Where do you look to find ideas and inspiration when designing?
I always say that you can find inspiration in everything and everywhere. For me, I really take inspiration from travelling - to take in the sights, the smells, the atmosphere, landscape, colours, nature and shapes of different places is always so inspiring. I’m very curious so I find it easy to take inspiration from many different things.
What are your key tips for selecting an investment furniture piece?
It’s important to buy something that isn’t just fashionable it has to be appealing today, tomorrow and for a really long time. You need to know that what you are buying is quality not only in terms of design but also durability and the materials used. People are always afraid that if they buy a designer product that they will get sick of it in a few years but the idea as a designer is to create timeless products that are contemporary and classic and that people will enjoy for a long time. Always buy what you like but invest in quality products that will stand the test of time.
How do you select which designers and artists to collaborate with?
It comes from my heart and from gut instinct. At Cappellini we work a lot with young designers, if I see a sketch or a product that I love, I’ll start a relationship with that designer. It takes a lot of time to develop a product, it’s a long process to develop something from an idea to a product so you need to make sure you have a strong collaborative relationship.
In a transient expat environment like Dubai what do you believe are the best ways to transform a house or apartment into a home?
Freedom is so important, your home should reflect your culture, your interests and your life. Freedom is the real way to create your own environment.
What architectural styles or eras are you drawn towards?
I like contemporary architects and also the masters of modern architecture especially Ludwig Mies van der Rohe – he was fantastic and so ahead of his time. I also had the experience to work with Gio Ponti for a year when I was at university – it was such a great experience, he taught me so much about details. I also love the Pirelli Tower which he designed.
What interior design styles do you prefer?
For me when it comes to interior design, freedom is so important. My own home is a broad mix of many different things. I have some contemporary furniture, some unique pieces, I collect contemporary art but I also have antiques from the Far East. Interiors today are a culmination of different cultures. People want to live inside a warm atmosphere and colour choices and lighting really help to establish that. For me the ideal interior is a warm, friendly space where you can enjoy your time with family and friends.
Does fashion ever have an impact on what you design? Do you think trends within the fashion industry and interior design industry are closely related?
Yes, fashion and design are closely related, as at the end of the day we are both designing products for end consumers. Design is inspired by fashion in terms of colour, fabric and texture and fashion is inspired by design in terms of shapes. There’s a strong relationship between fashion, design and also art, especially when it comes to colour. Fashion colour trends always impact on colour in design.
Tell us about your new book
My new book is about my dreams, my experiences and my encounters with fantastic people including young designers who are now the stars of design. It’s a book that you can pick up and read at any time – it was so hard to select photographs for I put a question mark on the cover because I’m always looking to the future and seeing what is next.
