THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT SIMILARITIES
BETWEEN DUTCH DESIGN AND ITALIAN DESIGN
As interior professionals we visit every edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan.
In the first place to get a good impression of the trends for the coming years.
But we also notice that more and more collaborations are emerging between
Dutch and Italian top designers and brands. How come?
Elegant design
In Italy everything seems to be equally beautiful: nature, architecture, art, fashion, food … This country is just a huge open-air museum and ‘beautiful’ is simply in their DNA. In long gone times Michelangelo set the tone for aesthetics. But we did that as well! How about our Dutch Masters painters? And the rise of graphic design, followed by the internationally recognized label ‘Dutch Design’, that was built by a group of Dutch designers, including our globally renowed designer Marcel Wanders with his beautiful label Moooi.
Interviews with both Dutch and Italian designers tell us, that they both think every design should be elegant. This mainly means minimalistic, clean and sleek, but Piero Lissoni prefers to explain elegant as sophisticated, calm and silent.
Highest quality
In addition to design, quality is of great importance to both Italians and Dutch designers. The ‘Made in Italy’ quality label indicates, that the product is both designed, manufactured and packaged in Italy. The Italian are very proud of that, just as we are proud of our label ‘Made in Holland’. In fact, in June there was this the exhibition ‘Made in Holland – a global brand for 400 years’, focused on a number of Dutch success stories, including Delft Blue and Dutch Design. Both the ‘Dutchies’ and the Italians only work with the best materials and no costs are saved when manufacturing is concerned.
Pure craft
Another important similarity is the mere use of professionals who manufacture their products according to traditional methods. The Italian are known to be loyal to and proud of the traditions of their ancestors. And also in the Netherlands there is again a growing demand for products that are made in the traditional way by passionate professionals. Personally we think that is a very nice development!
Now that we have sorted out the 3 most important similarities, we can make the sum: design + quality + craftsmanship = a top product! In the Flinders Design store you will find countless top products that are also very affordable. They regularly organize a SALE and constantly have attractive offers on your (perhaps Dutch or Italian) favorites. See you in Zaandam or online!
