Oscar Duboÿ’s Italian Design Favorites: 10 Must-Have Pieces from Replica Handbag and Jewelry Shopping

The Stilnovo Lamp by Gae Aulenti & Piero Castiglioni

“A few cubic centimeters that encapsulate everything Italian design has taught us about function and flair: a little curiosity, bright in many ways, that you can take anywhere and tilt however you want... and much prettier than a flashlight!”

Green lacquered metal ‘Minibox’ bedside lamp, 1980s, €1,150

A Totem Vase by Ettore Sottsass

“The Yantra series is one of my favorites by Ettore Sottsass, for the monochromatic brilliance of the glaze that highlights the piece’s graphic lines. Like a totem, this model deliberately evokes the designer’s mystical world.”

‘Y23’ sculptural vase in black glazed ceramic, signed, 1970s, €5,250

Gio Ponti’s Enamel Animals

“A timeless signature, not too big—fits anywhere, even in a pocket! The little fish in particular is the perfect starter for a design collection, quickly followed by the rest of the family: the horse, the cat, the bird—yellow, blue, black, red…”

‘Pesce’ enamel on copper sculpture, 1989, €2,350

Venini Glass Meets Wirkkala’s Scandinavian Design

“It’s the simplicity of Scandinavian lines tested against Murano glass. A tribute to this lesser-known but, in my view, surprisingly rich collaboration—especially for its use of color.”

‘Polipo’ centerpiece on base, like a sculpture, blown glass, Venini edition, 1992, €1,550

The Sensual Curves of Sergio Asti

“Sergio Asti is often forgotten, though he was incredibly prolific. I fully embrace the subjectivity of this choice: all his objects exude something sensual, round, and desirable… the pure pleasure of the ‘60s–‘70s!”

‘Onda’ set in glass and silver-plated metal, 1970s edition, €1,980

An Object by Carlo Scarpa

“The handle’s design alone is a masterpiece, and far more ergonomic than you’d expect. A perfect occasion to also highlight Cleto Munari, a genius editor.”

Hammered silver carafe for Cleto Munari, design from 1978, 2003 model, €2,750

A Pendant Light by Ettore Sottsass

“Sottsass created dozens of versions, swapping shapes and colors like a child stringing beads. This one is especially balanced, and the soft hues create beautiful light transparency.”

‘Firenze’ pendant in clear and tinted glass, Venini edition, 1995, €8,650

An Animal by Gabriella Crespi

“With the brass and gold craze sweeping through interiors, Gabriella Crespi has become trendy again. Everything about her—her work, her persona, her clientele—oozes glamour. A perfect luxury piece. And that Murano egg from Barovier & Toso? Utter chic.”

‘Piccolo Struzzo’ sculpture in gilt bronze and Murano glass by Barovier & Toso, 1970s, €3,385

A Lamp by Ignazio Gardella

“Gardella was one of the great post-war Italian architects. This lamp is a symbol of the understated elegance of Milanese bourgeoisie. A true classic.”

Pair of ‘Arenzano’ lamps, small model in brass and satin-finished opaline glass, 1956 model, €4,650

A Piece by Bruno Gambone

“Ponti, Warhol, Fontana, Castellani, Bonalumi—Bruno Gambone was close to all the avant-gardes, both in Milan and New York. A brilliant jack-of-all-trades, his work is multifaceted, but these animal forms speak their own visual language that I truly love.”

‘Bull’ sculpture in glazed stoneware, 1970s, €2,790