Designer Q&A: Renato Cipullo
There's a certain kind of jewelry that feels like it's been around forever... pieces that could belong to your grandmother, that get better with time and wear. The iconic designer Renato Cipullo has been making that kind of jewelry for decades - drawing on his Neapolitan roots, his years living la dolce vita in Rome and Ischia, and a deep love for Italian art and design. Now, he works alongside his daughter Serena, and is passing down both the craft and the passion.
We're so excited to welcome Renato's beautiful pieces to the Sunroom jewelry family! To mark the moment, we caught up with Renato to discuss his inspirations, Leonardo da Vinci, swimming pools in Rome...and what it means to design something that lasts.
Shop Renato Cipullo at Sunroom
You designed your own original lettering style, influenced by 70s motifs and Italian graphic design. Where did that idea start?
It began because in the 70s everyone seemed to be doing bracelets with letters, it was very popular at the time. However, I went to see what “standard” letters were available to make with and I didn’t like any of the fonts, so I figured why not design my own? I developed all sorts of fonts and pieces at that time and now we've revived some of the designs. I designed the chain version so it’s legible but not obvious that the links say something, like a hidden message.
When you're starting a new design, what usually comes first: an image, a feeling, a material?
It really depends on the piece! Sometimes it starts with the material and I create around it, that would usually be a one-of-a-kind piece. Those are the pieces I would say I enjoy making the most since I can really go in any direction. What's important for me to remember is that design is form AND function, so I also want to ensure what I'm creating is wearable and comfortable.
Has the way you think about jewelry (designing, wearing, creating) changed over time?
No, I have always felt jewelry should be of high quality and make a strong impression for who is wearing it. I don’t like to pay attention to trends, I prefer to focus on what I truly like and hope others appreciate what comes from that. I have such eclectic taste that I can make something very detailed or something that seems simple and minimal.
The Amalfi coast, Ischia, Rome, and Naples all have such distinct personalities. Is there one that feels most like home to your design sensibility?
Its true they are all distinct, making it hard to pick one since each place contributed to my creativity and influenced me as a designer, representing chapters of my life. My heart is with Naples because it's by the sea and will always be home since it's where I was born. I was lucky enough to experience the La Dolce Vita era in Rome when it was very social and creative, yet Ischia is where I began to really form my individuality. I had a store there, which allowed me to expand on creating whether it came to designing and building the furniture in it or creating items like belts to sell.
You've mentioned antiquity and the Renaissance as influences. Is there a specific building, sculpture, or piece of art in Italy that has stayed with you (or a place you love returning to for inspiration)?
I have always gravitated towards the work of Leonardo da Vinci and the Vitruvian Man, but there is so much to see in Italy. Everywhere you go there's something to take in and that beauty is like nothing else. For example, I used to love to go swimming at the Olympic pool in Rome. It may seem random but it’s beautiful with large marble statues of various representations of sports. Everywhere there’s a form of art.
You're now working alongside your daughter Serena. What is something you hope to pass down? What is something that is exciting to see reimagined through her eyes?
I hope to pass down the passion and the skill to do every step of the process from the designing table to creating at the bench. It’s been exciting to see how she has interpreted my past designs, recognized how they resonate with her and also to see us designing together and creating new pieces. Her different perspective helps us both creatively.
