Eight stories, eight projects, eight womens. “I Fiori della Materia” is the collective exhibition part of “In Women’s Hands” the Superstudio’s programme which combines professional designers attentive to material and their processing. An in-depth study of their research, passion and creative power but also choices, paths and challenges they have faced in life. On show until October 29 to discover female creativity, including unconventional works and unpublished stories. Focus on Francesca Gasparotti.

"Being born in Milan carried its weight. We are at the end of 70’s. The world is in turmoil. These are the years of protests. It’s a dark time in Italy. My parents split when I was 4, and that’s when my mother decided to enroll at Brera Fine Arts Academy...."

Eight stories, eight projects, eight womens. “I Fiori della Materia” is the collective exhibition part of “In Women’s Hands” the Superstudio’s programme which combines professional designers attentive to material and their processing. An in-depth study of their research, passion and creative power but also choices, paths and challenges they have faced in life. On show until October 29 to discover female creativity, including unconventional works and unpublished stories. Focus on Francesca Gasparotti.

"Being born in Milan carried its weight. We are at the end of 70’s. The world is in turmoil. These are the years of protests. It’s a dark time in Italy. My parents split when I was 4, and that’s when my mother decided to enroll at Brera Fine Arts Academy. Thus began my involuntary education towards art, the discovery of other cultures and my curiosity about the outside world. Ironically, down to recent times, it would just be informal experiences, which would not have any effect on my professional choices. A little for opportunity, a little for attitude, I chose in fact a managerial career. Studies at L. Bocconi University in Milan, a linear path of professional growth that sees me as protagonist in successful multinational companies until 2006. Then the turning point. To tell the truth, the drive of change occurred previously and the makers were my husband, with whom I have shared lights and shadows for 30 years and subsequently, the author of a book, who later won the Nobel Peace Prize, the economist Muhammad Yunus, microcredit pioneer. Luca, my husband, is a designer; and out it comes the source of inspiration. Yunus is an economist, my pragmatic side. I was offered the opportunity to blend creativity and sustainable economy. Thus, in 2000, Luca and I began to think about a new business model based on sustainable design, of which we were starting to talk about. These are the first steps towards SoFarSoNear, our design studio, which we have dealt with full- time, leaving our secure careers, towards the end of 2000. The 'Qashqai meet Bauhaus' collection represents the synthesis of my design concept made of focus on people, elegance, functionality never disjoined from emotion. I love to relate the memory of a place or object and its boost into the future, inspired by traditions, which I consider an essential human heritage, and the art movements that accompanied me during my career".