22 June 2015
One of the many initiatives that have sprung up around Expo Milan 2015 is De Gustibus, a small and refined collection of objects of design that has been put together by George M. Beylerian, president and CEO of Design Memorabilia, in collaboration with the Triennale Design Museum. Presented first at the Triennale and then at Palazzo Litta, as one of the fringe events of the Salone del Mobile in 2015, the 32 objects of De Gustibus are on sale at various furniture stores, museum shops, bookstores and e-commerce websites as well as on the website of Design Memorabilia. In addition to the inevitable reference to food, the thread that binds together these examples of Italian design with a high degree of creativity and humor is their low cost (less than 100 euros). They are faithful reproductions of historical pieces, i.e. produced in a manner respectful of the original drawings and sketches, alongside completely new objects created for the occasion. The designers selected are well-known and prestigious names: Ettore Sottsass, Achille Castiglioni, Vico Magistretti, Gae Aulenti, Anna Castelli, Cini Boeri, Andrea Branzi, Alberto Meda, Aldo Cibic, Joe Colombo and Michele De Lucchi, among others. De Gustibus is making the most of an important heritage, in an operation all the more admirable in that it is rooted in the idea that great design can and should be accessible to the general public. After the success of this first venture into the market, Beylerian is already looking for new pieces to bring out.
Dome Candleholder, design di/by Gianfranco Frattini. De Gustibus Collection.
Ping Pong Cocktail Trays, design di/by Vico Magistretti. De Gustibus Collection.
Hands Up Bowl, design di/by Tobia Scarpa. De Gustibus Collection.
Puntino Demitasse Set, design di/by Giulio Cappellini. De Gustibus Collection.
Aulenti Flatware, design di/by Gae Aulenti. De Gustibus Collection.
Squared Circle Bowl (White), design di/by Ettore Sottsass. De Gustibus Collection.
Biscotti Set, design di/by Cini Boeri. De Gustibus Collection.
Icicle Ice Bucket, design di/by Rodolfo Dordoni. De Gustibus Collection.
Clip Candleholder, design di/by Michele De Lucchi. De Gustibus Collection.
Salad Servers, design di/by Thun & Rodriguez. De Gustibus Collection.
Medamade Oil Dispenser, design di/by Alberto Meda. De Gustibus Collection.