When I discovered Cose Journal several months ago, I was immediately drawn to the emotive photography, art direction, and concept. So when Anna Caradeuc suggested I meet Giulia Nardi, the publication’s creator and art director, to discuss a collaboration, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. The journal speaks of objects, but not from a design or aesthetic point of view, but rather taking a philosophical approach to the true meaning of things, how they intertwine in the fabric of our lives, and the role they play in what makes us human. These ideas are the very ideas that have always drawn me to design, and that I try to imbue with each and every object that I create.

For Salone, a special addendum to Cose Journal's inaugural issue came together through a beautiful collaboration with photographer Lara Gilberto and stylist Camille Lichtenstern. This edition was sold on site as part of 'Passaggi,' an exhibition of observation and reflection presented by CONTRIBITIONS Design. The whole process was a dream, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result. The project's well-deserved popularity alongside its limited release already makes it a hard-to-find collectors item, so I highly suggest you try to get your hands on one before they sell out again! In the meantime, enjoy this preview of imagery and conversation found in the addendum including an interview between myself and Anna Caradeuc.

HAVING SPENT TIME TOGETHER IN VARIOUS CITIES AND COUNTRIES, YOU SEEM TO EASILY FIND YOUR GROUND IN NEW ENVIRONMENTS. HOW CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT?

I grew up in the US to French parents, and travelled a lot back and forth between the two countries as a child, eventually moving back to France as a teenager. Having to move between cultures in this way gave me a certain ease, and curiosity in adapting to different environments already at a young age. My parents are also both first or second generation French, so they themselves grew up between various cultures, and as a result I think adaptability runs deep in our family. I’ve found that I tend to get along best with people that have at least one parent who is not from the country they grew up in – I think in a lot of cases, this creates an openness, curiosity and humility that I resonate with and love. But aside from that, I’m fascinated by people, in general. I love to observe them and learn from them, and so I think because of this I am able to adopt new behaviors quite quickly.

WHAT IS HOME TO YOU?

This is a question I have been thinking about a lot, recently, because for the past year I’ve been living in a pretty nomadic way – traveling a lot, spending more time in France again, living in sublets, moving apartments in New York – things have been in flux and I find that I say “I’m coming home” to a lot of different places at the same time. So the answer to the question has become pretty clear – home is where I find my familiar things, and my familiar people. Ideally, both.

HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ANY LOCAL CUSTOMS DURING YOUR TRAVELS THAT HAVE LEFT A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND INFLUENCED YOUR DAILY LIFE OR CREATIVE WORK?

I once had dinner in a local trattoria in a small town outside of Parma. There was no menu, everyone was served the same thing, nothing fancy about the space itself or the food, but the meal was slow and long and lingering and delicious. But what struck me the most was that they served everything at the perfect time, and in the perfect amount, knowing exactly how to make you feel good, keep you awake and ready for what came next. They knew how to create the perfect moment, and this left a lasting impact on me.

I think that what draws me to tableware again and again is the fact that every culture in the world has their own version of the same customs. A warm drink in the morning, a digestif after a heavy meal, clinking glasses to celebrate the beginning of a shared moment. I love that in France, “cheers” is translated as “to your health.” I am fascinated by this idea that societies all over the world share the same rituals, with varying degrees of nuance, and that when you travel you IV can find a way to relate in this way. Maybe that’s a different version of “home” in a sense – familiar customs – and I try to imbue this in my work. I want everyone to be able to find a way to relate to the objects I create, through memory, familiarity, as well as delight.

YOUR OBJECTS CAN BE FOUND AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE RESONATES UNIVERSALLY WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, REGARDLESS OF LOCATION OR LIFESTYLE?

I try to make people smile through my objects, and happiness is universal.

WHAT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE THAT GUIDES YOUR PRACTICE AS A DESIGNER AND ARTIST?

I want my work to feel relatable to a lot of people – but that doesn’t mean it should be boring or look like everything else. I try to find balance between creating something that feels new and exciting, while also being easily understood. I don’t want anyone to feel excluded or ostracised by my objects, I want everyone to be able to feel like it could be for them. That’s also why it’s super important for me to have the two ranges in my work – the brand, which is more “attainable” and widely available, on the one hand, and the collectible, limited edition work where I can express and explore the artistic side of my practice in more depth on the other.

GIVEN THE METICULOUS RESEARCH PROCESS THAT GOES INTO YOUR WORK,
CAN YOU THINK OF AN OBJECT FROM THE PAST THAT YOU WISH WAS STILL IN USE TODAY?

I think oil lamps were really beautiful objects that we don’t really use or see around
anymore – specifically, whale oil lamps, though I certainly am not suggesting that I wish we were still using whale oil!

WHAT IS YOUR PIE-IN-THE-SKY PROJECT?

I would love to design a tableware set for a hotel – this would be the synthesis of my two passions, designing objects and travel! But moreover, hotels are probably the least “home like” of places where one might stay. So how can the objects within them help their patrons feel at ease, relaxed, happy and comfortable?

I’ve always romanticized sleeper trains and their restaurant cars, so to do something for one of those would be an ultimate dream (Venice Simplon-Orient Express, if you’re out there...).

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 RESTAURANTS/BARS AND WHAT SHOULD ONE ORDER THERE?

1. The Long Island Bar in Brooklyn – single patty burger and a Martini, or cheese curds and a Cosmo. The owner famously invented the Cosmo when he worked at the Odeon in TriBeCa in the 80s.
2. Chez Yassine in Marseille – the Ojja Merguez is incredibly flavorful.
3. Joséphine Chez Dumonet in Paris – to top off a delicious meal, I go for the Grand Marnier Soufflé complete with a Vieille Prune. So chic!