Born in Milan, Adriano Meneghetti founded his brand of accessories in 2011, after having earned a degree in fashion design from the Marangoni Institute and three years working as a designer and creative director in the fashion industry.

From the start, his fascination with the past and his emotional sensitivity to the objects around him have determined the course of his career. Each creation by Meneghetti is unique, made in Italy with the finest raw materials, and designed to last over time.

Describing himself as a ‘pragmatic Don Quixote’, Meneghetti combines visionary originality and artisan pragmatism, with the goal of creating products that are true ambassadors of memories and experiences.

We had the pleasure of meeting with him in his studio to learn more about his career, his passion for design, and how his personal approach influences his work.

When they ask me to define my style, I immediately think of the word ‘timeless’. Quality materials, artisan savoir-faire and good design are the three pillars on which every creation is based. Our Ellar belt, designed in 2014 and recently re-proposed in partnership with Monocle, is a perfect example of how we work to keep our designs fresh and full of character.’

‘Standing out today isn’t easy: everything is more accessible. We’re living in a moment in time in which the quantity of products on the market is infinitely greater than the demand. There’s too much of everything. For that reason, I think the most important thing is the authenticity, attitude and ethics with which one tries to do things.’

‘I’ve been passionate about fashion and accessories since I was a boy. I remember being fascinated by aesthetics and creativity even as a child. I attended a secondary school for the arts and then the Marangoni Institute in Milan, where I was able to expand my knowledge of fashion. Before launching my brand in 2011, I worked for different brands, though I always felt the need to create something of my own.’

‘In the beginning, I wanted to start with a single product, to give more strength and credibility to the range. I had a few prototype belts made using a lead line for horses. The inspiration came one day while I was at my father’s stables (he was a trainer and driver of trotters) and I saw a bunch of them hanging there, very colourful. The response was encouraging so I decided to continue.’

‘The production of a belt can begin in different ways: from a drawing, from an accessory or from the material itself. Each phase, from prototyping to the final creation, is a continuous dialogue between myself, the idea and the craftsmen. This process is particularly exciting because it’s when the object truly takes shape.’

‘When it comes to inspiration, I firmly believe that it can be found in everything. The title of the book by Paul Smith, You Can Find Inspiration in Everything. And if You Can’t, Look Again!, perfectly summarises my creative approach. Mental openness and the ability to see a stimulus in anything are essential to the creation of something unique.’

‘The relationship with the workshops and craftsmen is crucial to my job. I try to spend as much time as possible in the workshops because that’s where my products are defined and evolve. Always learning and interacting with the craftsmen are the true rewards of my trade.’

‘My brand does very well in Japan, a country which appreciates quality and sophisticated design. Being distributed in Japan from the beginning was an important recognition. Japanese style has a lot in common with Milanese style: understatement, quality and practicality, with designs that are sophisticated and never tacky.’

‘In ten years, I would like to see my brand extend into multiple fields, contributing to the evolution and renewal of the artisan world. It would be incredibly satisfying to be able to say something significant without adding pointless stratification to that which already exists.’

Explore Adriano Meneghetti’s collection at adrianomeneghetti.com

Photography: Paolo Biava