Alessandra Baldereschi x Multiforme
Interview with the designer
How did the original idea for this product come about?
The initial inspiration came from some of my flower drawings that I created some time ago. They are fantastic flowers, with bright colors and surprising combinations that are not found in nature. I realized that these fluid and rounded lines were perfect for accommodating a light source and the idea of transforming them into lamps was almost natural. Glass, with its ability to play with light, seemed to me the ideal material to bring these flowers to life.
How was the name conceived and what does it mean?
The name ‘Flowers in Wonderland‘ was born from the intention to evoke a sense of magic and wonder. I was inspired by the fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland, a world where everything is possible, where objects transform and reality is suspended. At the same time I wanted to remember the wonder of Nature: an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
How did the idea evolve once it was realized in glass?
The first prototypes made by the master glassblowers were already very faithful to my drawings, they had the same soft shapes of the flowers I had imagined. From that moment on we focused on more refined aspects, such as the search for the most suitable colors to enhance the fairytale aspect. We explored different textures to give greater depth to the glass and worked on the proportions of the flowers. Naturally, an important part of the process was the technical development.
Are you satisfied with the result? How far does it depart from the theoretical project and how much of interest was born in the production process?
Yes, I am absolutely satisfied with the final result and we are already thinking about how to expand the collection with new features and variations. What struck me most during the production process was seeing how the theoretical project transformed into something even more interesting and rich in nuances. Although the result remained faithful to my initial drawings, working directly with glass and collaborating with master glassmakers generated new and unexpected ideas. Some details, such as variations in color and texture, emerged only when we saw the first samples.
What is light for you and how do deal with it in your projects?
Light is a tool of transformation. It has the ability to change the atmosphere of a space, to create emotions and to bring out hidden details. In my projects I like to treat it as a living element that interacts with shapes and materials in a dynamic way. In the lamps of the ‘Flowers in Wonderland’ collection, for instance, light is not simply functional but plays a fundamental role in enhancing the soft curves and transparency of the glass. I like to manage light so that it is a visual experience capable of creating welcoming environments.
If you had to think of a soundtrack to represent the opera, what song would you choose? Or what artist?
If I had to choose a soundtrack for ‘Flowers in Wonderland’, I would choose something ethereal and dreamy, that evokes the same feeling of magic and delicacy that the lamps communicate. An artist like Ludovico Einaudi would be perfect: minimalist music, made of soft harmonies and melodies that develop slowly.
What did you like in particular about the collaboration with Multiforme?
What I liked most about the collaboration with Multiforme was the enthusiasm and passion that the entire team showed from the beginning. They welcomed the project with great openness and respect for the original idea but at the same time they brought their experience and expertise to ensure that the design came to life in the most faithful way possible. It was stimulating to work with such a prepared team that was able to perfectly interpret the project by finding innovative technical solutions.
What would be the perfect place if you could place your product anywhere in the world?
I imagine my lamps placed in a winter garden, a place where natural light filters through the large windows and the lamps seem almost suspended, in dialogue with the surrounding plants. The transparency and shades of the glass would capture the daylight creating plays of reflections and shadows while in the evening the lamps would envelop the space in a warm and welcoming light, making the atmosphere even more magical.
Is there a project you haven’t done yet and dream of making in the future?
There are many objects that I haven’t designed yet but none that I dream of in particular. I’m curious to see where my creative explorations will take me in the future.
What are 20th century figures that have influenced your worldview?
My grandmother Mamù
Zygmund Bauman
Josè Saramago
