Milan success story: Tommaso Caldera, designer

"I was born in Milan in 1986, but I've almost always lived in Pavia, about thirty kilometres south of the city. It's ideal, because for a designer it means you're close to the hustle and bustle of the city and all the opportunities, but it also gives you perspective and space. When I was still a student, I started working for the great designer Odo Fioravanti. I stayed with him for four years before leaving for New York, because I wanted to see how the world of design worked outside Milan. There, I worked for Jonathan Olivares for a few months, and that's when I started creating my leather bags. Back in Milan, at the age of 26, I opened my own studio. It's a fabulous place to start out in design. I was lucky enough to be able to take part in the Salone del Mobile, which enabled me to make a name for myself. As a result, in September 2013, I was selected by the Italian Cultural Institute in New York as a "Top Young Industrial Designer". This recognition was important, and I was able to easily find clients and manufacturers for my objects. Since then, I've devoted myself to creating a wide range of objects, from kitchen utensils to desk lamps and armchairs. I don't want to confine myself to one speciality, I want to do everything I like. Naturally, as a young designer, I'm obliged to accept commissions. Sometimes even too many, because I'd like to devote myself to one particular piece. For the moment, I work alone. Ideally I'd like to have one or two assistants, but I don't want to become a big studio, something too polished. I don't want to open a shop, nor do I want to sell online. Selling is a different business. What's important to me is creation, nothing but creation. Nothing but creation.

Internet: www.tommasocaldera.eu - Email: info@tommasocaldera.eu