by Federica Capoduri.
The passion for detail and the craftsmanship typical of ancient workmanship, combined with the stylistic research of a timeless design: trait d’union of a poetic and design mission devoted to a distinctive style.
The essence of their lighting projects is vain and careful not to have any stylistic labels sewn onto them: graphics, design and fashion come together and Alessandro Poli, CEO and Art Director of Servomuto – a design studio founded in Milan in 2010 – is there In this interview, he tells us about the particular plot. Alessandro Poli with the logo created for Servomuto, photo by Guido Barbagelata.
Already from the name and the logo (an enigmatic mask without a mouth), one can sense the desire to play through symbols and meanings. Tell us about these choices. The Servomuto logo was born from my background as a graphic designer, from the desire to play with the double meaning of the meaning of some words and with the aesthetic crash that is generated when the representation of a word does not coincide with the image of it usually used in the spoke. The valet stand (par excellence) is that object that was very present in the homes of our grandparents, the one on which trousers and shirts rested but “valet stand” is also an image that evokes something more linked to punk and to hardcore. From the play on words, therefore, a sado-maso mask was born which contrasts well with the romantic and charming world of the lampshade. Already from the name and the logo, in fact, one can deduce how contrasts, fun and, sometimes, even chaos are elements that are part of our DNA and which guarantee, incessantly, a source of inspiration, renewal, the ability to generate new codes. The valet stand (par excellence) is that object that was very present in the homes of our grandparents, the one on which trousers and shirts rested but “valet stand” is also an image that evokes something more linked to punk and to hardcore. Dal gioco di parole è nata, quindi, una maschera sado-maso che ben contrasta con il mondo romantico e vezzoso del paralume. Already from the name and the logo, in fact, one can deduce how contrasts, fun and, sometimes, even chaos are elements that are part of our DNA and which guarantee, incessantly, a source of inspiration, renewal, the ability to generate new codes. Flag collection, in the wall version. The primary colors used for the cotton lampshades are reminiscent of signal flags, and the pleated details create an elegant graphic pattern.
What stimulates and fascinates you today? Continuous research, the desire to create objects that cannot be easily placed in one era but which can reflect multiple historical periods, containing multiple codes, the fact that our products are “timeless” fascinates me greatly and nourishes my creativity. And compared to the past? I believe there is a sort of continuity as well as natural evolution in what has been done since the beginning. Aperitif collection, inspired by the atmosphere of the Italian bars of the 1930s, where Campari was drunk surrounded by Depero’s graphics. Embellished with the fine Hermès fabric with the “Perspective Cavaliere Bayadere” geometric print, or with the DEDAR “Babelia” jacquard fabric.
Detail of the fabrics worked in the Giardino collection.
What are the reference points for designing, and what values - or responsibilities – must the project contain? Servomuto has always had a Haute couture approach to design: a more authorial design, where importance is given to ideas, materials, time and the end customer, a conscious and sustainable design, very important concepts at this time, through which waste of raw materials and resources are optimised. A design that seeks to give a soul back to the products, which in addition to being useful and functional must absolutely guarantee durability over time from a practical but also aesthetic point of view: being little subject to current fashions and attempting to immediately become “iconic”. On the left, Easy collection, the Roof suspensions; on the right, the Floor plants, characterized by linear shapes with particular color combinations.
On the left, the Bikini rattan wall light; on the right, Portofino, a collection of ‘umbrellas’ that diffuse the light.
Your lampshades, which recall vintage shapes but are revisited with current touches through colors and textures, weave fabrics through refined manual gestures. Why is Italian craftsmanship so important to Servomuto? From the beginning, all our products are designed down to the smallest detail and handmade, one by one, by skilled Italian artisans with the best materials and techniques in order to be of high quality, capable of lasting over time; for this reason always unique and exclusive. After having lived through an era aimed at globalisation, I believe that the future lies in microeconomics, in knowledge and in handing down ancient crafts, which still manage to guarantee a quality that no machine is able to produce, in the great value of imperfection resulting from human work that manages to generate uniqueness, unrepeatability, intimacy and fill the home with domestic warmth. For everything just said, the production of each Servomuto lamp takes place with the methods, meticulous detail and finishes typical of the tradition of high Italian craftsmanship, with the precision and care that denote the quality of the products entirely Made in Italy, a brand we pride ourselves on. Left, Guinea Wall; on the right, the Haute Couture collection which pays homage to the visionary spirit of Parisian haute couture.
The fan of the Guinea applique.
Is every single element handcrafted? Certain; from the hand-curved iron structures of the lampshades to the pleats and finishes expertly applied by expert seamstresses. Servomuto takes pride in its peculiar pride in “tailor-made” processing and production which deliberately contrasts with the mechanization of the large-scale manufacturing industry. What advantages? This choice allows us to also develop non-catalog products that can respond to the specific needs of customers through a special “custom-made” service. Venus collection, created in collaboration with the designer Serena Confalonieri (in the photo with Alessandro Poli), and exhibited in Alcova Milano during the Fuorisalone 2022. Photo Serena Eller Vainicher.
The Venus collections – in collaboration with Serena Confalonieri – and Segni – with hand-drawn illustrations by Antonio Marras – also indicate the propensity to share the project. How did these contributions come to life? I believe that the strength of design is also that of sharing, the search for balance, contamination, exchange of ideas. There is always a closeness of feeling, from this collaborations, projects and uniqueness are born. Serena is a friend and a designer who commands my great respect; her approach to design and the product, always measured in lines and with a strong chromatic impact, has a strong assonance with the Servomuto DNA which has always been characterized by the ability to combine the lighting part also has an important decorative value and a strong creative irony. The Venus suspensions are freely inspired by the sinuosities and curves of the female body. Just as happens with the human body, the fabric is imagined as a dress to be worn and changed at will, dressing and undressing the forms in a game of seduction. The collaboration with Antonio Marras, however, was born from mutual affection and esteem; a long-standing acquaintance. Segni combines a passion for detail and the craftsmanship of ancient workmanship with poetry, romanticism and the distinctive feature of the inks of the well-known Sardinian designer. Segni, limited edition collection created in collaboration with the designer Antonio Marras who created the ink drawings. Photo of the installation (in the DespiteMarras space in Milan) by Guido Barbagelata.
What are the current trends in decoration? Many realities are rediscovering the value and potential of the territory and the local economy and of cooperation with excellent artisans. As well as the value of the raw materials offered by its territory. Not a real style trend, therefore, but a more ethical and responsible design for what may be possible; a social trend and not an aesthetic canon, given that style is now very contaminated and increasingly personal in both design and customs. Circus Chandelier, with detail on the worked fabrics, takes inspiration from the bohemian chandeliers of noble palaces and luxury homes of the 18th century.
What does “home” mean and what are your essential objects, the ones you can’t give up? Home is the place where you can feel at ease; so, a very personal thing, it’s a feeling. For example, “my” house is an accumulation of objects from the past, the recovery and the fact of being able to own objects full of history has always fascinated me. At the moment I have a sort of obsession/fall in love with 70s ceramics that have filled every little space in my house. Without them I wouldn’t be able to recognize myself. servomuto.it
On the cover, the Venus lamp collection created in collaboration between Serena Confalonieri and Servomuto. Photo by Serena Eller Vainicher.
