Born in Venice and based in Stockholm, Luca Nichetto is one of the most exciting industrial designers working today. A Toronto design destination that has garnered international acclaim, Mjölk has collaborated with Nichetto – among many international talents – to make unique capsule collections.  

On December 3rd at 12pm EST, AZURE is hosting an online talk with Nichetto and Mjölk’s John Baker as they discuss working together between Italy and Canada on lighting and housewares and how cross-cultural collaboration makes for more profound products. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute, this AZURE Talk will delve into the importance of international design and local artisanship, and present projects created by Nichetto for the Mjölk Made line as well as more recent works by both Nichetto and Mjölk.

Among the collaborations the two have created are the Reunion table light, which features a Murano glass base and a spun-metal shade crafted in Ontario, and the Sucabaruca coffee set, made by Alissa Coe (formerly of Toronto and now based in Italy) in porcelain. All of their co-created pieces, which also include the Uki candleholder and Aureola tea set, have a contemporary feel yet heirloom quality. These are housewares to savour forever, then pass on to future generations.

Nichetto is no stranger to designing across geographical boundaries: he has worked with manufacturers in Europe and North America. Mjölk has also brought in global talents – including Norway’s Anderssen & Voll and Japan’s Oji Masanori – to work with its roster of Canadian makers. The AZURE Talk on December 3 will delve into the unique furniture, lighting and home accessories such collaborations produce.

This AZURE Talk qualifies for one ConEd structured learning hour.