This week we say goodbye to renowned Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni and reflect on the enormous influence he had on the design industry.
August 4th, 2023
Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni has left an indelible mark on the design industry. The trained architect turned furniture designer worked with the world’s leading brands, bringing his artistic vision and refined style to everything he touched.
A native Milanese, Dordoni first studied architecture at the Polytechnic of Milan, graduating in 1979 he then stepped into the role of art director at Cappellini. For 10 years Dordoni managed the external appearances of the brand before being appointed artistic director at Minotti. It’s here that Dordoni truly shined – for more than 25 years he gently shaped the family-owned, Milanese furniture manufacturer.
Working across furniture, lighting, storage and fittings, Dordoni’s clean lines and elegant minimalism helped embed the Minotti design language and communicate sophistication around the world. Throughout this time, Dordoni also designed pieces for Cassina, Poliform, Artemide, de Sede, Foscarini and Kettal.
“The news of Rodolfo’s passing has shocked and saddened all of us greatly. Our strong, intense relationship, based on mutual esteem, over time turned into an authentic friendship, allowing us to develop our work together to its fullest potential, becoming the Minotti style. A true lover of art and beauty, Rodolfo found the right balance between creative passion and rigour to create with us a winning combination that has made our products timeless classics,” says Renato Minotti co-CEO.
“We had the chance to work alongside a visionary, passionate, inspired man, who has been a protagonist of one of the most brilliant eras in the history of our brand. Today Minotti has lost one of its dearest friends, a precious collaborator, a true professional and a member of our family. We acknowledge with sadness the news of his passing and we want to express our gratitude for his life, his work and for all that he passed on to us,” adds Roberto Minotti, Co-CEO.
As news of his passing reached Australia, many in the design industry have shared their admiration for Dordoni’s extensive contribution to the world of design.
Among them is Greg Natale, who posted on Instagram: “I am heartbroken to hear the news that one of my favourite contemporary designers, Rodolfo Dordoni, has passed. Rodolfo was a design genius. His sleek, timeless works were among the world’s best. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2018 at the @dedece Melbourne showroom launch. He was humble, kind, and it was an honour to spend time with him. I used his work in many of my projects. Each of these interiors showcases his extreme talent. Rest in Peace to this visionary.”
Dordoni’s timeless aesthetic will live on in the many pieces he leaves behind as a true legacy.
Minotti
minotti.com
Photography
Courtesy of Minotti
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
As MillerKnoll offers a deep-dive into some of the company’s ESG initiatives with the recently released 2023 Better World Report, we take a closer look at their unwavering commitment to transformative design – and the belief that with great design comes great responsibility.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
It’s time to take a peek inside NEXTDC’s Merlot 2 designed by HDR, an altogether different approach for workplace interiors.
Presenting Your Moment INDESIGN, an exciting creative campaign brought to you by Indesign Media and eight of Australia’s best known architects and designers. Experience the campaign and hear from these leaders of industry about the design philosophies they live and work by, and how INDESIGN fuels their daily practice.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Join us for a Herman Miller series that looks at how architects and designers use their most iconic designs to create beautiful and functional office spaces.
A set of landmark agreements made by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia is ensuring that Australian and New Zealand architects will find it easier to have their professional registration recognised internationally.
As MillerKnoll offers a deep-dive into some of the company’s ESG initiatives with the recently released 2023 Better World Report, we take a closer look at their unwavering commitment to transformative design – and the belief that with great design comes great responsibility.