Excellence and elegance are among the qualities that have always defined Italy’s identity around the world. To honor this invaluable heritage, the Grand Tour by Milano Home takes shape, journeying through Italy’s regions to celebrate high-quality craftsmanship—a treasure trove of skills and traditions that narrate the country’s past and, perhaps more importantly, its future.
We continue this first stop, dedicated to discovering the remarkable artisans who work with glass, one of the materials most closely tied to our craft traditions, a subject we explored at the beginning of this Grand Tour.
This time, we are introduced to the work and passion for this ancient and refined material through KANZ, a brand that combines the technical rigor of design with timeless artisanal mastery, and Giovacchino Barni, whose roots lie in Tuscany's ancient manufacturing tradition, preserving artisanal knowledge for over a century.
KANZ emerged from the experience of Antonella Maione and Mauro Cazzaro at the multidisciplinary design studio KANZ Architetti, founded in Venice in 2014, spanning from architectural design to product design.
Just two years later, KANZ was born from the idea of complementing design work with close collaboration with artisans open to innovation, enriching each project with the stories, techniques, and methods of traditional craftsmanship.
New Generations: How do you ensure continuous innovation and the future of a craft requiring such mastery, specialization, and creativity?
In product design, we work closely with artisans. It is essential for us to learn their history, techniques, and methods, and equally vital that they are open to research and ready to face new challenges—a constant dialogue between innovation and tradition.
This approach, blending humility, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm for the “other,” ensures that each project showcases not only artisanal skill and design creativity but also a unique story that makes it personal and one-of-a-kind.
By exploring traditional techniques to create forms suited to contemporary living and maintaining a focus on the balance between experimentation and technical feasibility, we achieve continuous innovation.
How is an exceptional product like yours distributed? Who is truly able to communicate its value to the end customer?
We utilize multiple distribution channels, from international trade fairs to curated e-commerce platforms, alongside our own e-commerce site and a showroom in Venice directly tied to our design studio.
After nearly a decade of experience, we can affirm that conveying a product’s story to the end customer is far from secondary or straightforward. No one can communicate a story more truthfully and effectively than its protagonists, which is precisely what happens when we present our products directly to the end customer.
What are your target markets in Italy and abroad?
Beyond private clients, in Italy, our pieces have been selected for showrooms of leading companies offering high-end interior design, such as Maxalto and Cattelan. In Europe, we are mostly present in galleries and stores offering contemporary design selections.
However, the most significant numbers come from distribution in non-European countries, especially the United States, the Middle East, India, and Japan, where we are featured in prominent fashion malls.
What new products will you showcase at Milano Home?
For now, we prefer not to reveal too much. Certainly, our flagship products like “Aqua” and “Iride” will be showcased, but we also have several projects in the prototyping phase and are working on new decorative techniques with borosilicate glass, which we plan to unveil at Milano Home.
The company Giovacchino Barni is rooted in Tuscany's traditions, dating back to 1873, and has long been a purveyor of demijohns, flasks, and other winemaking articles.
Over the years, the production process has naturally evolved, yet the results remain of the highest quality, embodying great artisanal mastery. The product range has also expanded far beyond demijohns.
Today, the catalog includes over 500 glass items, such as classic and unique bottles, glass and steel oil dispensers, table accessories, and, of course, demijohns and flasks of all kinds.
How is an exceptional product like yours distributed? Who is truly able to convey its value to the end customer?
We use a variety of channels for distribution, from retail stores and wholesalers to e-commerce through our website, as well as representatives in specific regions.
To convey the product’s value, we prioritize the final customer experience, aiming to provide exclusivity by limiting the number of sales outlets.
What are your target markets in Italy and abroad?
We sell throughout Italy, but our distribution is also significant abroad. Europe, the United States, and Asia are particularly important markets for our products.
What new products will you showcase at Milano Home?
At this edition of Milano Home, we will present a new line of oil dispensers crafted entirely by hand in ceramic and 100% made in Italy.
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