Totem

The collaboration with Brionvega came about naturally, the result of a consulting relationship that solidified over time — a connection that goes beyond this single project and extends across multiple fronts. Among the many iconic products of the brand, the Totem designed by Mario Bellini has always fascinated me in a special way. Even though it is one of the most representative pieces in Brionvega’s history, for various reasons it never achieved the same commercial resonance as more well-known objects like the Cubo or the Radiofonografo.

What struck me from the beginning was the opportunity to rediscover an object that, although conceived in another era, still retains a surprising sense of modernity. The Totem is not just an example of good design: it is a work that stands out for its clean, essential form — yet at the same time, it is bold and almost futuristic. There’s something about its presence that continues to amaze me: it manages to be timeless, perfectly embodying an ideal of minimalism that feels more relevant today than ever.

Its essence is almost sculptural, suspended between art and function. It has a rare allure, capable of becoming both a visual and emotional experience. And it was precisely this quality that convinced me the Totem deserved a new opportunity: it's an object deeply rooted in the history of design, yet it carries a freshness and expressive power that makes it extraordinarily contemporary. Its modernity lies not only in its form but also in its substance: it communicates an idea of functional beauty that aligns perfectly with the needs of today’s design world.

At a time in history when we often look to the past with nostalgia, the Totem still manages to strongly engage with the present imagination. Shedding new light on it means restoring its true nature: that of an object capable of evoking emotion and provoking thought — much like the most visionary works of our time.

The Totem by Brionvega is, in every sense, an icon of Italian design. It doesn’t need changes, because its perfection is already intrinsic. And that was exactly the challenge for me: to reinterpret it without distorting it, to pay tribute to its beauty without forcing it. I didn’t want to change it, but rather enhance it through a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding space, emphasizing its ability to define and elevate the environment.

The concept of Aria, curated by Studiopepe for Archiproducts Milano, provided a stimulating context from which to begin. I aimed to work in harmony with the atmosphere evoked by that installation, creating a delicate, respectful interaction — one capable of maintaining balance between the Totem and the other elements in the space. I wanted the Totem to integrate gracefully, never appearing intrusive or out of place. The greatest responsibility was to intervene with a light touch, preserving the integrity of Bellini’s original design and Studiopepe’s curatorial vision, while also seeking to enhance the artistic value of the object.

To do so, I chose a light color palette, built on a gradient that moves from pink to sky blue. This range of hues, in my view, lends an unexpected lightness to a form as solid and rigorous as the Totem. My goal was to visually soften its rigidity, giving it an almost intangible softness — like air. In this way, even such a structured object takes on a certain volatility, a lightness that makes it feel even more noble and relevant in its presence today.