florim fabric effect collections weave textile-like ceramic surfaces

pioneering in ceramic and stone surfaces, italian brand florim always balances a respect for craftsmanship when pushing the boundaries of the possible with their products. in fact, their innovations consistently build upon – and enrich – the foundations of their heritage. with the florim fabric effect wall tiles, technological advancements enable the use of seemingly centuries- and, sometimes, millenniums-old techniques to create their unique products. these large ceramic slabs look as if fabric, decorating surfaces as if ancient weaves, but with the strength, versatility and cleanliness of stoneware.

designboom delves into the three collections of the florim fabric effect, introduced at fuorisalone 2016 (euridice and tesori) and cersaie 2019 (i filati di rex).

euridice for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia (main image also)
all images courtesy of florim

as the first collection of florim’s fabric effect, euridice for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia defines poetic, mysterious tiles that draw on history, more specifically gestures taught by the paleolithics. as if cave drawings, chromatic lines of apparent simplicity cascade across the subtly colored canvas – and above the extraordinary, complex surface. the result paints a series of elegant ceramics that can decorate walls, distinctively enabling art to inhabit the interior.

euridice for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

the series of painted porcelain stoneware was created by italian abstract artist giorgio griffa, as he continues his journey into territories of the meaningful use of signs. the lines, painted through pastel-like but, at the same time, vivid colors, blend the past and future and the ancient and contemporary. it reflects a primal understanding of passion and dedication, concentration and the desire for knowledge, and the balance between form and space.

euridice for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

‘in the past, art was expected to transfer the object, or work of art, from the inanimate to the animate world. now, since we know that the whole world is animate, the talk of the artist is to interact with the intelligence of matter,’ says girogio griffa. euridice for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia distinguishes a sublime use of porcelain stoneware that is at the same time partial and infinite by uniting history with innovation.

tesori for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

designed by italian architect and designer matteo nunziati, tesori for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia echoes signs, decors and visual patterns from different, often exotic, cultures. ‘my work often takes me to far-off lands, also remote in terms of their culture and traditions. even without being aware of it, I then metabloize these traditions and include them in the designs I subsequently produce,’ explains matteo nunziati.

tesori for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

with travel and discovery as its main inspiration, even alluding to its name, tesori, the collection unites elements of eastern and western cultures as if an exploratory journey. exotic and oriental images, from calligraphic styles to interpretations of middle-eastern mashrabiya window shades, evoke an unexpected hybrid of languages. in fact, despite its fascination with historic symbols and decorative motifs, the patterns appear unfamiliar and highly unique.

tesori for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

the collection’s simple, minimalist tones help create this contemporary, unfamiliar vision. eight distinct color options form the basis, with differently colored decors also an option. this subtly adds a deeper meaning to its exoticism, where the visual signs are only distinguishable as small codes due to its coloring. the result is a highly sensitive design on a material-like ceramic surface.

tesori for CEDIT – ceramiche d’italia

‘we are proud to work in partnership with such a prestigious company as rubelli, a veritable icon in the world of luxury artisan textiles. our technologies, coupled with their traditions in the textile sector, will give life to ceramic products of the highest aesthetic value, reinforcing the image of italian-made beauty and design worldwide,’ states claudio lucchese, chairman of florim ceramiche. through ceramic slabs that appear as if innovative fabrics, i filati di rex is a new collection created by florim in collaboration with rubelli, which evokes a sense of the latter brand’s centuries-old art of silk crafting.

i filati di rex

from the art of fabric to enveloping spaces, the ceramic collection enhances rubelli’s most iconic decorative patterns as a new expression of italian-made design. these nine surfaces reimagine the historic patterns, originally inspired by nature and art, for the contemporary through new shades and three families of motif: damask, floral and geometrical. this is all whilst ensuring the stone look as if hand-woven by skilled masters.

i filati di rex

this unique appreance defines the i filati di rex collection, offering a sensory experience that engages both sight and touch. the italian brands united advance production technologies with the art of silk to ensure this extremely natural and elegant appearance. they were able to preserve the essence of the craftsmen and venetian heritage whilst providing different decorations, textures, shades and finishes options – all with varied thicknesses.

i filati di rex