Contemporary Design as Poetry

Secondome is a Design Gallery focused on contemporary designers and innovative projects worldwide. Founded by Claudia Pignatale in 2006, Secondome produces its own collection of furniture and objects working to launch experimental designers, artisans and master craftsmen. Its mission lies in highlighting both the high quality manufacture of the Made in Italy brand and the originality of products, emphasizing the tradition of Italian craftsmanship whilst breaking the mold of lifeless objets d’art.

Secondome Edizioni began as a gallery to spotlight innovative projects and emerging designers. What inspired your mission to give visibility to small-scale artisans and creators?

Secondome was founded in 2006 as a gallery focused on experimental contemporary design. From the very beginning, our true calling was production. We started with small collections of objects made in hand-blown borosilicate glass, crafted by Italian artisans and designed by Fabrica, the Benetton Group’s renowned research center.

Artisanal craft, Made in Italy, and the discovery of emerging talent—these are all part of our DNA. Supporting independent creators and giving shape to their visions has always been a natural extension of who we are.

What motivated you to create your own product line under the Secondome Edizioni label? How did you choose the artisans and designers you collaborate with?

Every collection has its own story. Each one is born from encounters, research, and passion. We’ve launched open briefs with every new project, inviting a range of artisans and designers into the process. Year after year, our collection has grown—not just in terms of objects, but also in the community of people behind them.

Everyone involved shares our vision: a commitment to quality, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge conventional norms in design.

The style of your pieces is undeniably unique. Where does the inspiration come from to create such distinctive, recognizable objects?

Our collection is deliberately different—unexpected, sometimes even offbeat. Experimentation is our obsession. Being recognizable is certainly a milestone, but I’m not sure it’s our end goal. I’d rather surprise, evolve, and keep exploring new directions.

Our inspiration comes from that very freedom—the freedom to be moved by an idea and to shape it without compromise.