Farewell, Maddalena De Padova, the lady of Italian design
On Saturday, December 3rd Maddalena De Padova, the lady of Italian design, left us at the age of 88.
Defined by her friend Achille Castiglioni "a volcano of ideas, she was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro for her lifetime achievements in 2004. She was the first one to import Scandinavian design in Italy and contributed to the definition of a new way of living and decorating, which resulted in the creation of Made in Italy.
Determined, passionate, visionary, in 1956 she inaugurated with her husband Fernando their first showroom in via Montenapoleone, importing, unusual choice for the time, Nordic furniture and design objects. The address quickly established itself as a synonym for quality and clean, sober and rigorous design in Milan and elsewhere in Italy.
Two years later, with the brand I.C.F. De Padova, the couple began to produce under license the office furniture by Herman Miller, designed by the likes of Charles Eames, Alexander Girard and George Nelson. In the 60s the showroom was moved to Corso Venezia, and for the next 50 years and beyond it was the reference point for design lovers in Milan.
After the premature death of Fernando in 1967, Maddalena decided to sell the I.C.F. brand and factory and start the production of a collection of office furniture designed by Vico Magistretti for the occasion. The event marked the birth of the catalog "Edizioni De Padova", later renamed "è De Padova", which will also included items by Achille Castiglioni, Dieter Rams and Ferruccio Laviani and defined an elegant and clean style.
In the 2000s, the company welcomed the contribution of young designers who are today veritable stars on the international scene; among others, Patricia Urquiola, Marco Zanuso jr, Nendo. In 2015, the company was acquired by Boffi and the Milanese flagship transferred nearby, in via Santa Cecilia. Where De Padova continues to enchant.
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