Piero Fornasetti 1913-1988

Piero Fornasetti (10 November 1913 - 1988) was an Italian painter, sculptor, interior decorator and engraver.

He lived most of his life in Milan, attending the Brera Art Academy from 1930-1932 when he was expelled for insubordination. During World War II, he went into exile in Switzerland from 1943-46. He created more than 11,000 beautiful items, many featuring the face of a woman, operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri as a motif. Her full name was Natalia Cavalieri.

Fornasetti found her face in a 19th century magazine. “What inspired me to create more than 500 variations on the face of a woman?” asks Italian designer, Piero Fornasetti of himself. “I don’t know,” he admits, “I began to make them and I never stopped.” The “Tema e Variazioni” (theme and variation) plate series based on Cavalieri's face numbered more than 350.

T&V 334

Other common features in his work include heavy use of black and white, the sun and time. His style is reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, from which he was heavily influenced.

Fornasetti is celebrated as being among the most original creative talents of the twentieth century. During his career he created a visual vocabulary that is instantly recognisable and unceasingly engaging. Fornasetti designed a magical world, saturated in image and colour and filled with whimsy and wit.

Today it is most common to see Fornasetti's style in fashion and room accessories such as scarfs, ties, lamps, furniture, china plates and tables.

Fornasetti's son Barnaba, is perpetuating the Fornasetti tradition by continuing to produce, and revive, Fornasetti designs. At the helm of the company and its creative heart, Barnaba is the custodian of his father's legacy.

For more information Fornasetti please call us on +44 207 7299 880, email us at info@milkconceptboutique.eu or visit our website - milkconceptboutique.com

Olivia Steele @ Milk!

The most exciting things in this world are temporary. Hurricanes, explosions, loves, lives, bigger explosions and other lives – all of these things and more and art – but particularly art. The reason street art has captured so many imaginations is the brevity of its display – blink and it will become replaced or removed or faded by the abrasive city environment. In light of the Frieze Art Fair, conceptual neon artist, Olivia Steele’s latest exhibition, will be off the beaten path as she has chosen to display her affection to the public, in public.


Vowing to return neon to its roots, the only gallery walls suitable to contain her work are those of the city itself. Selections from her latest collection (‘Public Display of Affection’) will be put up in connected public spaces around London, so forming a trail of art to be sought out and followed by anyone and everyone who wishes.

From East London lingerie shops to the Mile End footbridge to historic landmarks on Shoreditch High Street her artworks will become beacons spanning the city – a yellow brick road of vibrant illuminating sculpture. All locations, no matter how unlikely, will briefly host beauty; all people, no matter how divergent their concerns, no matter how disconnected their lives will be able to experience it.

You can follow her trail, and connect the dots around London, for a short time only in October and November. Please see below for participating stores:

Milk Concept Boutique 118 1/2 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JN

123 Bethnal Green Road Concept Store, 123 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 7DG

Bordello 55 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3HP

For more information on any of these products please call us on +44 207 7299 880, email us at info@milkconceptboutique.eu or visit our website - milkconceptboutique.com