A French Designer and his Passion for Sottsass and Interiors
Art has always been the inspirational source of Ivan Mietton’s professional path. From 2002 to 2005, after graduating from the Ecole du Louvre, he worked at the Design Department of the Centre Pompidou where he had the opportunity to work throughout some of major exhibitions like “Ettore Sottsass, 20 years for Olivetti” and the first “Charlotte Perriand’s” retrospective.
He then served three years as Director of a design gallery specialized in contemporary Italian designers but it was in 2008 that an important turning point happened in his life. “My ex boss told me one day «If you don't do something on your own passed 30, you will never do it». He was right! So i quit. It was a thought decision to make but i needed to do be more independent”, he says. Thanks to that advise, combined with his studies, experience and work-related skills, Mietton was able to found his business IMDA, with focus on the production of exceptional furniture and interior design. We can find the unique pieces he produced in luxury yachts, restaurants, hotels, private residence etc.
Mietton is not only a creative contemporary design producer, but also an expert and collector of the works of Ettore Sottsass, and in this interview we can learn more about him.
What’s your design process?
Every project is something new and every client is different. For this reason, before everything, I listen the client and try to understand his needs and his tastes. Once I start, then it’s all about finding the right designer / artist and connect him/her with what’s the client looking for.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Art history is a perfect inspiration source.
At Design Miami in 2018 you presented a snapshot of a 1965 Italian living room featuring Sottsass’s furniture and ceramics and you wrote a book about the collaboration between the designer and Poltronova. Which aspects of his design style do you like?
More of his design style. I was interested on showcasing how, in just 10 years, he came from a very traditional handcrafted production to something more radical with new mediums like PVC or fluo lights. That period established the formal style that made him famous, that innovative alphabet made up of geometric shapes, attention for the colors and experiments of new materials.
You first project was in Singapore and your last purchase on Grand Vintage is for a USA client, so your business is global. What differences do you notice about design style among many countries in which you work?
Concerning the design style, we are exposed to a global culture of ideas which I'm not sure is really a progress, but the good thing is there are new concerns like sustainability that challenges architects to produce smart designs!
What’s your last challenge?
Selling a custom design piece 4 weeks ago and be able to produced it and delivered it at the client's home yesterday for a dinner he had there. The piece arrived 3 hours before the party, it was challenging but the client is happy, which is the aim, no?
Do you have an accomplishment you’re most proud of?
This book on Ettore Sottsass.
