A hymn to Italianness

In a fusion of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design, MC+ Studio founders Mattia Biagi and Cardenio Petrucci have partnered with luxury rug maker Illulian. The collaboration has produced the Orbis rug, a piece that blends MC+’s multidisciplinary approach with Illulian’s 50-year heritage. Both companies discuss their creative process, inspirations and the challenges of marrying tradition with modern aesthetics in this exclusive interview with DNN.

What led to MC+

DNN: As a new brand, MC+, how have each of your backgrounds in art, product design, and architecture shaped your multidisciplinary approach to this collaboration? 

MC+: Our diverse backgrounds in art, product design, and architecture blend seamlessly, forming the foundation of our multidisciplinary approach. We draw inspiration from our surroundings—whether it’s a painting, an object, or a building. These elements become the clay that molds our ideas. Our process is organic, often sparked by a small detail that, through back-and-forth sessions, evolves into a fully realized product.

MC+ Studio founders Mattia Biagi and Cardenio Petrucci

DNN: What has been the most rewarding aspect of founding and building the MC+ brand and design studio so far?

MC+: The freedom to create what we love using materials that inspire us is immensely rewarding. Experimenting with these materials and collaborating with passionate craftsmen who enjoy their work brings our designs to life. The studio itself is a physical manifestation of our identity as designers.

DNN: With your extensive expertise in residential, retail, and hospitality projects, what unique perspectives do you bring to the world of rug and product design?

MC+: Our experience across various disciplines teaches us to avoid the pitfalls of homogeneity. We approach each project with an out-of-the-box mindset, sometimes deliberately ignoring current trends and styles. For example, with the Orbis rug, we envisioned it as a three-dimensional object, transforming the traditionally flat rug into something with volume and depth.

Close up of the Orbis Rug

Italian heritage and savoir-faire

DNN: Illulian prides itself on upholding Italian heritage of style and savoir-faire. How does your collaboration with MC+ further this ethos?

Illulian: The collaboration with MC+ is a hymn to Italianness. For us, one of the inspiring elements is that Mattia and Cardenio, despite living in America for so long, have never forgotten their Italian heritage and have become proud promoters of Made in Italy; enough said that Mattia Biagi has been named Italian Design Ambassador to the United States. 

The Orbis rug expresses their cosmopolitan approach, while paying homage to the creativity and tradition of the Bel Paese, with an explicit reference to Italian art and painting. In particular, it draws on the Macchiaioli movement, known for its exploration of natural motifs and bold use of color, light and shadow.

Inspired by natural landscapes observed from a satellite, Orbis is characterized by a skillful use of color: from white to various shades of blue and dusty blue. This choice of color is reminiscent of the dynamism of brushstrokes and is further enhanced by higher pile details and ‘tufts’ of fabric that create a harmonious undulating effect.

Davis and Bendis Ronchetti, Illulian
Davis and Bendis Ronchetti, Illulian

DNN: What do you look for in a designer to collaborate with? What gap in your line-up is MC+ filling?

Illulian: It is important for us to work with creative minds who are able to see rugs as true artworks and not just functional home furnishings. We like to play with different styles, as long as they always bring a fresh and innovative feel that blends harmoniously with the heritage of rug-making.

Regarding the collaboration with MC+: Mattia is an internationally renowned artist who is able to translate artistic concepts into timeless design projects. His ability to interpret art in an innovative way enriches our Limited Edition collection. Cardenio brings his consolidated experience in product design, with a strong talent for combining aesthetics and functionality in a single product. This combination represents an extraordinary added value for Illulian, allowing us to develop a more international and integrated vision. For us, this rug is like a contemporary and functional work of art, taking the concept of art-design in textiles to the next level.

DNN: Can you walk us through the inspiration and design process behind the Orbis rug? What was the starting point that sparked this creative collaboration? The vibrant colors and brushstroke patterns celebrate “the circle of life and rebirth.” Can you elaborate on the symbolic meaning behind these design choices?

MC+: The Orbis rug draws inspiration from nature, particularly how environmental elements transform landscapes. Living in California, we witness the dramatic effects of global warming and seasonal changes firsthand. The Orbis captures this phenomenon—the flat areas represent dry, arid soil, while the three-dimensional sections symbolize the lush, reborn vegetation following the rainy season.

DNN: Illulian also offers a Custom Made service for bespoke rugs. How could the Orbis design be customized or personalized through this service?

Illulian: Generally, the custom-made service guarantees endless possibilities for personalization: shape, size, colors and materials, without ever compromising the quality of the final product. In the specific case of Orbis, we can offer our customers the possibility of choosing the size of the rug, as well as the shades and materials. For example, the rug can be made from wool, silk or special ultra-resistant synthetic fibers suitable for outdoor use.

DNN: With over 50 years of heritage, how does Illulian strike a balance between maintaining its renowned Italian style and embracing new design visions?

Illulian: It is essentially a process of continuous research. We try to find the right balance between the elements that distinguish us, constantly refining and expanding our knowledge. The idea is to take Italian style to the world, incorporating new trends, technologies and global influences. And then we try to be inclusive, creating rugs that can adapt to different styles, spaces and uses.

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Expanding creativity

DNN: MC+ curates a Limited Edition collection embodying your passion for craftsmanship and innovation. Can you give us a glimpse into another signature piece?

MC+: Building on the same conceptual inspiration as the Orbis, we created the Collis table. This piece represents an aerial view of a utopian city, with its avenues and buildings depicted through the textured stone top. It mirrors the blend of natural and urban landscapes, showcasing our dedication to innovative design and craftsmanship.

DNN: Looking ahead, are there plans to expand into other product categories or design collaborations beyond this rug collection with Illulian?

MC+: Absolutely! We are excited to expand our collection and continue collaborating with incredible creators like Illulian. The journey of exploration and innovation continues to inspire us, and we are eager to see where it leads MC+ in the future.

DNN: Beyond the Limited Edition collection, what are some of Illulian’s other signature rug lines or products that define the brand’s aesthetic?

Illulian: I would say all of them! Each rug says something about us and the way we work, though in a different way. The Limited Edition Collection confirms our focus on the world of design and art in general and allows us to work with creatives from different fields: architecture, painting, sculpture, fashion, photography and television. 

The Palace Collection is inspired by classic Italian taste, with damask and Liberty accents. The Design Collection allows our creatives to express themselves in total freedom of form and color, while the Essential Collection is designed to enhance the craftsmanship of our products rather than the style.

DNN: Expanding globally, how does Illulian aim to appeal to an international audience while staying true to its Milanese roots?

Illulian: Illulian is a family company, so our roots are firmly planted in Milan. We have our showroom here, which is also a kind of home; we are in the heart of the city. Milan is the epicenter of design and attracts many design enthusiasts and experts from all over the world. We are getting closer and closer to an international audience, building on our experience and the quality of our products, and working with designers from different countries. But that’s not all! For example, we recently held a competition with the Marangoni Institute in Miami, where we asked forty students to design a rug. 

The winner, a Colombian student, saw the creation of her Paraiso rug and won a scholarship. Then, thinking about different markets, such as the Arab market, in December we had the pleasure of exhibiting at an important event in Doha, requested by Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Thani, a true connoisseur of design who, you might think, was impressed by our rugs and contacted us on Instagram! We are working on different assets, and so far, it looks like a winning strategy.

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