Giulio Iacchetti

The flora and fauna of our domestic and urban landscapes are made up of objects that pass in front of our eyes daily. They are all useful and humble. Some are placed tidily in the bathroom cabinet or in the kitchen cupboard, others on our desk, on the streets or in the garden. They are “semplici formalità” (mere formalities), shining examples of efficient design without any stylistic conceits or frills – which is precisely what makes them timeless and iconic. Giulio Iacchetti has chosen 32 of these pleasingly minimal objects to do justice to them and celebrate their form. He does this through photos taken ad hoc and words, recounting the stories and fascinating facts behind the Staunton chessmen, the Arbre Magique, the Italian Monopoly tokens or an ice-cream stick. The enraptured gaze of the designer is combined with the bright, amused gaze of the user, so that each of these objects becomes the protagonist of his daily life or his memories. A declaration of love and gratitude to these familiar and joyful companions that, with their perfect simplicity, have accompanied our changing habits for decades.