Stories of Italy is a brand based in Milan that realize self-handling pieces connected with traditional Italian craft. Material focus is on Murano blown glass. Inspiration comes from Italy's great archaeological, historical and cultural heritage. Objects and symbols from a common past read in a contemporary way. Works are conceived as “everyday objects” that are aesthetically beautiful but also tools of communication: all the pieces carry their own stories, blending design, craft, art, to capture the essence of the most iconic Italian craft traditions. The founders and creative directors, Matilde Antonacci (b. 1981) and Dario Buratto (b. 1981), met in Florence in 2000. After graduating from Polimoda institute, they moved to Milan, where they worked in the fashion industry for world-renown brands, like Helmut Lang, Acne Studios, Costume National, Dsquared and Ballantyne. In 2016, they embarked on a new project that incorporates two of their passions, design and high-end Italian artisanship. In the three years since its inception, alongside its own living and tableware products for retail and galleries, Stories of Italy has been collaborating with architecture firms on projects for the hospitality sector, designers and various brands, such as Diptyque, Gilles&Boissier, Four Seasons Hotel, Gallery Bensimon, Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Gonalons, Les Ottomans. Lately, SOFI’s creative output has also extended to lighting design projects, with its own collection and customized contract projects.