Bonds
La Manufacture
What happens when the distinctive French 'je ne sais quoi' meets the unparalleled excellence of Italian craftsmanship?
THE ART OF LAUNCHING A BRAND IN THE CURRENT DESIGN CLIMATE
Starting a brand from scratch was the kind of challenge that excited us. When Robert Acouri offered Luca the position of creative director for an upcoming French design and lifestyle brand in 2019, the answer was an enthusiastic 'Yes.' In early 2020, La Manufacture made its debut on the upscale market with a design collection, a fashion capsule, and a boutique in Paris. Since Luca's role as creative director for the brand concluded in 2022, Wittman continues their creative endeavors leveraging the extensive connections and expertise of Nichetto Studio.A BRAND WITH A SOUL
Creating a soulful brand entailed a relentless pursuit of the best, most unique, and inspiring solutions. Our philosophy blended the beauty of handcraftsmanship with industrial precision and a multicultural spirit. From the project's inception, our core value was to forge connections between creative minds from diverse backgrounds, harmoniously combining their talents.2022 COLLECTION
The 2022 catalog, created collaboratively by a group of multi-talented artists, embodies a composition that pays tribute to the brand's ethos of blending French charisma, Italian savoir-faire, and international creativity. The designers behind La Manufacture's latest design collection include Luca Nichetto, Emma Boomkamp, Todd Bracher, Front, Constance Guisset, Ana Moussinet, Nendo, Neri&Hu, Patrick Norguet, Elena Salmistraro, Marc Thorpe, and Michael Young.In keeping with tradition, our Studio has expanded La Manufacture's repertoire with a new interpretation of the Luized modular sofa, now transformed into an intimate and curvaceous lounge chair.
SITE-SPECIFIC EXHIBIT AT THE POLDI PEZZOLI MUSEUM
For Milan Design Week 2022, we curated an exhibition titled '871 Days: 50 Products, 17 Designers, 1 Color.' La Manufacture's journey over the past 871 days, guided by the vision of Luca Nichetto, gained new significance as it was showcased against the backdrop of the 19th-century frescoed Palazzo Museo Poldi Pezzoli.The exhibition featured a 50-piece collection of objects created by 17 internationally acclaimed designers. These pieces engaged in a visual dialogue with the historical palazzo, resulting in captivating clashes and aesthetic harmonies. Our concept envisioned La Manufacture as a dynamic creative hub, akin to a construction site in progress. In retracing its design evolution and ethos, we selected a single vibrant orange hue, inspired by the orange vests worn by workers, for the new iterations of the brand's iconic pieces featured in the exhibition.
2021 COLLECTION
For the 2021 collection we brought together yet again a strong community of international designers: France’s Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, the Swedish design studio Front, Sebastian Herkner from Germany — for the second time —, Chinese duo Neri&Hu, the Swiss practice atelier oï, Marc Thorpe from the US and the Hong-Kong-based British designer Michael Young.
DESIGNS BY NICHETTO STUDIO
We approached the Creative Direction challenge with utmost seriousness, assuming the dual roles of directors and designers. As part of our 2021 collection, we crafted the Alliè stools, Laison couch, Saint-Rémy seating system, and Val outdoor chairs.2020, THE DEBUT COLLECTION
For our inaugural collection, we assembled a community of renowned international designers, including Oki Sato (founder of design studio Nendo), Ben Gorham (founder of Byredo), Patrick Norguet, Sebastian Herkner, Emma Boomkamp, Todd Bracher, Marco Dessí, and Elena Salmistraro.
DESIGNS BY NICHETTO STUDIO
For our launch, we introduced a collection of six products: the Luizet sofa, Melitea chair, Tima light, Soufflé mirror, Olindias stool, and Pyrite bookshelf. Our aim was to create items with strong individual personalities that could also seamlessly integrate into the brand's multicultural identity.DESIGN CATALOGUE
La Manufacture's first design catalog, art directed by Studio Blanco and photographed by Salva Lopez, was captured inside Milan's Complesso Monte Amiata, a masterpiece by architect Aldo Rossi.FASHION COLLECTION BY LUCA NICHETTO
Leading the creative direction at La Manufacture has allowed us to push the boundaries of our design practice. For SS21, we introduced our first fashion collection, merging fashion and design with a non-seasonal, gender-neutral approach.A NATURAL HABITAT FOR THE COLLECTIONS
Our concept and primary objective for the brand showroom were to create both a metaphorical and physical storefront for the brand. The layout comprises a U-shaped space designed for functionality and intuitiveness, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable immediately upon entry. The showroom features designated areas where visitors can relax, try on clothes, socialize, engage in conversation, and even enjoy a cup of coffee. It aims to provide a casual and welcoming atmosphere, allowing people to simply be themselves and savor the moment.Credits:
CLIENT
La Manufacture
YEAR
2019-2022
La Manufacture
YEAR
2019-2022
OBJECTS
Alliè stool, Laison couch, Luizet sofa, Melitea chair, Olindias stool, Pyrite bookshelf , Saint-Rémy seating system, Soufflé, Tima light, Val chair
TEAM
Atelier oï, Ben Gorham, Chloe Mestrude, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Elena Salmistraro, Emma Boomkamp, Francesco Dompieri, Front studio, Marc Thorpe, Marco Dessí, Massimo Minchio, Michael Young, Neri&Hu, Oki Sato, Patrick Norguet, Sebastian Herkner, Todd Bracher
Alliè stool, Laison couch, Luizet sofa, Melitea chair, Olindias stool, Pyrite bookshelf , Saint-Rémy seating system, Soufflé, Tima light, Val chair
TEAM
Atelier oï, Ben Gorham, Chloe Mestrude, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Elena Salmistraro, Emma Boomkamp, Francesco Dompieri, Front studio, Marc Thorpe, Marco Dessí, Massimo Minchio, Michael Young, Neri&Hu, Oki Sato, Patrick Norguet, Sebastian Herkner, Todd Bracher
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