Portinari recently presented its award-winning (DTA: 15th March) Carmen collection, designed by Alessandro Mendini, at the International Furniture Show in Milan. Having wowed visitors to Revestir earlier this year, where it was awarded Best in Show, Carmen also caught the eye of the designerati in Milan. Developed in a special diamond format, the vibrant colours, and the subtle relief that emphasises the geometry, reflect Mendini’s interest in the masks worn by Harlequin, the medieval puppet famous for his multi-coloured garments. The range was named in honour of the Brazilian artist Carmen Miranda, someone with whom Mendini is often compared because of his artistic irreverence.
“We are very happy with this collaboration with A Lot Of Brazil. Besides taking us to this great hall of world design, it allowed us to present this spectacular project by Alessandro Mendini, one of today’s greatest designers, who has captured his vision and vivacity in porcelain,” states Gelcy Torquato, Portinari’s Director of Marketing.
The Carmen pieces were inspired by the iconic K2 chair, designed by Mendini in 2014 for A Lot Of Brazil. From the fabrics to the porcelain tile, the print has gained three-dimensionality and interactivity. At Milan it was shown in 100 by 600mm modules in Soft Blue, Red, Yellow, Soft Yellow, Green, and Soft Purple.
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, June 2018.