Alida Catella & Silvio De Ponte

Alida Catella and Silvio De Ponte are a design duo from Italy known for their contemporary furniture designs that combine traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. Originally from Sicily, Alida Catella studied interior design at the Atheneo Artistico in Milan and almost simultaneously founded a design studio that later became Coima Image, a company that plans spaces for large companies and individuals. Silvio De Ponte, founder of De Ponte Architects, is an architect, lighting designer, scientist, writer and lecturer at the European Institute of Design. After graduating, he worked for many years as a set designer for internationally renowned theatre companies. In 1990 he received his Master's degree in Lightscape Design from Andrea Branzi. At the heart of each of De Ponte's creations is a meticulous exploration of the relationship between light, touch, color and matter in order to enliven the experience and engage people.

Their collaborative designs are characterized by an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and elegance with an emphasis on the use of metal. They take inspiration from their surroundings and often incorporate elements of the natural world into their designs, such as the lines and shapes of branches or the curves of the human figure. Catella and De Ponte's work has been exhibited at major design events around the world, including the Salone del Mobile in Milan, the Cologne International Furniture Fair and the Stockholm Furniture Fair. They have also won several awards and accolades, including the Red Dot Design Award and the Good Design Award.