Caterina Licitra

Caterina Licitra Ponti is the great granddaughter of the famous designer Gio Ponti. Licitra's collaboration with Mariner furniture is a tribute to Gio Ponti but also a new vision and tradition for design. 
 
INTERVIEW WITH CATERINA LICITRA, DESIGNER OF THE NEW COLLECTION “TRIBUTO A GIO PONTI BY CATERINA LICITRA” FROM MARINER
Mariner, alongside designer Caterina Licitra, presents its new collection which pays homage to her great-grandfather Gio Ponti to be presented in Milan at the Salone del Mobile 2017
The designer, Caterina Licitra, inspired the collection in the creativity of her great-grandfather, Gio Ponti, a global icon who unified architecture, design and art under the universal symbol of Italian beauty and elegance.
1.- Who is Caterina Licitra?
I am part of a young nomad generation from around the world who can link west to east, with the speed of a click!
We live in an ever-changing world. We change, we adapt and we carry on.
I have the creativity of my great grandfather, Gio Ponti, in me. He is a worldwide icon who unified architecture, design and art in the universal symbol of Italian beauty and elegance.
My dream is to create worldwide collections conveying my personal history in them.
2.- How did you find your vocation as a designer?
Since my childhood I was always in contact with famous architects, deisgners and artistis. Such as Mario Mertz, Carla Accardi, Charlemagne Palestine, Zaha Hadid, Maaria Wirkkala and so on.. Our house in Via Randaccio 9 in Milano has always been a been a cultural meeting point.
3.- What is the key to your inspiration?
My key inspiration is as Gio Ponti says : “ Beauty is the most resistant structure and the most resistant material. ”
4.- What aspects of your work are you most passionate about?
I love all the phases of my work, from the idea, to the manual production, choosing the fabrics, colours and then manifesting the final product via social media.
5.- How has the figure of Gio Ponti influenced your work?
My grandmother Lisa Ponti always told me that Gio Ponti loved to work and be surrounded by genius like Fausto Melotti, Piero Fornasetti, Pier Luigi Nervi and the excellence of the artisans of those times, for me this research of quality in every aspect has influenced me. And in those times there was a “fair – play” between designers, architects and artists at difference of now everyone is in competition.
6.- When did you first heard about Mariner?
I’ve heard of Mariner company through Jorge Mariner, old family friend.
7. Why did you choose Mariner to be your travelling companion for your first furniture collection?
It was written on my astrological chart !
8. What makes a piece of furniture special?
It must create a feeling.
9. Any design piece that always moves you?
Green School in Ubud, Bali. This school is entirely made of bamboo and banana leaf, both are natural materials, flexible and strong. That creates a special experience of life.
10. Among all the pieces in the collection, is there any towards which you feel more affection over the others?
The Candy Sofa, it’s a powerful piece with luxurious materials from the walnut to the sensual red velvet.
11.- Of all the countries where you have lived, which has influenced your designs the most?
I would say Asia.
12.- What do you see when you look into the future? Any goals or future challenges?
My goal is to conquer the world with my furniture !