Launched in 2015 in Milan Italy, Stories of Italy is a design studio dedicated to realizing unique objects that narrate the archaeological, historical, and cultural heritage of Italy. Specializing in everyday objects—such as dishware, vases, and other tabletop pieces—their unique designs celebrate traditional Italian crafts and materials, such as Murano blown glass and Carrara marble. According to cofounder Dario Buratto, “With our work we try to keep these traditions alive, giving them a place in modernity. With this approach, each object possesses a particular aura, enriched by traditional values and symbolism.”
Stories of Italy made its exhibition debut during Milan Design Week 2015 with the patronage of Dame Vivienne Westwood. Clients thus far include hotels, restaurants, architects, interior designers, and private individuals. In addition to its own line, Stories of Italy also takes on commissions. Special projects to date include two custom works for the Four Seasons Hotel (Florence) in 2016, including a production of 30 mouth-blown, thick-glass Murano Dattero Ametista vases and Bicchiere Ametista, a collection of 300 mouth-blown, Murano drinking glasses inspired by an ancient Roman cup dating back to the first century A.D. The latter is, as of this writing, used daily in the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Palagio.
Cofounders Matilde Antonacci (born in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy in 1981) and Dario Buratto (born in Rovigo, Italy in 1981) first met in Florence in 2000 as fashion design students at Polimoda Institute. After graduating in 2003, they moved together to Milan, where they worked for multiple noted fashion brands, including Helmut Lang, Acne Studio, Costume National, Dsquared2, Ballantyne, Nicole Farhi, and Cerruti. Antonacci’s career as a fashion designer continued for many years, allowing her to work in Milan, London, Paris, and Stockholm. In 2010, Buratto shifted his focus to the practice and teaching of yoga, which led him to travel across Southeast Asia and India. The pair reunited in 2015 to launch Stories of Italy.
