Andrea Corsi interviewed by Cristina Morozzi

Andrea Corsi is the mastermind behind the Corsi Design Factory project, which started with an initial collaboration with Gaetano Pesce and a highly successful collection, and continued with important collaborations with Mendini and Paola Navone.

Thanks to his ability with foreign languages, Andrea Corsi began working at 22 as export manager for various companies. In 1964, he became export manager for Cassina, which was where he encountered the world of design and its international protagonists. In 1999, he joined Alias as a partner and gained confidence as an entrepreneur, with this experience coming to a close in 2002 when the brand was sold. After encountering Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design was founded in 2003 to create products in resin.

C.M.

Tell me about Fish Design, the Gaetano Pesce resin project by Corsi Design?

A.C.  

I first met Gaetano Pesce when I was working at Cassina, which was an exceptional place of learning for me, and I was overwhelmed by his dedication. I’m proud of the fact that I managed to sell the last three of his Tramonto sofas in New York. I ran into him again in New York at the end of my experience with Alias when I was 39 years old. Gaetano suggested doing Fish Design with him. I wasn’t sure, but was encouraged by Murray Moss, a friend and well-known international design enthusiast, who told me, “You’re the only one who could collaborate with Gaetano”. The Fish Design brand already existed, since Gaetano had registered it to produce products in Mexico. It debuted in 2004 at Palazzo delle Donne at the Salone del Mobile in the Porta Venezia area of Milan.

C.M.

How would you define Fish Design?

A.C. 

I use Gaetano Pesce’s definition: “Fish is a multifaceted set of objects. It speaks of humanity, flaws, joy, tactility, sensuality, sympathy, elasticity, warmth and femininity. Fish Design doesn’t accept uniformity and offers warmth and cheer”.

C.M.

How has the project evolved?

A.C.

Until 2007, Corsi Design worked on projects by Gaetano Pesce, after which Alessandro Mendini came along in 2007, and then Fratelli Campana in 2008, with whom I worked for three years, including on creating their installation of branches for their exhibition at the Triennale in 2010. From 2010 to 2012, I worked with Enzo Mari, and then with Paola Navone. I also briefly collaborated with Missoni, which was my first foray into the world of fashion. Then came Manuela Ferrero, who has a degree in architecture and great artistic ability, and the Corsari costume jewellery collection.

C.M.

What was behind the choice of name?

A.C.

Since Corsi Design worked well in the furniture sector, “Corsari” meant venturing into another sector with different rules.

C.M.

And what’s your role in this adventure with resin?

A.C

I’m not a designer, but I love to work with my hands and I like to use unusual and difficult materials like resin. I closely follow each project and work with the designers. I might call myself an “instigator”.

C.M.

Any upcoming plans?

A.C.

I’d like to start a collection of unique pieces with Manuela Ferrero. It’s something we’ll discuss in the near future.

Cristina Morozzi