Five Years Later: Nino Cerruti and Baleri Italia
Baleri Italia was begun in 1984 by Enrico Baleri to merge high design from new talent with function, executed with cutting edge technology. Early designs included the Cartoons Screen, designed in 1992 by Luigi Baroli. Made from corrugated paperboard and now in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. In 1997, Denis Santachiara introduced the Celine Table, a delicate, yet undeniably modern accent table. In 1995, the same designer offered the Tato Family which stretches an elastic fabric over a polyutrethene forms.
In 2000, noted fashion designer Nino Cerruti, sold his design house. He reportedly remained involved with the business, but by 2004 became the majority stockholder in Baleri Italia. Being immersed in the world of fashion and textiles for so many years brought something entirely new to Baleri. By 2006, the influence became apparent. Valentina C by Maurizio Galante “dresses” a steel rod structure with a free form upholstery with a handmade flower detail. American Jeff Miller becomes a big influence with pieces such as Littlebig Chair in which a single sheet of plywood curves around the front of the frame leaving the back and seat floating. Naked by Alberto Colzani (2007) economizes on the material used by engineering a structure which acheives high design, lightness and function (its stackable) - the original mission of company is still alive after 25 years.
The company is introducing a new identity: Cerruti Baleri. We are getting a glimpse of what that means via some new products. Sumo by Xavier Lust – sort of a Rubenesque family of upholstered seats that generously envelopes its occupant. Then, what’s old is new again: remember the Tato Family introduced about 15 years ago? Well its gotten a Tatto by Maurizio Galante. The new covers for the classic pouf are photographic images on elastic covers. There are a bunch of snakes, the skull of a hippo, a bunny and a flamingo.
Cerruti Baleri will be unveiling new designs in Milan this week. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this compelling partnership.
