Memphis & Giorgio On My Mind.
Carlton Room Divider by Ettore Sottsass - Memphis @ Seconda Vita, Milano - (Photograph by Andrew Bannis).
Every time I walk past the second-hand furniture store Seconda Vita nestled within the local community here in Milan, I always glimpse the Pieces of colourful Memphis Design furniture items by Ettore Sottsass on display. Then I think back to that exciting formative documentary that followed Karl Lagerfeld – (an avid Memphis Collector in the 80’s) around the world to his various studios in Paris, Milan, Rome and New York. It is a reminder of the how time passes and memories often remain. You can never truly know your fate or destiny, but you seek inspiration in creative individuals; those who bring light to your endeavours and creativity to your life. It seems such a long journey and there have been so many musings, especially with the recent passing of Giorgio Armani, whose birthday I share. He was once informed of this fact, I don’t know if he found it interesting? But his clothes always left an ideible impression on me. His first store on Sloane Street, London was the Vatican of high style back in the day. So, it was vital to be here and to have witnessed what was an important moment in fashion. The passing of a true legend. Hopefully the beacon will be handed to another generation who possess the taste and the skill, with grace, dignity and style. On a personal note, I am not one to look back retrospectively so to speak, I like to look forwards and hope for the best. But these recent weeks and these daily walks always remind me of how far one can travel and how inspirations always remain close to one’s heart. Later on I will reflect on Armani in the coming weeks. But for now, here’s the best to the future.
Chair by Ettore Sottsass - Memphis @ Seconda Vita, Milan - (Photograph by Andrew Bannis).
Sofa by Ettore Sottsass - Memphis @ Seconda Vita, Milano - (Photograph by Andrew Bannis).
Shelving Unit by Ettore Sottsass - Memphis @ Seconda Vita, Milan - (Photograph by Andrew Bannis).
Lamp by Ettore Sottsass - Memphis @ Seconda Vita, Milan - (Photograph by Andrew Bannis).