Daniele Lora, Creative Director and Partner at CC-Tapis
Daniele Lora (b.1986) is the creative director and partner of avant-garde Italian design company cc-tapis. After completing a Master at La Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Daniele met Fabrizio Cantoni, who had founded cc-tapis with his wife, Nelcya Chamszadeh. The trio’s friendship quickly grew into a working collaboration, which continues today. Following the production process of each rug created by cc-tapis, Daniele constantly pushes boundaries by working closely with designers to conceive new collections and innovating by finding a unique approach to traditional methods. Here, Daniele shares his favourite spot for pizza in Milan, why his taste in music is so diverse and his interest in the contemporary South Korean design scene.
Interviews
26.10.2022
cc-tapis produces hand-knotted rugs which are made in Nepal by Tibetan artisans. Photograph of the Nepalese landscape courtesy of cc-tapis.
Where in the world do we find you?
I’m based in Milan, Italy, a crossing point for whoever works with creativity. A city that spurs imagination, as well as a genuine exchange of ideas and influences.
What is your favourite room at home?
My home has no doors, so it’s challenging to choose one single room. The space was conceived as a single flowing path. I don’t have a favourite room; it depends on the time of day and where I find myself.
Any must-read books?
“Libro d’ombra” by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki–a special gift from a friend, which explores Japanese aesthetics.
Where do you like to eat out?
Geppo in Milan, a pizzeria close to home which I am particularly fond of. It’s the place I go to when I think “I really feel like a pizza”. If you are in Milan, you should try the “Gass” pizza with apples and gorgonzola!
What is on your playlist?
My playlist is very diverse… having been a musician in the past, artists like Neil Young or Cat Stevens cannot be missing, but you could also find more experimental and techno music.
An up-and-coming designer to watch?
I am currently interested in the contemporary South Korean design scene, due to the aesthetic approach to each project, close to exoticism and far from the codes I am used to.
Daniele Lora's home featuring cc-tapis' Super Fake rug by Bethan Laura Wood. Photo: Beppe Brancato/Living Inside.
"...Daniele constantly pushes boundaries by working closely with designers to conceive new collections and innovating through finding a unique approach to traditional methods."
Memphis Milano's Tahiti lamp was designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass.
Some of the designers or movements that inspire you?
Memphis, the radical movement of design and architecture born in Milan in the 80s, which questioned the idea of design at that moment in time, and which continues to influence and live on today.
Your favourite building or architect?
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana also known as Colosseo Quadrato. I find the idea of transforming the Colosseum, the emblem of the city of Rome into modernist architecture just brilliant, integrating it perfectly into the capital without compromising its essence and unique character.
A piece of furniture you own and love?
More than one piece of furniture, I love my kitchen made by Henry Timi, a project that I had the pleasure of developing with a dear friend.
An important iconic furniture piece you covet?
Osvaldo Borsani P40 lounge chair for Tecno.
Three designers you would take with you to a deserted island?
Choosing three designers is not easy, but what I am sure of is that rather than an island, I would take them to Nepal.
What first comes to mind when you think of Australia?
Opportunity. I consider Australia as a country where you can create something that doesn’t already exist, where you have more (design) freedom, contrary to Europe where everything, or almost everything, is already established.
Can you share what you are working on at the moment?
I can’t go into much detail yet, but we are currently developing a collection by a master of design and architecture known for having profoundly transformed the world of contemporary design from the last century, it will be launched in January 2023, so maybe we can pick-up on this conversation then.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana also known as Colosseo Quadrato. Located in Rome, the building's design draws inspiration from the ancient Colosseum. Photo by Fabio Bascetta.
Pizzeria da Geppo in Milan. Photos by Tania Bornacin for Munchies Italia.
"I’m based in Milan, Italy, a crossing point for whomever works with creativity. A city that spurs imagination, as well as a genuine exchange of ideas and influences."
"Bliss" rug by Mae Engelgeer for cc-tapis' Undyed mood collection. Photographed in Copenhagen by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen with styling by Pernille Vest.