Eclectic artist Cleto Munari chose the premises of Ottica Mondelliani in via dei Prefetti (Rome) to premiere his first ever eyewear collection. The Italian designer’s artistic experiences are embodied in 13 eyewear models, comprising 10 eyeglasses, 2 sunglasses, and 1 limited edition model in 2 colour options.
In this exclusive interview, Munari tells WMIDO how his design concept is still an expression of modernity.
How did your creative activity begin?
My work in the world of design started late, when I was around 40.
Up to then, I had dedicated myself solely to my two passions: women and horses!
I come from a well-off family and so I was able to decide what I wanted to do and dedicate myself to the world of art and design when I felt ready...
Has there been an influential figure in your career?
I took up design thanks to Paolo Scarpa; and another influential figure was Ettore Sottsass. Both guided me in the search for “beautiful”.
My career has touched on various fields: from jewellery to furniture, from car interiors (I worked with Enzo Ferrari) to carpets, knick-knacks, fashion... right up to eyewear today.
My works are on permanent display in many important museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
How did the idea of creating glasses come about at this point in your career?
I think it’s genetic: just like authors, artists too are born with this .gift. I don’t think I’ve ever been as productive before as in these last few years! Eyewear, in fact, has always interested me. I believe that my strength lies in the fact that I have no idea what other eyewear designers are coming up with.
The incentive to create my own collection arrived when they called me from the Mudec in Milan and asked me for some items to stock in the museum store.
On that occasion, I told the purchasing manager that I was playing with the idea of creating an eyewear collection. In that moment I had nothing concrete ready, it was all just in my mind but I drew a quick sketch by hand and he ordered 50 pairs! After three months, I launched production alongside a Vicenza-based businessman, Domenico Concato.
What is the distinctive feature of your glasses?
Colour, without a doubt. Colour is much more than a ‘word’ for me: it’s a quality, like shape. A pair of glasses should not be anonymous, and which better element to make it stand out if not colour?
Which materials do your use in your collection?
We started with acetate but we’re thinking about introducing titanium. Our glasses comprise a multilayer surface, difficult to create, and in fact they are produced by expert craftsmen from the Vicenza goldworking industry. The juxtaposition of three colours in the multilayer acetate bands is unique, planned down to the last detail and custom-made by Mazzucchelli.
The colour is emphasised by the shapes, which alternate concave and convex surfaces.
Your glasses discreetly bear your recurrent detail: a reinterpreted Eye of Horus. Why did you choose this symbol to feature on your creations?
Because it’s a symbol of prosperity and wisdom.
Who are your potential customers?
Eyewear is like an outfit: it’s chosen to be seen, and also to help you see!