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ITALIAN DESIGN DAY 2023

March 26, 2023

A celebration that showcases the quality of Italian Designs.

The Italian Design Day marked its 7 th edition at SKY51, EQ Kuala Lumpur on 16 March 2023, an initiated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Italian Trade Agency in more than 100 cities all over the world to set a benchmark, globally to reflect on the capabilities of Italian designs while finding new approaches to innovate sustainably.

Continuing from last year’s successful event conceived by Ambassador Massimo Rustico, industrial experts from world renowned Italian brands were invited to share their know-hows and testimonies to a private audience. Themed, “The quality that lights up. The energy of design for people and the environment”, it highlights the ability to create quality products that combines both aesthetic and functional needs using production processes that respect the environment and people’s health.

Affluent speakers from world-renowned Italian companies were invited, included MASERATI, an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer; ROBERTO CAVALLI, the luxury fashion company; AGUSTA A BRAND BY LEONARDO, the heightened sophistication and technology of the VIP helicopter sector; ROBERTO COIN, Handcraft Italian Fine Jewellery; ICONA DESIGN GROUP, a design company for smart mobility and automotives; LIGHTCRAFT, a leading lighting company for Malaysian homes. Representing many Italian brands; FINCANTIERI, the world’s largest shipbuilding groups in cruise ships and mega yachts besides military vessels.

The event commenced with a welcome by Ambassador Massimo Rustico and his co-host Kavita Sidhu, a Malaysian actress, model and influencer. The first speaker to grace the stage was Franz Cerami, the “Ambassador of Italian Design” in Malaysia, a virtual artist and University Professor. He is renowned to create large digital wall paintings in museums, urban spaces and suburbs all over the world. The union between artistic path and technology is the focal point of his work, using a technique that intertwines with classical painting, digital painting and video mapping. One of the most fascinating parts about his presentation was unveiling his extraordinary work on “Pink City Kuala Lumpur” – a potential virtual aesthetic for Kuala Lumpur’s vertical city.

Klaus Busse, Head of Design for Maserati then took the floor to guide the audience through the exciting world of Maserati and introduced its newest addition, the Maserati Grecale. Presented online, Klaus mesmerised the audience by meticulously explaining its design and visual longevity. 

Recently launched its first flagship store in Southeast Asia at Starhill in Bukit Bintang, Roberto Cavalli’s Brand Manager, Anna Cordini began her session with an introduction about iconic Fashion Brand’s origin and history followed by Arnaud Bazin, Senior Vice President. 

 Manuela Barbarossa, Head of VIP/ Corporate and Services Marketing of Agusta, a brand by Leonardo several videos about the excellence of their helicopters, a global leader in the industry. Agusta and Leonardo brand has the largest market share in Malaysia and continues its growth.

The event continued with world renowned jeweller, Roberto Coin, as he shared his story and his innate love for the world of art and fashion. Their vision is to provide authenticity with the mission to give every woman the freedom to choose a jewel that enhances her uniqueness. His signature design is signed on each one of his pieces is a small ruby casted inside the jewel, in direct contact with the skin of who wears it.

Icona Design shared its innovation techniques and visionary designs especially in the automotive and several more sectors. Enea Colombo, General Manager and Teresio Gigi Gaudio, Chairman and CEO of Icona Design Group shared a detailed process from understanding the market, conceptualising the design and it moves on to development. Icona Design celebrates minimalism and ecology in ensuring zero emissions through design and development.

Complementing this year’s theme “The Quality That Lights Up. The Energy of Design for the People and the Environment”. Sherreen Ho, Project Director, offered a passionate presentation of Lightcraft, a eading lighting company and of the iconic Italian lighting brands that it distributes in Malaysia. This year it celebrates its 61st edition, which will take place from 18 to 23 April 2023.

 Italy is also home Fincantieri, a world leader in cruise ships, besides its renowned production of mega yachts and advanced military vessels. According to Head of APAC Region of Fincantieri, Fabrizio Ferri, it takes three (3) years to build a mega ship from the time the contract is signed to the delivery of the final product. He also highlighted that 70% of the ship’s suppliers are from Italy and this further validates the craftmanship and timeless elegance, are characteristics that make Italy renowned all of the world.

In addition, Chef James Won, owner of Shin Labo, has shared his experience working with Italian products and designs such as Mepra and Pininfarina, the latter being a globally-known player for luxury designs especially for cars.

For more information please visit www.madeinitaly.gov.it/en/