Glass and glorious Milan with Elettra Bresciani
Italy has a proud history of glassmakers and glass manufacturing by companies including OmniDecor, which specialises in etched glass production.
As a fourth-generation member of the founding family, Elettra Bresciani is the marketing manager and also oversees product development of its glass, a marriage of science and design. When she’s not in the office or the studio, you’ll find her out and about taking a little time from her busy schedule to enjoy the best Milano has to offer.
Elettra, what makes OmniDecor unique and what is it best known for?
The constant pursuit of innovation. We have been loving glass for four generations now, and since the beginning OmniDecor has based its raison d'être on two factors: research in order to innovate and the study of aesthetics, trends and lifestyle. A passion for everything that is new, high performance and beautiful, and that contributes to the process of creating unique and memorable products.
What makes Milan special as a city and what do you love most about living there?
The city of Milan has grown significantly over the past decade, especially from the architectural point of view, and has seen a lot of renovation and new constructions. There are whole new districts, open to all the opportunities of a contemporary city, and many international firms and brands have located in Milan their offices or even headquarters. But in this growth and international landscape, Milan keeps its welcoming attitude, and every time you walk in the streets you feel at home. Proof is the growing tourism that brings enthusiastic visitors from all over the world.
Why is Milan a design capital?
Milan is not anymore just the fashion capital, it’s the design capital as well. The worldwide renowned furniture show Salone del Mobile has certainly contributed to make this happen, and that week in April is now a staple in everyone in the design world’s agenda. Today’s achievements come from the past: in the early 50’s, Milan was home to visionary talents and courageous entrepreneurs, who were attracted by the vitality and vigour of the economical capital of the country. This spontaneous meeting between creativity and entrepreneurial wisdom has given life to a unique combination that has led to where the brands are today.
What might a typical day of food from breakfast through to dinner look like for you?
Being able to travel the world for both work and pleasure gives me a greater appreciation of the places to eat and drink in Milan when I am home. On my walk to the office, I love to start my day with a coffee served in the relaxing and busy atmosphere of Pasticceria Marchesi in their Montenapoleone location. At lunch time my favourite place for a quick work break is Trattoria da Pino, right in the heart of the Durini Design District, where the comfort dishes of a traditional kitchen make you feel at home. At dinner, I can’t recommend highly enough The Bistrot at the Mandarin Hotel, where at the end of a busy day you can relax in a vibrant courtyard, which you can also do in the elegant and welcoming spaces of 10_11 at Portrait Milano, which has a garden, bar, restaurant and colonnade.
What are your favourite museums to visit in Milan and have you seen something special recently?
To those like me who are passionate about design and contemporary art, I highly recommend Fondazione Prada, where temporary exhibitions and performances alternate in a multi-disciplinary space alongside the permanent collection. I also love to visit the Museum of Art at the Fondazione Luigi Rovati, where you can admire an amazing collection of permanent pieces. Last but not least, Palazzo Reale which until the end of July has a show dedicated one of my favourite fashion brands, Dolce & Gabbana.
Lastly, what are two architectural gems to visit that are off the beaten tourist track?
Villa Necchi Campiglio, designed in the 30’s by Architect Piero Portaluppi, and also the Church of Santa Maria at San Satiro, with an illusionistic architecture by Donato Bramante.
Learn more omnidecor.it
Pure Lines by Lidia Covello for OmniDecor, OmniDecor Showroom Milan