What was the inspiration behind the name, Studiopepe?

Arianna Lelli Mami (ALM): Pepe (Guglielmo, patriot) is the name of the street in Milan where we started our adventure. Studiopepe is like a Dadaist name; we like the sound and we’ll keep it even if we move out of [our office in] the Garibaldi area. It brought us luck and it is also very recognisable in different languages, so we have kept it.

Could you tell us more about your creative process?

Chiara Di Pinto (CDP): Usually, we talk a lot before starting a project. Two things that cannot be missed are paper and pencil ; ideas come fast and we have to put them on paper. We also like to think about the story behind a project, and that’s why we often start with a title that describe s the idea.We have a multidisciplinary approach, starting from scribbles to visualisation s or a moodboard. Touch is also a key element. The surfaces of materials are so important. The tactile aspect s of fabrics, wood, marble, wool concur to create a story without words.

Can you tell us more about the new Baxter collections, Miss Rope and Mr Hide?

ALM: We always start by talking about what we like and what the brand needs, whether it’s a vision or a specific material. It is my favo urite moment in the design journey, along with the moment when we make the first prototypes. Turning ideas that could be gallery pieces into production pieces is a challenge , but also [provides] great satisfaction when we can use our designs in our projects.

CDP: For us, Miss Rope is reminiscent of the ritual seats of tribal leaders, seats that are actually thrones and by their height stand for the importance of the person who sits there. Working with the Miss Rope chair was interesting because the craftsmanship value is very high. Here, we literally read the handmade [quality] and the gesture of the craftsman , who creates the piece with precision and continuity. Mr Hide is a linear structure, almost a small architectural piece that serves to emphasise a space. We believe that the screen is an object to be re-evaluated more for home designs and [used in] spaces that change over time, adapting to the needs of those who inhabit them.

Of all the Baxter designs you have created, which do you like the most, and why?

CDP: Each project is [equally] loved because it has a story, and a lot of passion and vision. We loved Dharma and we also soon became fond of rope products like Miss Rope and Mr Hide. We like to work with materials and we always like to put different approaches into dialogue—rough versus refined, shiny versus matte—it’s not a clash, but an interaction. Which are the materials and colours you appreciate the most, and why?

ALM: Our approach is based on our continuous research of colours and materials in relation to their shapes and the environment. We love to investigate the subjective and objective sensations and experiences linked to colours, in order to develop the best way to design the identity of a product and its physical perception. We like to use important materials which gain beauty over the years, because we believe that the designed product has to last almost forever. At the same time, if it is interesting to us, a “poor ”—or raw—material can be treated as a precious one. So, we very much like the connection between the raw and the sophisticated, such as velvet with raw linen, or lacquered finishes with reclaimed wood. Just like it is in fashion, where creative people mix vintage with designer [items], like Levi’s with Chanel; we love this approach.

How do you make your projects more eco-conscious?

ALM: First, we have to waste less, plant more trees and avoid disposable items. And when we consume, we must consciously consume products of quality that last a lifetime.

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