The young Italian designer reflects on the good life

This week’s story Simple Pleasures celebrated exceptional homewares from Italy. Continuing in the same spirit, we reached out to ever-original, rising-star Italian designer Matteo Cibic. The curious objects generated by Cibic’s creative studio are spirited and playful—a surprising combination of futuristic and childlike—but always incredibly well crafted. (Maybe this idiosyncratic design thinking runs in the family; his uncle is the renowned Aldo Cibic, one of the founders of Memphis Group).

Roger & Kane, Superego Editions

Domsai XXL, Bosa Ceramiche

With work that represents such a distinctive point of view, we knew Matteo would have an interesting take on simple pleasures and the well-lived life.

“Luxury is living in a sunny country, where you can eat fresh and tasty vegetables and meats, and appreciate and be inspired by the shapes of organic fruits. Luxury is going to the greengrocer and having a chat about how best to cook aubergines, choosing from five different varieties of apples, then going to the bakery and the butcher to do the same. Luxury is having time to work with your hands in ceramic and wood workshops, and spending quality time with humble and generous people who like to turn dreams into reality.”

Matteo Cibic, photo © Davide Gallizio

He adds, “I believe this world is becoming very small, boring and flat. City centers are turning into malls, with the same shops selling identical products; the interiors of houses are starting to look all the same, with undistinguishable, cheap furniture that falls apart after only a few years. I believe that my role is to design remarkable, hybrid objects that will last in the future.”

Essence Bells from Nipple Ceremony by Matteo Cibic & Antonio Piccirilli. Photo © Alvise Guadagnino

Decanter and Burner from Nipple Ceremony by Matteo Cibic & Antonio Piccirilli. Photo © Alvise Guadagnin