Bold new design collections redefine craftsmanship with recycled materials and raw textures
This year’s design exhibitions have showcased bold new collections that rethink materials and craftsmanship. From recycled electronics to raw clay, creators are blending tradition with innovation. Each piece tells a story—whether through texture, sustainability, or unexpected forms.
The works span lighting, tableware, and even handbags, proving that creativity knows no limits when it comes to reinvention. Pietrachiara’s Stardust lighting collection stands out with its suspended aluminium discs, each cradling a glass sphere. The discs appear to float effortlessly, creating an illusion of weightlessness. Over time, the aluminium develops a natural patina, ensuring no two pieces are alike due to the irregular sand grains used in their creation.
Maximilian Marchesani took a different approach with Luminous Branches, weaving discarded materials into striking designs. Smartphone glass, copper, and even dried leaves find new life in these pieces, underscoring the beauty of recycling. The contrast between industrial and organic elements makes each branch-like structure a conversation starter.
Ginori 1735 made waves with two distinct projects. Officina Ultra presents modular clay vessels that stack, transform, and adapt—serving as vases, containers, or portable LED lamps. The raw, unglazed finish celebrates clay’s natural texture. Meanwhile, Florenza offers tableware and decor inspired by spontaneity, with expressive patterns that feel both fresh and timeless.
KOD.objects revisited history with the Echo collection, reimagining classic forms using humble materials like paper pulp and plywood. The result is a series of objects that feel both familiar and modern. Atma’s Sur+Plus project also embraced imperfection, turning surplus fragments into functional pieces that highlight natural fractures and the passage of time.
Luca Nichetto’s Airstone bags brought stone-like textures into everyday accessories. Using XL Extralight technology, the collection mimics the roughness of hand-carved stone while remaining lightweight. Terraformae’s Crudamura system, on the other hand, proved clay’s versatility in contemporary design, offering adaptable solutions without sacrificing authenticity. These collections prove that design can be both innovative and rooted in tradition. By repurposing waste, celebrating raw materials, and reinterpreting classic shapes, creators are pushing boundaries. The results are not just objects but statements—about sustainability, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of thoughtful design.
