A satellite exhibition of the BDNY fair in Manhattan, the lively and surprising show Autentico. Design made in Puglia – staged at the Meatpacking District – celebrated the creative force of this land and its passion for innovation.
“Many of Puglia’s top brands have come together in the heart of New York as ambassadors for our region” says Pasquale Jr Natuzzi, Chief Brand Officer of Natuzzi Italia and Chief Creative Officer of Gruppo Natuzzi. “Our lifestyle and Mediterranean heritage, steeped in tradition and passion, offer an infinite source of inspiration, where every story becomes a design and every design tells a story. This exhibition celebrates not only the products but the rich heritage of Puglia that has established itself on the international stage”.
The exhibition has been organised and developed by the Section for Trade, Craft and the Promotion of International Businesses of the Puglia Region together with Puglia Sviluppo, Archiproducts, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Natuzzi brand with the idea of presenting craftsmanship and tradition combined with an experimental and long-sighted vision, with particular emphasis on materials and sustainability.
“The exhibition showcases Pugliese manufacturing excellence and talent, combined with an authentic combination of innovation, history and tradition, elements that distinguish our region on the world stage”, says Alessandro Delli Noci, Regional Councillor for Economic Development Puglia Region.
Featuring 11 leading brands presented in personalised settings, surrounding by surprising images depicting the natural beauty of Puglia by up-and-coming photographer Piero Perocco. Protagonists at the event include Amura Lab, a young company that creates products inspired by the wonders of southern Italy, with the Lapis modular sofas; Affreschi & Affreschi, a brand dedicated to handmade wall coverings made using high-quality raw materials, presented the Innerline collection.
Bianco Cave di Fato Stone tell the story of their 80 years of experience in quarrying Lecce stone to create products, finishes and architectural products, and Marra Pavimenti with the series Cementine, describe their 70 year history in the sector of floor finishes.
Intricate patterns in steel evoke traditional Pugliese lacework in the vision of Centrino Style presenting in New York with the Donna Carmela and Donna Maria, wall lights while the brand Dimarmo unveiled the Onda chaise longue, sculptural and surprisingly light, made using an innovative technique. The forms of the 1950s have been reworked by Officine Tamborrino with the Nuvola side tables designed by Mario Cucinella Architects.
R.D.D. Italia, specialised in industrial design and high-tech prototyping, presented the Airu modular poufs and Trame di Pietra the Tapis collection characterised by intricate relief patterns and natural tones. Pimar Italian Limestone Specialist welcomed visitors with Arco, a coffee table of architectural inspiration in Pugliese limestone designed by Apospersano while Mitohome’s attention to detail and commitment to carry on tradition exploring new techniques has given rise to the Stone sofa, customisable and modular.
“This exhibition has represented an important step towards our goal of expanding the promotion of Pugliese “Made in Italy” products at a more international level” explains Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Trade Commissioner (Director) Ice Miami, and Vincenzo Mariorano – cofounder and creative director of Archiproducts, who curated the installation – continues, “Just like us, born in Southern Italy and grown to become a global point of reference for architecture and design, this exhibition has showcased the impressive scale and international reach of products connected to our land. If Puglia is our starting point, the world is our destination”.
