Interview Sambonet Gianni’s Rosenthal Heritage Turandot collection. Photo: Axel Franz. Styling: Hendrikje Bernhoeft
Gianni with the Jungle collection, which was launched at Salone del Mobile recently
“Metal and porcelain are fragile… just like people” Acclaimed designer Gianni Cinti has produced an outstanding new cutlery collection with Sambonet. Jungle has pushed the boundaries – testing Sambonet’s already exceptional skillset with is complex décor and intricate design. The result, however, is a glorious ode to technical mastery. Tableware International speaks with the passionate Gianni Cinti about working with metal and the complexities of the collection Gianni, what was the brief from Sambonet when designing the Jungle collection? The brand wanted to create a contemporary but also iconic cutlery assortment, reflecting Sambonet values. The product was supposed to respect the brand’s heritage and promote sustainability
framework. It was an à-rebours job in that I made the whole foliage pattern first. It was inspired by simple and nature-inspired shapes, drawn in pencil. After the pattern design, I dealt with its placement, so that every cutlery piece had a décor piece. Each abstract sign had to reveal a whole pattern, just like
“Cutlery has limited surface to feature a décor, and my idea was to create a large, asymmetric and visible décor” and innovation at the same time, speaking to a large audience with a contemporary and timeless language. It looked like a complex but engaging design challenge. What was your starting point when it came to the inspiration? My project was based on construction and deconstruction: two design actions strictly related to fashion, always my reference 56 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL
it was conceived, when all pieces where close to each other only. What challenges were you presented with when working on Jungle? I faced multiple challenges, both technical and design oriented. Cutlery has limited surface to feature a décor, and my idea was to create a large, asymmetric and visible décor.
I think this was the turning point of this project – before Jungle, all cutlery textures were micro and seamless on the cutlery’s handle. Jungle has different aesthetics. How long did Jungle take to come to fruition, from initial consultation through to presenting the collection at Salone del Mobile? The project was planned quite fast, reflecting the instinctive touch of this collection’s décor. The technical development needed time, starting from the prototype design to the finished set up. In addition to the fundamental steel version, we have created three more variations: a beautiful copper shade, vivid gold and total black. The molds production was the hardest step, as each piece is different from the other and decoration is featured on both sides thanks to engraved and hand-refined molds, in line with Sambonet tradition.
