Spotlight... Gessi

Reviving the Roaring Twenties

Combining technology, craftsmanship and art, Gessi’s Venti20 collection honours the classic Art Deco forms of the 1920s.

Words: Ben Thomas

The Roaring Twenties will always be remembered for the emergence of Art Deco – a style that influenced everything from architecture and interior design to fashion, furniture and everyday objects.

Characterised by bold geometric forms and lavish ornamentation, the movement continues to inspire creatives to this day, with many looking to revive the spirit of the age in the modern world. Such was the case for Italian manufacturer Gessi, whose recently-launched Venti20 collection honours the signature elements of the ‘20s – think detailing, iconic style and a playful essence.

Conceived by Spanish designer-artist Lázaro Rosa Violán, who has worked with the likes of Marriott International, Mondrian and Soho House since founding Barcelona-based LRV Studio in 2002, Venti20 does away with nostalgic replicas in favour of carefully dosed retro notes, blending elegantly detailed profiles with fluted bodies and pure lines that come together as functional, contemporary works of art in the bathroom.

“When we took on the project, we considered two or three aspects and the one that emerged as most interesting to me was the inspiration of nature,” says Violán. “We wanted to create a connection between nature and art, which is also the origin of design. This is what happened in the 1920s when architecture underwent radical change. Suddenly the straight line appeared at the basis of all design forms.”

Merging form and function in equal measure, the evocative bathroom range – comprising mixers, shower components, wall-hung WCs and bidets, together with washbasins, coverplates and accessories such as soap dispensers and towel rails – takes on a linear look with refined silhouettes, while the craftsmanship of the handles and the base of its long umbrella spouts reimagine classic shapes for a new era.

“Deco had the merit of being a very expansive style,” notes Violán. “We have never seen a style flourish so quickly. For Venti20, we looked to reproduce those precious objects.”

This fusion of past and present is evident across the collection, from the jewel-like high sink mixers with their reflective curves and cuts, to a ceiling spout that embodies the chic cleanliness of minimalist design. Three-hole, wall-mounted mixers follow the artful aesthetic too, integrating the stylistic traits of the wider range into sleek handles and slender spouts.

Violán worked closely with Gessi to achieve this symbiosis, often stopping by the brand’s production facility in Italy to see his designs first-hand. “It was important for us to visit the factory because otherwise we would certainly have approached the project differently,” he confirms. “It was a surprise, like living the fantasy every designer has of working with a company that combines technology, craftsmanship and art in a single object.”

Part of channelling the essence of the ‘20s also involved selecting the right finishes, with each offering a different take on Art Deco. The chromatic qualities of nickel, for instance, enhances the purity of the basin mixers, while a warm bronze finish adds a modern zing to timeless shapes, and a brushed copper strikes a balance between industrial and artisanal craftsmanship. And then there’s matte black, which rounds out the collection with its soft aesthetic and subtle technical feel.

While reviving the Roaring Twenties was the primary ambition, Venti20 also recognises a shift towards wellness in the hotel sector. “The bathroom was once seen as an obligation, whereas today it is a space that people want to feel comfort in,” Violán reflects. “Nowadays, taking care of the bathroom is crucial as it plays a key role in the guest experience. For me, this room is everything.”

Looking ahead, Violán hopes his collaboration with Gessi will inspire a new generation of bathroom designs, celebrating the best of the past while catering for the modern traveller. “As in the 1920s, today we are talking about a new cultural, aesthetic renaissance,” he concludes. “Let’s hope that this explosion of joy and shapes will influence the response to the Venti20 collection, which, as well as being highly versatile has nuances that work in harmony with a range of architectural environments.”

According to Gessi, great design has emotional power and the ability to instil beauty into everyday objects. Venti20 does just that. www.gessi.com