture collection

Gustav Craft, a 25-year-old designer from Sweden studying at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, has clinched the inaugural Fendi Design Prize for his 'Via' furniture collection. This competition, initiated by Fendi's chairman and CEO Ramon Ros, attracted more than 70 submissions from design institutions worldwide. Contestants were tasked with designing living spaces using upcycled Fendi leather or fur, while also reflecting ties to Rome and showcasing superior craftsmanship. Craft's collection, inspired by Rome's sampietrini basalt street stones, includes woven leather seats that echo the stone patterns, sleek steel frames, a rug illustrating an aerial view of Rome, a mirror on a single sampietrino block, and a steel side table. The jury, led by designer Giulio Cappellini, featured notable members like Cristina Celestino and Patricia Urquiola, who selected six finalists that incorporated themes of ancient Roman domestic life and classical architecture. Hailing from Stockholm and with a background in shipbuilding, Craft emphasized leather and aluminum for their durability and minimalist aesthetics, aligning with Rome's legacy in leather craftsmanship. His collection will be manufactured as part of the award.