“With quality and passion underlining every project, there is no room for compromise,”
– Marie-Louise Sciò
ISSIMO per bellezza, ISSIMO per amore. ISSIMO per eccellenza. ISSIMO per tradizione.
There is nothing more ISSIMO than a bespoke collaboration the most creative and dynamic designers and artisans from Italy and around the world. For ISSIMO founder Marie-Louise Scìo, collaboration is second nature. Growing up in an eclectic family of artists and hoteliers, culture and hospitality were front row, and now, she’s directing a multi-platform of sensorial experiences where the ISSIMO collaborations are the main feature.
Collaborations
Teaming up with makers and movers, ISSIMO presents its ever-growing collective of passion projects focusing on quality craftsmanship and artistry. And with every collaboration is a story, ISSIMO weaves in the stories of Italy, its culture and creativity. Three original sunglasses with a slightly 1970s flair by Italian eyewear brand LGR are inspired by Marie-Louise’s mother, an Irish-born French artist and muse to Slim Aarons, and Marie-Louise’s years-long friendship with LGR founder Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. For Restless Sleepers and Marie-Louise lined up luxury pyjamas in stripes and patterns straight from Il Pellicano, Mezzatorre and La Posta Vecchia. Following a weekend conversation on the Argentario coast at Il Pellicano, Sylvain Deleuze, CEO and founder of Les Belles Heures and Marie-Louise divined scarves, again inspired by the hotels. Heritage brand Faliero Sarti created sartorial memories in its “souvenir” sarongs that feature vintage postcards from Ischia and Porte Ercole, train tickets and Scìo family photos.
“In my years at the hotels, I’ve met so many talented guests from around the world who’ve shared incredible stories and projects, and just by living in Italy, I’ve had a front row to the country’s most creative artisans, artists and producers,” explains Marie-Louise. Creating ISSIMO collaborations was the natural next step for a woman, whose backstory includes a bespoke Birkenstocks collab, a line of t-shirts, caps and baseballs with APC, and custom Olimpia Le Tan clutches.
For Marie-Louise, ISSIMO collaborations are a way to show off not just her love for Italy but the Italy she loves. In each piece and project is a reference to Italy and Italian culture, whether a subtle nod or an overt reference. On its own or accessorised with other pieces, the ISSIMO collaborations are meant to be worn, used and, above all, loved.
