Elena
Salmistraro

Product designer

Product designer and artist, Elena Salmistraro lives and works in Milan. Graduated from Polytechnic University of Milan in 2008, she founded her own studio together with architect Angelo Stoli in 2009, where she has been working on architectural and design projects ever since.

She works as a product designer and artist/illustrator for various creative industry’s leading companies, including Alessi, Bosa, Seletti, De Castelli, B-Line, Bitossi Home, LuisaViaRoma, Yoox, NasonMoretti, Massimo Lunardon, Okinawa, Texturae, Stone Italiana, Effecte, MyHomeCollection, Durame. Besides, she collaborates with prestigious Art and Design Galleries, such as Dilmos, Rossana Orlandi, Camp Design Gallery and Secondome.

www.elenasalmistraro.com
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That’s what’s so great about Fuorisalone, discovering fantastic places and neighbourhoods, highlighting design’s potential

— Elena Salmistraro

The interview

A conversation with Elena Salmistraro

What are your sources of inspiration and how do keep up to date for your job?
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My sources of inspiration are various, I observe the world and what surrounds me trying to decode it according to my creative rules. This allows things that are close to me to unawarely become the subjects of choice; a clear example is the “molossi” carillon for Bosa. Keeping up to date instead is hard work, you need to be able to skim through the main websites and specialized printed press, not to mention exhibitions and events.

Who are your heroes and design masters?
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If by heroes you mean something more than masters then I’d say that the masters are Jamie Hayon, Niki de Saint Phalle and Hella Jongerius, whereas the indisputable heroes are Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini and Riccardo Dalisi.

A snapshot of design today: have social networks changed your design communication?
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Absolutely not, but simply because I’m part of a generation of designers which was born and which developed thanks to the use of social networks, consequently social networks have always been there and they are a fundamental part of the project. Social communication has been, is and must be a part of all my works; with time I just fine-tuned the method of use.

What does Fuorisalone mean to you and Milan?
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Fuorisalone is a synonym for party; it’s design’s great birthday party for which designers and brands bring their creations. For Milan it’s life, nothing like the Fuorisalone manages to animate this city that is otherwise increasingly sleepy. Not even fashion manages or the much-awaited Expo managed to create the magical energy of the Fuorisalone.

Your special corner during Design Week
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I don’t have a special corner, also because each year it is different. I loved the Tortona district, then Lambrate, and now Brera. That’s what’s so great about Fuorisalone, discovering fantastic places and neighbourhoods, highlighting design’s potential, conveying to those who live Milan throughout the year that it really takes very little to change and improve the world we live in.

I wish the Fuorisalone...
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I wish the Fuorisalone could leave a mark more often, a permanent recollection in the city. There are a lot of initiatives and installations that have the strength and courage to improve the city. I think it’s a real shame this kind of opportunity goes to waste, maybe the Fuorisalone could provide Milan with its very own Eiffel Tower