Back in her National Jeweler days, Randi was a frequent Vicenza visitor, opening her eyes to the delights of all kinds of Italian jewelry. Milan-based Antonini has always been a favorite for two simple reasons: sculptural, decisive design and construction. It's like you can feel the nearly 100 years of history in every piece the brand makes. (Seriously, Antonini has been around since 1919 and was the purveyor to the Milanese aristocracy, for whom the company designed extraordinary one-of-a-kind pieces.) We feel pretty lucky to be bringing you Antonini's creative director, Sergio, to give you the lowdown. Jump on board!
“Sicily forever: for the sun, the food, the colors, the easy atmosphere…”
What's your idea of ultimate luxury?
Luxury is to choose products for their own value and their value for yourself, not for status.
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
Pisacco (via Solferino, Brera district - Milan) project by Vudafieri architects, Andrea Berton chef. Simple healthy dishes.
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?
Gaia Repossi, I love it!
What's your favorite Sunday afternoon activity?
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art as the Museo del ‘900 or the new Prada Foundation in Milan.
What's your go–to cocktail?
Spritz Saint Germain.
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .
Cognac diamonds, I use them also for our latest collection “Matera”.
What's your favorite place to holiday and why?
Sicily forever: for the sun, the food, the colors, the easy atmosphere…
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?
Black & White, the 2015 collection for the optical shapes that remind us of the ‘70s and the use of natural white gold.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
To swim in Milan or in hotels when I travel around the world.
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
Cufflinks by Antonini!
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Lucio Fontana, he was an awesome artist for his new way to face the canvas.
What's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.
The Anniversary ring (black rhodium, picture attached). The Anniversary collection was conceived for the 90th anniversary of the company, it was an unexpected success and I love this version in black rhodium because it can also be worn by men.
Mountains, sea or city? Why?
Sea forever for smells of the sea, its ever different colors, its sound, the sense of freedom…
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!
Taylor Swift as pop music and Rossini for classical music. I also love Giuseppe Verdi and Tchaikovsky.
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
Sauted shrimps on a base of salad and avocado.
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!
Miuccia Prada! I love her work.
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
Marni for it’s avant-garde design.
Tell us your beauty secrets.
I’m a man, I have no secrets J
What's your spirit animal?
Sea urchin.
If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be?
An architect, of course.