Studiopepe, a Graphic Duo

We knew each other since university. After graduation we both went on vacation to Mexico, not together, and at a secluded beach on the Pacific coast, where there wasn’t really anything but the hammocks, so we met by chance! We did the rest of the trip together, and once back in Milan we decided to collaborate. After working together a few times we decided to open Studiopepe.

We have a strong creative direction. Being part of a duo it’s always like a dialogue where each of us adds a little piece in the creative process and the result is more like 1+1=3! Then, we translate our vision into different frames: set up, interior design, graphic, style consultancy on products… in the end we are storytellers, and when you tell a story you have to carefully consider every aspect, not only the plot! Anyway, our projects are developed by a team of professionals under the artistic direction of Chiara and come to life thanks to unexpected synergies based on observation, analysis and insight. In particular we pay tribute to Italian masters through a meticulous attention to research, starting with the study of unusual materials and archetypal forms. Every project is overseen by both of us, although sometimes one of us is more involved than another.  We have different backgrounds and interests: Arianna is passionate about photography, she collects trouvé photos and unexpected items, with which she creates surreal installations that constantly changes in her house and studio. Her work takes inspiration by art installations and architecture from the past. Chiara approach is multidisciplinary, with an academic training in the theory and practice of fine art, her work is distinctive in a strong hand-made approach and a fine passion for honest materials and colour palettes. Plus a team of professionals that involves architects, stylists, product designers, and a great turnover of ‘internshipers’ from around the world!

We usually like working with classic shapes, creating variations on archetypal forms, those that have been in our culture since forever, using materials and colours to reinterpret a piece rather than coming up with unusual forms. It is really intriguing to work on objects that have always been part of the domestic landscape. Our design starts from a specific need, a study of proportions, a juxtaposition of geometric shapes and a declaration of love for materials and precious details. The result is a very simple, yet very refined design that could be from the Art Déco Era or even from the ’80s, but still looks contemporary. Some shapes survive throughout the eras because of their strength and simplicity and that is what makes them timeless.

We really like the connection between raw and sophisticated. Velvet with raw linen or lacquered with reclaimed wood. Like you see in fashion where creatives mix vintage with designers, Levi’s with Chanel. We love this approach. We like to work with artisans to have the right ‘patina’. Their skilful ways always solve a design problem. We also love to finish our interior projects with trouvé or ready-made objects. In our last interior we put a beautiful Cassina table with a group of vintage pharmacy glasses for example. Or, in an interior we were doing for Spotti we used reclaimed marble pieces to create the finishing touches. We love to layer without adding. It may seem like nonsense but we tend to eliminate and then add just a few select, eclectic layers. In product design, we feel differently from industrial design, there is already so much talent in the world. We design things that come from a desire and need for aesthetic. They are always useful but that’s not the point. They stay between decorative, sculpture and memory (but not old fashioned!). Touch is an important element in our project. The surfaces of materials are so important, tactile aspect in fabrics, wood, marble, wool concurs to create a story without words.

Hotellerie and a design collection for a client in fashion.

Since traveling is so important to us, we feel that it would be very interesting to work on hospitality, to investigate what makes you feel at home. And so, after so many years to design, retail and private interiors, we would be glad to work on a hotel that feels like home. Apart from doing a hotel, we would ove to do a book to talk about our style, vision, inspirations… Currently, our studio has eight collaborators with different skills. For each new project, a team is selected depending on the peculiarity of the project so that it can explore it best and at various levels.