ACERBIS
The Italian stalwart is embarking on an exciting new era, thanks to a creative shake-up and a judicious delve into the brand’s past
‘Acerbis has a great history – the brand has marked many milestones in the Italian design scene,’ says Francesco Meda, who along with David Lopez Quincoces, was appointed creative director of the family-run furniture firm last year. They’ve certainly taken on a legacy. Founded in 1870 and now in its fourth generation, it’s one of just a handful of firms to have exhibited at Milan’s Salone del Mobile from the very beginning, presenting new designs at every edition. After being acquired by MDF Italia in 2019, the brand celebrated 150 years in 2020 with the unveiling of the new creative director duo’s debut collection. Appropriately enough, they had turned to the archive, resurfacing forgotten gems by a roll call of Italy’s most trailblazing designers — among them Vico Magistretti, Nanda Vigo, Gianfranco Frattini and Mario Bellini.
‘When we started to look at the archive, we realised that there were some really beautiful pieces, never launched but with an extremely contemporary aesthetic as well as great commercial potential,’ Meda explains, pointing to pieces such as Nana Vigo’s 1994 ‘Storet’ storage pieces, particular favourites of his, with their seductive combination of glossy lacquer and fine cabinetry. ‘We were fascinated by Acerbis’ golden years, when innovative mechanisms and lacquering processes were a fundamental part of the company’s DNA.’
Subsequently, these signature elements play a starring role in the collection, which highlights designs dating from the mid 70s to the late 90s – some of them shockingly ahead of their time. Although pieces were left largely unchanged, a few tweaks were required to bring the collection together and up to date, says Quincoces: ‘We’ve reinvigorated the originals by giving them more contemporary proportions and a gritty colour palette inspired by vintage cars of the 70s.’
Other showstoppers include Gianfranco Frattini’s ‘Maestro’, a table with an intricately cut-out base and central bridge, which recalls traditional Japanese architecture and Roberto Monsani’s louche 1974 ‘Life’ sofa, a low-slung modularmarvelsodaringforitsdaythatMonsanineversawitinserialproduction.
With their tenure off to a stellar start, the partnership has proved to be an inspired move on Acerbis’ part: ‘We trust each other and work very well together, thanks to our two different approaches,’ explains Quincoces, whose architectural background complements Meda’s product-first focus. Looking ahead, the duo have plans to continue delving into the back catalogue, while adding some originals of their own: ‘In order to continue the brand’s avantgarde vision, it’s necessary to introduce projects not only from us, but other new designers,’ says Quincoces. Going by the evidence so far, it seems that Acerbis may well be about to enter a second golden age (acerbisdesign.com).