Made in Italy: The Influence of Italian Design

To recognise and celebrate the best of Italian design, Italian brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro and the Design Museum, London have collaborated on the first ever "Made in Italy - The Influence of Italian Design" - a series of talks in May 2010. The debates will offer unique insights into contemporary Italian design; with key figures from the industry discussing its influence and excellence.

Launching on May 5, 2010 at the Design Museum in London, each evening talk will explore the values behind this creative force, and look at future trends, bringing together the world's most exciting figures in Italian contemporary design - including designers, manufacturers and creative directors. This collaboration reinforces Peroni Nastro Azzurro's ongoing support of the Italian design industry and follows on from the 2009 Peroni Blue Ribbon Design Awards, where Peroni Nastro Azzurro collaborated with iconic brand Alessi.

"Italy has a unique place in the landscape of contemporary design; with its long history of innovation, rooted in the skill and craftsmanship of its traditional workshops, and continually refined by a commitment to new technologies," commented Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum and curator of the talks. "For the Design Museum, understanding the nature of contemporary Italy is an essential part of its programme. For its Italian talks season, it has come together with Peroni Nastro Azzurro, a brand which is defined by those values, to celebrate the best of Italian design and style."

Made in Italy: Il Modo Italiano
Wednesday 5 May 7.15pm
Design Museum, London
This first Made in Italy discussion analyses the Italy-centric context for Italian design. Find out more about the role of the manufacturer, designer and consumer and the idiosyncratic relationships that link all three.

Made in Italy: Industrial Design
Monday 10 May 7.15pm
Design Museum, London
Be it desirable, sensual, stylish, innovative, challenging, reliable or any combination of the above, this discussion will focus on how Italian industrial design makes an impact and leaves a mark. Hear experienced designers, working across a range of disciplines, unpick the nuances of the Italian industrial design scene.

Made in Italy: Italian Design on the Road
Wednesday 12 May
Brighton - The Basement
Possibly the most evocative and of all Italian design, the car stimulates the design process and provokes desire. Bringing together designers who have been involved in creating aspirational vehicles, this talk reveals the processes behind the production of an Italian car.

Made in Italy: Milan Design City
Tuesday 18 May
Glasgow - The Lighthouse
Why does everybody go? For nearly half a century the Milan International Furniture Fair has provided a platform from which to promote what is current, radical and/or anticipated in the world of design. This discussion will explore how the event fits into the Italian design scene and asks what role it really has in provoking and promoting new Italian design.

Made in Italy: The Future
Monday 20 May 7.15pm
Design Museum
The achievements of the last 50 years of Italian design are clear, but where is Italian designing heading next? To conclude the Made in Italy series of informed discussions about the importance and impact of Italian design, a distinguished panel analyse current trends and try to anticipate what could or should be coming next.

Tickets are priced at £10 / £5 Design Museum Members.
To purchase tickets; email tickets at designmuseum.org, or phone 020 7940 8783, or visit designmuseum.org/talks

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