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LATOxLATO's succulent planters draw inspiration from structures of the Italian Renaissance
‘Quinta n.1’, ‘Quinta n.2’ and ‘Quinta n.3’ from the Scenografie collection
Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO
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LATOxLATO's succulent planters draw inspiration from structures of the Italian Renaissance

Comprising three pieces that are re-interpreted from specific architectural elements, they appear like theatrical settings for succulents.

by Almas Sadique
Published on : Mar 22, 2022

The Scenografie collection by Italian design studio LATOxLATO comprises a series of cache pots that are designed in reference to the famous elements and motifs found in the architectural landscape of Italy. The arches, naves and podiums that characterise the collection ensure that these pieces can feature in any environment either as bespoke decorative items or as holders of succulent plants. Each piece is designed in such a manner that the architectural references used in these designs appear in the backdrop, much like the lingering landscape of Italy. “We created this new collection for LATOxLATO when we realised that there weren’t as many options for displaying cactus plants as there were classic flower pots for other houseplants," say Virginia Valentini and Francesco Breganze de Capnist, founders of LATOxLATO.

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The initial sketch for the Scenografie collection Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO

Valentini and Capnist wanted to create something that was unfamiliar and different from the usual pots that cradle succulents. Instead of designing the collection in the classic shape that is associated with pots, the designers manufactured unique and original set-ups inspired by the paintings of Giorgio De Chirico to hold these resilient species from the plant universe. “We started exploring the world of succulents and discovered marvellous examples of varied colours and complex, fleshy shapes. It’s not always enough to show off one of these unique beauties on a plain white wall or a crowded bookshelf. That gave us the idea to design a real “stage” where a cactus could be the star of the show," explain Valentini and Capnist.

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Mica Grey version of ‘Quinta n.1’ from the Scenografie collection Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO
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Mica Grey version of ‘Quinta n.2’ draws inspiration from arches of cathedrals Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO

These theatrically dramatic architectural miniatures, available in colours like mica grey, corten and tortoiseshell, serve as metaphysical backdrops for plants. They complement the organic shapes of succulents with their precisely sculpted rectilinear and curved forms that are inspired by the piazzas, palaces and porticoes that defined the Italian Renaissance. The combination of three-dimensional solids and voids employed in these pieces further enhances their appearance by not only mimicking architectural spaces, but also projecting interesting and ever-changing shadows around them. The collection comprises three distinct pieces, each of which draws inspiration from a different architectural element and then isolates it and recreates itself in an alternate imaginary dimension.

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‘Quinta n.3’ draws inspiration from stairs, creating space for succulents to rest against a dynamic profile Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO

Touted as ‘Quinta n.1’, ‘Quinta n.2’ and ‘Quinta n.3’, the Scenografie collection is exclusively made in Italy. The seamless welding that characterises Italian workmanship lends these pieces a smooth surface, which allows for maximum theatrical impact. While the ‘Quinta n.1’ pieces feature a series of arches that frame the backdrop of the succulent cradled in its spot, ‘Quinta n.2’ references the arches that feature between the aisles and naves of cathedrals and ‘Quinta n.3’ re-interprets the staircase to make space for holding succulents. Since all these pieces are made out of laser-cut iron and are coated with a powder paint that is resistant to water, corrosion and other aggressive agents, this collection of cache pots can easily be placed outdoors.

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The Scenografie collection comprises miniatures of architectural elements Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO
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The pieces are built employing Italian craftsmanship, thus lending them a seamless texture Image: Courtesy of LATOxLATO

Based in Vicenza, Italy, LATOxLATO is a design studio that was founded by Italian creatives Virginia Valentini and Francesco Breganze de Capnist in 2018. Born out of the founders’ mutual love and admiration for Italian art, heritage and craftsmanship, the design studio reinterprets commonly known and commonly found elements from the tangible spaces in Italy to create miniature products that double as utilitarian objects. In doing so, they create designs that are familiar, yet original, offering an enhanced and alternate perspective towards their creations. Valentini and Capnist retain the classic Italian style in all their works, while adding further details to their designs and making use of newer and more innovative techniques and materials to sculpt them out.

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