At first glance, Lato resembles a sculpture, with its slim oval table top balanced by an oval-shaped base. Striking, graphic and poetic, its purity of form is proof that simple is sophisticated.
The initial inspiration for Lato started with the idea of a lollipop turned upside down. A classic shape from a candy most people recognise from childhood. But how do you turn a lollipop into a table? “Growing up on an island like Murano, I was surrounded by creativity,” explains Nichetto. “Artisans with an immense knowledge and love of materials, who I watched transform abstract concepts into concrete reality. With Lato, I wanted to keep the simplicity and streamline it into a timeless side table in a style that could easily be the centre of attention.”
Enjoy this stunning example of a sculpture that’s a side table – and vice versa.
Luca Nichetto
A graduate from the Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia, he launched his own design firm Nichetto & Partners in 2006, focusing on architecture, interiors and product design. Known for his creative collaborations with des- igners from Japan, Russia, Italy and elsewhere around the world, Nichetto’s work is characterised by merging classic forms and craftsmanship with pers- onality and versatility using colour palettes inspired by nature.
“I think the future is in sharing,” says Nichetto. “It’s much more powerful than being alone. It’s about being open to other perspectives. The best results come when there’s 50 per cent of each.”
Cloud is an ideal example of this merging of mindsets. It’s a series of one, two and three-seat sofas and a pouf. In a soft, voluminous shape that creates the illusion of floating on a cloud.“Cloud” has the unadorned shell of Danish design and the comfort of pillows from Italian design.“What I really like about this project is that &tradition and I could go deep into all the details to focus on the fabrics, colours and even the stitching,” said Nichetto. The result is a fan- tastic fusion of both cultures in one cosy concept.”
Craft meets art. Function meets form. Material meets potential.