MIREI MONTICELLI I aim for visitors to establish a profound connection, not only with the installation but also with the rich history and essence of the venue.

Mirei Monticelli is a Filipina-Italian designer based in Milan, seamlessly blending her rich cultural heritage with a deep passion for craftsmanship. Her creative journey began in her homeland, where she immersed herself in traditional furniture making, sparking a lifelong love for artisan crafts. This foundation, paired with a drive to explore innovative techniques, led her to earn a Master’s in Design and Engineering from Politecnico di Milano. In 2019, she ventured into sculptural illumination, earning acclaim for her Nebula lamp at Milan Design Week’s Salone Satellite. Her practice is dedicated to conscious, sustainable design, integrating industrial processes with artisanal craftsmanship, and working at the intersection of sustainable materials, traditional craft, technology, and community empowerment.

Nebula60 – cream and gold

What are the biggest challenges you have met in your career?

One of the most significant challenges has been establishing myself as a foreign designer in Milan – a city with a rich artistic heritage and a saturated market for design. However, the warmth and openness of the community have been truly welcoming, for which I am deeply grateful.

Additionally, in an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, adhering to a sustainable philosophy presents its own set of challenges. Finding skilled artisans is becoming increasingly difficult as traditional crafts face the threat of disappearing. This underscores the importance of adaptability and the need to preserve these invaluable skills.

How would you describe your latest work for Fuorisalone 2025?

My installation for this year, Persephone’s World, represents a natural evolution of my artistic journey. The concept was inspired the moment I saw the mosaic outside Palazzo Cordusio, commissioned by its original owners, Generali Assicurazioni. The mosaic depicts a woman picking a pomegranate, an ancient symbol of fortune. Beyond its financial connotations, the pomegranate is central to the myth of Persephone. This serendipitous connection felt predestined, as if the narrative had been awaiting discovery. Exploring these themes through light and materiality has been an enriching experience.

What is the message you want to convey, and to whom is it directed?

I aim for visitors to establish a profound connection, not only with the installation but also with the rich history and essence of the venue. The exhibit embodies the theme of renewal: Persephone’s ascent from the underworld and the heralding of spring. Beyond merely observing this transition, I want individuals to experience it—to feel an awakening and a surge of vitality, akin to emerging from darkness into light. Every element, including the meticulously curated floral arrangements, aligns with this motif of rebirth. Ultimately, I hope visitors depart with a heightened awareness of nature’s cycles and the transformative power inherent in change.

What is your main source of inspiration?

Nature has always been my foremost muse. The intricate patterns, organic forms, and harmonious interplay of light and shadow found in the natural world deeply influence my design philosophy. Immersing myself in natural environments not only fosters creativity but also reinforces my commitment to sustainability. Observing the resilience and adaptability inherent in nature inspires me to incorporate these principles into my work, striving to create designs that are both innovative and environmentally responsible.

Outside of design, what are you currently interested in, and how is it influencing your work?

I love hiking mountains. Although recent work commitments and colder weather have limited my excursions, I eagerly anticipate returning to the trails with the arrival of spring. Immersing myself in nature fosters a profound connection to both my inner self and my creative endeavors.

Mirei Monticelli