From Italy to Malaysia: Celebrating Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability Through Design

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Italy in Malaysia, and the Italian Trade Agency come together to honor Italian Design Day, embracing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability as pillars of excellence.

Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia, His Excellency Massimo Rustico.

On March 7th, 2024, the Italian Embassy in Malaysia along with the Italian Trade Agency celebrated the eighth edition of Italian Design Day. This event honored the timeless style, cutting-edge innovation, and focus on sustainability that are all hallmarks of Italian design. Held at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Malaysia, the event showcased renowned brands like Ferrari, BARISTA ATTITUDE, iXOOST, Riva from Ferretti Group, and marked the opening of the FOPE flagship store.

Italian Design Day 2024 highlighted the rich tradition and cultural impact of Italian design. The meticulous craftsmanship, technological advancements, and unwavering attention to detail, all coupled with an innovative spirit, have cemented the reputation of Italian products as emblems of global luxury and style. Attendees were treated to captivating stories behind these iconic brands, gaining insights into the unique blend of tradition and progress that defines Italian design excellence.

Riva from Ferretti Group

Ferrari interior

Ferrari

Ferrari’s Chief Design Officer, Flavio Manzoni, emphasized this concept, stating, “The Ferrari brand combines tradition and innovation, passion and progress, beauty and driving pleasure – a perfect case in point for today’s topic. Our founder Enzo Ferrari said that those who will come after me have accepted a very simple inheritance – to keep alive the will to progress pursued in the past. For us, this legacy represents a promise which we intend to keep.”

A similar sentiment was echoed by Giovanni and Matteo Panini, founders of iXOOST, who produce luxury Bluetooth speakers. They shared, “We produce luxury BT speakers, where the quality of the materials and the technical know-how merge to create a listening experience which is in perfect harmony with its aesthetics. It is no coincidence that iXOOST has its origins in the same region where iconic brands have made history in Italian automotive and motorsport industries. In fact, every creation is handmade and tailor-made in Modena, the heart of the Italian Motor Valley.”

iXOOST

Arnaud Dupuis, Asia Manager for Ryoma Group, which carries the BARISTA ATTITUDE brand, spoke about design, technology, and innovation. He presented their product range, while Shanya Taratikundech, Asia Brand Ambassador, introduced TEMPESTA, the official World Barista Championship coffee machine. This cutting-edge technology is encased in a breathtaking design by Adriano Design, Torino. The Ambassador highlighted, “While Italian brands embrace innovation at every step of the design process, they also bring a sense of luxury, style, and quality to everyday Malaysian life, enriching experiences and reflecting a commitment to excellence that transcends borders. Italian jewellery brands like FOPE are admired for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship. Malaysians often cherish Italian jewellery as heirlooms, passing on the enduring beauty through generations.”

BARISTA ATTITUDE

FOPE

The enduring beauty and craftsmanship of Italian jewelry was exemplified by FOPE. Claudia Piaserico, Head of Design for FOPE, elaborated, “Luxurious yet versatile, comfortable and genderless, minimalist yet refined, FOPE jewellery’s aesthetic revolves around the gold components from which the iconic FOPE mesh was born. Flex’it technology, which makes the jewellery flexible, embodies a cool sense of contemporary elegance. This is jewellery that transcends trends, space and time, to be worn all day, every day”

Italian Design Day 2024 not only celebrated design heritage but also brought to light the sustainability initiatives embraced by Italian brands. Recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility, many Italian brands are prioritizing eco-friendly practices within their manufacturing processes. From upcycling materials to implementing energy-efficient technologies, these initiatives demonstrate the commitment of Italian design brands to minimizing their environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future. This was confirmed by Margherita Sacerdoti, Head of Investor Relations & Sustainability for the Ferretti Group, who remarked, “Made in Italy design and innovative technology underpin the success of our yachts, with a special focus on sustainable yachting as epitomised by Riva ElIseo, the first full-electric powerboat that launches the E Luxury segment.”