Memoires' new line of furniture brings a London-Lake Como ambiance, filled with affection
In the heart of Italy, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, lies Villa Mapelli – a grand residence that serves as a beacon of Italian heritage and design. This grand villa is owned by Romero Sozzi, the founder of Promemoria, a luxury Italian furniture brand renowned for its high-end, handcrafted furnishings that blend traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Romero Sozzi's passion for Italian culture and design is evident in his creations, with a particular admiration for the organic lines of Alvar Aalto and Ico Parisi's designs. This appreciation is reflected in Promemoria's latest collaboration with London's David Collins Studio, resulting in the 'London Collection - Act II'.
First unveiled in 2015, the initial collaboration between the two brands was inspired by the subtle curve in one of The Wolseley dining chair's backrests. Fast forward to 2025, and the 'London Collection - Act II' aims to evolve the previous pieces while nodding to them. The collection comprises nine distinct pieces, including the 'Chiswick' modular sofa with curved oak armrests and integrated, suede-lined shelving, and the 'Fulham' chaise longue with a square backrest and a cylindrical bolster.
The 'London Collection - Act II' will be on display during Milan Design Week at Promemoria's showroom located at Via Bagutta 13, Via Monte Napoleone, 8. Lewis Taylor, the design director of David Collins Studio, appreciates Promemoria's commitment to quality and the time and care put into each piece. The collaboration is a testament to Romero Sozzi's dedication to craftsmanship, a dedication that has sustained the company's longstanding relationship with David Collins Studio.
The collection draws inspiration from London, but the muted shades and bronze detailing seem to recall the shimmering hues of Lake Como. This fusion of influences creates a unique and timeless collection that reflects both the elegance of London and the refined taste of Lake Como.
Romero Sozzi's connection to Villa Mapelli ties into his appreciation for Italian heritage and design. He purchased the villa in 2001 and required extensive restoration work. Today, the house features three floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Como like a postcard, an elaborate fresco, meticulously carved millwork, and oversized oak doors lined with dove-grey velvet. Villa Mapelli stands as a living showcase of Sozzi's commitment to preserving Italian artistic traditions.
Promemoria, founded in 1988, is a confluence of Sozzi's fascinations with craftsmanship, modernism, and art. His family has been present on Lake Como's shores since the 1800s, with his grandfather running a workshop restoring wooden carriages for the local aristocracy. After automobiles rendered horse-drawn transport obsolete, Sozzi's father turned to fixing antique furniture. This family history of craftsmanship and appreciation for traditional Italian design has undoubtedly influenced Sozzi's work with Promemoria.
In summary, the 'London Collection - Act II' by David Collins Studio for Promemoria is a testament to the fusion of British and Italian design, showcasing the best of both worlds. The collection, available from April 2025, will be on show during Milan Design Week at Promemoria's showroom, offering design enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness this collaboration firsthand.
The 'London Collection - Act II' by David Collins Studio for Promemoria is a testament to the fusion of British and Italian design, reflecting a unique blend of influences from London and Lake Como. With muted shades and bronze detailing, the collection pays homage to the elegance of London while evoking the shimmering hues of Italy.
Romero Sozzi, the founder of Promemoria, draws inspiration for his work from various sources, including global cuisines, travel, personal growth, and career development. His passion for Italian culture and design has been shaped by his connection to Villa Mapelli, a grand residence on Lake Como's shores, and his family history of craftsmanship dating back to the 1800s.
The collection's design director, Lewis Taylor, commends Promemoria's commitment to quality and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. This collaboration is a testament to Romero Sozzi's dedication to preserving Italian artistic traditions and his fascination with modernism and art.
In addition to interior design, Sozzi's interests extend to lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, education-and-self-development, and sports. He enjoys cooking, especially European cuisines, and is an avid sports fan, particularly football, with a keen interest in sports-betting and the European leagues, such as the Premier League.
The 'London Collection - Act II' will be showcased during Milan Design Week, giving design enthusiasts a chance to experience this unique collaboration firsthand from April 2025 at Promemoria's showroom located at Via Bagutta 13, Via Monte Napoleone, 8.Aside from the collection's stylish pieces, the showroom offers a glimpse into Sozzi's personal life, with elements of his Italian heritage and design integrated throughout.
The auto enthusiast in Sozzi is apparent in the classic cars displayed at Villa Mapelli, making a visit to this grand villa a delight for those who appreciate Italian craftsmanship not just in interior design but also in the world of automobiles.
In summary, the 'London Collection - Act II' by David Collins Studio for Promemoria represents a unique fusion of British and Italian design, showcasing the best of both worlds. While the collection is undoubtedly a testament to Romero Sozzi's commitment to craftsmanship and his passion for Italian design, his interests extend to various aspects of life, from travel and sports to food and personal growth, making each creation by Promemoria a reflection of Sozzi's multifaceted personality.
