Vito Nesta's collections are built upon principles that involve reconsidering design, living spaces, and the selection and use of objects. These principles emphasise subtraction over addition, fostering heightened awareness and respect for the environment, while also spotlighting Italian excellence and crafts. The collections feature refined items characterised by exceptional materials and intricate decoration, frequently becoming coveted “objects of desire”.

Our interview with Vito Nesta, founder of Grand Tour

What are the important things in your work?

When I launched my brand, Grand Tour by Vito Nesta, I deliberately committed to curating exclusively Italian-made items. I've always firmly believed, now more than ever, that Italy's true wealth lies in its crafts—an expertise that earns global admiration for our skill, production excellence, and the abundance of manufacturers within our borders. Italy boasts numerous artisanal workshops, some tracing back centuries, where traditions have been passed down through generations, achieving a level of production quality unmatched elsewhere. This represents our significant wealth, compelling us to safeguard it by both producing and supporting Italian products.

In your view, what holds significance in today's items and furnishings?

We've long been taught that items ought to be affordable and practical, leading to an accumulation of possessions. Take Ikea, for instance—it provided us with the opportunity to acquire everything we required at a minimal expense, yet it also played a role in homogenising cultural aesthetics. 

In our current times, we're surrounded by an abundance of possessions. When a young person sets up their own space, they often receive everything necessary for daily life from their parents. However, what they truly require are objects that not only possess aesthetic appeal but also narrate compelling stories. 

How do you perceive the evolving trends in home furnishing?

I believe we're facing a profound crisis in the way we approach furnishing our homes, both in terms of taste and exploration. In the past, there was a higher level of expertise, with each item chosen with the intention of lasting. Nowadays, there's a tendency to prioritize price over longevity. The idea of owning the same item for an extended period is often seen as limiting, leading to an accumulation of disposable products and resulting in excessive waste.

Returning to a more deliberate approach—observing and carefully selecting objects amidst numerous options—is crucial. We need to rekindle an understanding of production quality and cultivate greater awareness in our purchasing decisions. It's akin to how our grandmothers used to navigate the market, meticulously choosing among myriad fabric skeins, considering colour, packaging, and material quality before making their selection.

Will you present a new collection at Milano Home 2024? 

I've been acquainted with Alessandro Guerriero for a considerable time; he's the founder of Alchimia, an artist who defines himself as a timeless “designer non-designer”.

Alessandro and I collaborated on a collection merging the historical essence of Alchimia with decorative elements reflective of my own stylistic imprint. This partnership represents a blend, akin to mainstream references like Mina and Blanco or Orietta Berti and Fedez. I believe there should be an increase in such collaborations because they foster growth for both established designers rich in history and experience, and emerging designers. Each brings their unique world and expertise, united by an exchange that transcends generations and redefines a new narrative.