Antonio Aricò: Honoring Heritage Through Design

It is our great honor to showcase a diverse array of designers at our events, each bringing unique perspectives and approaches to their craft. Among them, Antonio Aricò stands out for his ability to merge cultural identity and nostalgia, weaving deeply personal stories into his innovative designs. At BIG Design Ljubljana 2024, we were delighted to share the story of Antonio Aricò, an Italian designer whose work seamlessly intertwines nostalgia, cultural identity, and modern functionality.

Antonio Aricò’s design journey is a testament to the power of storytelling through objects. As he eloquently put it, “Italy is not a country; it is a sea of stories. Its imaginary is an interweaving of infinite stories that unite the north to the south and the west to the east.” One of the pivotal moments in his career was returning to Calabria after studying in Milan, where he began collaborating with his grandfather, a master carpenter. This experience deeply influenced his approach to blending traditional craft with contemporary design.

Born in Calabria, Southern Italy, Antonio draws deeply from his heritage, transforming cultural memories into meaningful, contemporary designs. His creation, La Mattutina, exemplifies this philosophy. Designed for Mulino Bianco, part of the Barilla Group, this playful coffee maker not only brews coffee but also heats milk or other beverages.

For a generation of children, Mulino Bianco products were iconic—there wasn’t a child who didn’t recognize their distinctive branding. These products, with their playful designs and comforting flavors, sparked joy and became treasured symbols of simpler times, directly influencing Antonio’s approach to creating designs that evoke warmth and familiarity. This deep cultural resonance makes Antonio’s work on La Mattutina even more impactful, as it taps into a collective nostalgia while bringing a fresh perspective.

The new design for La Mattutina reinterprets, with great respect, the cherished tradition of Mulino Bianco, embodying both innovation and reverence. This fresh aesthetic balances a modern visual language with the heritage that Mulino Bianco has cultivated over the years. Antonio masterfully navigates the delicate interplay between honoring a beloved legacy and adapting to the evolving tastes and expectations of today’s consumers. Through La Mattutina, Mulino Bianco remains true to its roots while evolving gracefully, reaffirming its place as a timeless favorite in the hearts of its audience.

“Italy is not a country; it is a sea of stories.
Its imaginary is an interweaving of infinite stories
that unite the north to the south
and the west to the east.” .”
Antonio Aricò

Antonio’s design ethos is guided by themes of identity, artcraft, culture, irony, dream, nostalgia, and fun. These values shine through in his collaborations with renowned brands such as Moooi, Dolce & Gabbana, and Seletti. For Moooi, he crafted a carpet inspired by Calabrian mosaics, blending heritage with modern aesthetics. His collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana for Milan Design Week resulted in a Sicilian Baroque-style greenhouse—a vibrant yellow structure inspired by the landscapes and architecture of Southern Italy.

Another standout project is Antonio’s terracotta collection for Seletti, inspired by the Magna Graecia culture of Calabria. Through countless sketches and a commitment to honoring traditional craft, Antonio breathes new life into historical motifs, making them relevant for today’s audiences.
Antonio Aricò’s work is a reminder that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality. His designs capture the essence of Italian heritage, transforming everyday objects into meaningful experiences. “Design should inspire joy and connect us to our roots,” he shared during his presentation at BIG Design Ljubljana 2024. It’s about storytelling, connection, and transformation. Through his creations, he invites us to dream, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of cultural identity in a modern world.

We invite you to delve deeper into Antonio Aricò’s unique vision and hear his personal reflections by watching his full presentation from BIG Design Ljubljana 2024, available in the attached video.