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Friday Five with Ferruccio Laviani

Born in Cremona, Italy in 1960, Ferruccio Laviani has set quite the name for himself in the design world where it all began after finishing school at I.P.A.L. in 1978. While attending the School of Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano and graduating in 1986, he was also attending Politecnico di Design di Milano for which he graduated from there in 1984. That’s right, two schools simultaneously for two different degrees. Not long after school, he became a part of the collaborative Memphis design movement in the 1980s and 1990s. His skilled eye and unique style helped him play key roles in modern design spreading throughout the international market. Over the years, he’s lent his talent and name to companies like Kartell, Foscarini, Dolce & Gabbana, FLOS, Moroso, Molteni, and many more.

My work has given me the opportunity to live and work in countries including Brazil, USA, and others. I’ve been able to learn from a mix of cultures and bring new influences to my design. Though it is difficult to just choose five, here are few of my influences that inspire the way I work.

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1. People watching
I am inspired by the eclectic vibe and energy of people around the city. I like to observe the way people dress, talk, interact, and move. People watching is an endless source of inspiration and you can understand a lot about the culture of a country by observing people. When I travel I love to discover new behaviors or habits to keep in mind for my next projects.

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2. Music was one of my first and strongest passions.
I worked as a professional DJ at radio stations before I started design school, and I listen to and collect new music every day. I’ve always been inspired by unique album covers, graphics, and talented artists. On my website I have an area called “Oh, my iPod!” which is always updated with the music I listen to. Some of my favorite albums include Settle by Disclosure, Cupid Deluxe by Blood Orange, and Galapagos by Zimmer.

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3. A good art exhibition really influences my design aesthetic.
I mix my furniture designs with art I’ve seen and give them a new shape with my personal style and point of view. My favorite exhibition right now is Daniel Arsham’s astonishing exhibition “The Future is Always Now” at the Perrotin Gallery in Paris.

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4. Cuisine
I love delicious food and a nice glass of red wine. These simple ingredients not only make me feel good, they give me a great artistic energy: the taste, the perfume, the colors, the shape, and the assembly of materials enhance pure creativity.

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5. Sunny days
Whether it is summertime in Tuscany or Puglia, or the countryside in France. The sun recharges my batteries and makes my mind more receptive and awake. I love the light, sensation, and feeling from the sunshine.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.