5 questions with Ambassador of Italy to India H.E. Mr. Vincenzo de Luca

Craftsmanship, quality and tradition are the pillars of Italian design representing its strength and essence while always looking toward the future. They possess an unspoken ability to espouse functionality and beauty together which can be witnessed through the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano. 

On the occasion of Italian Design Day the Embassy of Italy in India hosted a conference to present the next edition of the Salone del Mobile 2022. The event was opened by Ambassador Vincenzo de Luca who unveiled the  theme of the 2022 edition of the Italian Design Day—Re-generation: Design and new technologies for a sustainable future.

In an exclusive conversation with ELLE DECOR India, Ambassador Vincenzo de Luca talks about design, Salone and the future of Indian-Italian ties—

Owing to the current circumstances we’re living in, what do you think should be a priority for designers all over the world?

 Designers around the world have the important task to respond to the growing demand of higher quality of life and sustainability of the environment. They are challenged with the need to constantly improve the quality of living in the cities and create more efficient and green living conditions for people both indoor and outdoor. This task requires a fond respect of the environment but at the same time cannot underestimate consumers’ needs for a beautiful and functional lifestyle.

How has your perspective on design evolved or changed over the years?

The evolution of design is something that occurred globally. Italy however was a pioneer of the design revolution as it was the first country to develop consumer friendly products, without ever giving up on aesthetics. The generation of Italian designers made sure that the products would not compromise their functionality and at the same time were made beautiful and often with an artistic expression.

What surprises does the 60th edition of Salone hold for us? What can we expect…

This edition of the Salone del Mobile will be the first in presence after the years of the pandemic. It will be a moment of “regeneration” of the debate on design and lifestyle. I am confident that this year’s edition of the Salone del Mobile will be a great success, building also on the successes of the earlier editions. In the days of the Salone, Milan became the centre of the debate on design and one of the most important hubs for the exchange of ideas and creativity.

Have you heard or seen the work of any Indian designers? Anyone’s work that particularly impressed you?

Indian design is impressive. I can say that I appreciate the diversity of approaches and styles by the various Indian designers and the fact that, very much like Italy, their work is often the result of tradition and specific craftsmanship related to a certain location or part of the country.

One of my favourite Italian designers is Ettore Sottsass, who was very much inspired by India. In fact Sottsass’s affair with India, punctuated by nearly annual trips and outpourings of creative work, is well known. What inspired part of  his work was the architecture and colours of South India.

What role does sustainability and environmentally conscious design play in the current scenario?

Sustainability is a challenge the whole world is facing. Italy is a leader for its efficient use of resources in manufacturing processes, including in the design industry. More than 345,000 Italian companies (about a quarter of the total) invest in the green economy, that is to say in products and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact, saving energy and containing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, Italian performance draws its strength from the very essence of the “Made in Italy”, capable of creating economic value from intangible assets such as design, innovation and quality. There is still a lot to be done to tackle climate change but Italy and Made in Italy is certainly doing their part.