We consider the history of Italian design house Fornasetti, in celebration of a new pop-up shop on YOOX.com
Who? Whether peeking through a forest on a scented candle, or winking mischievously from a porcelain plate, the monochrome Fornasetti woman is instantly recognisable. The Italian brand has become a bit of a luxury cult in recent years, comprising a range of items with an ironic take on the Victorian era, drawn out in masked faces and bejeweled hands. In the spirit of Christmas, Fornasetti is collaborating with YOOX.com for an online pop-up shop featuring everything from crockery to furniture, imbued with the brand’s whimsical illustrated charm and wit.
What? The Fornasetti lady was originally sketched by Italian painter Piero Fornasetti during the mid-twentieth century. She was based on the acclaimed operatic singer Lina Cavalieri, after Fornasetti discovered her face in a 19th century paper. “What inspired me to create more than 500 variations on the face of a woman?” he said. “I don’t know. I began to make them and I never stopped.” He became internationally known for his off-kilter trompe l'oeil motifs, creating over 11,000 during his lifetime. These days, Fornasetti’s wayward woman is accompanied by whimsical palms, wide-eyed owls and flowers – an enchanting collection of decorative objects including candles, crockery, wallpaper, clocks and furniture, the design led by Piero’s son, Barnaba Fornasetti.
Why? The Fornasetti pop-up is not the only exciting thing happening on YOOX.com at the moment. True to its heritage – founder Federico Marchetti hails from Bologna – the company is celebrating a very Italian Christmas this year, or rather Yooxmas, as they phrase it. They have launched a range of products linking to Venice, including striped T-shirts which channel Venetian gondoliers and an exclusive capsule collection by MSGM. YOOX.com is also spreading good will to all men, offering couture aprons designed by Vivienne Westwood, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana, with all proceeds benefitting the SlowFood foundation.
View the Foransetti pop-up shop on YOOX.com now.
Words by Mhairi Graham
