This Milanese Tastemaker Got 100,000 People to a Design Fair in an Old Slaughterhouse
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Valentina Ciuffi isn’t a household name, and she doesn’t need to be. She’s akin to the Lady Gaga of product design in that she courts the avant-garde with symphonic aplomb. The Milan-based creative director is the cofounder of Alcova, a show exhibiting the work of independent designers—often in derelict or abandoned urban venues. Last year’s edition, which ran concurrently with the yearly Salone del Mobile furniture fair, drew 100,000 visitors to a former slaughterhouse on the outskirts of town and culminated in an open-air rave. (Previous editions were held in a defunct military hospital and a former panettone factory.) Armed with a new online shop, Ciuffi's taste—if no less inscrutable—is now accessible worldwide. We caught up with the curator to chat about what sparks her curiosity and brings her joy, and (of course) her favorite restaurants.
Remulass
I’m very traditional, but I recommend this cute Milan restaurant for its healthy, experimental cuisine.
Manlio Manganaro
I give natural wines as a host gift. My favorites are Sicilian, and this is one of my top three.
Gohar World Candles
For entertaining, I think these candles by Laila Gohar are a must.
Palazzo Daniele
A beautiful place to stay by the seaside in Puglia. It’s very charming, with only a few rooms.
Caterina Barbieri
I listen to Nick Drake, Philip Glass, and this young Italian singer known for her avant-garde music.
Justhuman
Based in India and newly available in the United States, this clean beauty brand is my go-to for personal care.
Ceramic and Glass Lamp
I love this collaboration between Jochen Holz and Attua Aparicio.
Fatto Bene
This online shop gets heritage Italian brands in front of new audiences.
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