The Enchantment of Gesture: Pineider Hosts Yansu Wang’s First Workshop
22 May 2025“I loved taking a moment for myself, switching off for a bit, and stepping into a magical world.” With these words, influencer Beatrice Parozzi described her experience at the Pineider 1774 boutique in Milan, where a special event took place celebrating creativity, intimacy, and artisanal beauty. At the heart of the initiative was the first Italian workshop by artist Yansu Wang, organized in collaboration with Gallery N.51. It was a unique occasion where Pineider’s iconic notebooks were transformed by the Chinese artist into extraordinary works of art—visual stories traced with the grace of an ancient, personal gesture. Amid scattered sheets and dreamlike atmospheres, the artist invited guests to connect with the material, to embrace the slow rhythm of creation, and to celebrate the meeting of paper and thought, of hand and heart. Every stroke, every detail, conveyed the essence of Pineider: a brand that has upheld the value of handmade craftsmanship and the pursuit of uniqueness for over two centuries. The workshop created a timeless moment where contemporary art conversed with the Florentine tradition of writing and bookbinding. An immersive and poetic experience, capable of restoring the centrality of the creative act and rekindling in every participant the joy of expressing themselves through authentic, personal forms. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Alessandro Piperno: Writing as Destiny and Obsession
13 May 2025Writer, essayist, and literary critic, Alessandro Piperno is one of the most authoritative voices in contemporary Italian fiction. A winner of the Strega Prize and editorial director of the Meridiani Mondadori series, Piperno has made literature a form of intimate and analytical exploration, balancing stylistic rigor with a passion for detail. In the writing courses at the Accademia Molly Bloom – hosted in our Milan boutique – Piperno shares his experience as a novelist, bringing into the classroom the complexity of narrative creation and a deep love for the literary classics. In this conversation, he talks about Tolstoy, the beauty of the “book as object,” and the fetishism of paper, blending personal memories with reflections on the profound meaning of reading. What is your contribution to this fiction writing course? My goal is to illustrate to those listening the difficulties a writer faces every time they attempt to construct a novel full of characters.To do this, I’ll use what many—including myself—consider perhaps the most beautiful novel ever written: Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. In that book, there are three pairs of characters, and Tolstoy orchestrates an absolutely fascinating kind of dance through which he presents each of them without ever losing energy. It’s almost miraculous. He does this through a game of glances, a play of eyes: each character is introduced by one we already know. This gives an incredible sense of naturalness. That, I think, will be my lesson today. And why are you so in love with this novel? Because I believe it’s one of the highest peaks of world literature. It has all the right ingredients of a tragic novel. It’s full of moments of genius—but the first is that Anna Karenina is a tragic novel that begins almost like a comedy.Then, gradually, once all the characters are in place, we begin to see two love stories emerge in the background, which are completely antithetical. One is the passionate affair between Anna and Vronsky. The other is the more virtuous, and for Tolstoy more authentically romantic, relationship between Levin and Kitty. In this sense, it’s a “Mozartian” novel: not a single dull moment, and everything sparkles with richness and freshness. And then there’s a narrative technique that would become hugely important in the 20th century: Tolstoy invents it without even realizing it. It’s the stream of consciousness, which appears just before Anna’s suicide. She begins to think, and Tolstoy lays bare her thoughts—fragmented, disordered, full of associations. Without naming it, Tolstoy invents a technique that would go on to define modernist literature in the century to follow. As editorial director of Meridiani Mondadori, how important is the physical “book object,” the paper, the materiality of reading? When I accepted this role, I made a promise to myself: never forget that books are objects of pleasure, and should be treated as such. A book should be beautiful, comfortable. I’m talking about the object itself. And what’s inside should be, at the very least, elegant. The idea that a masterpiece of humanity could be commented on in an overly technical way bothers me quite a bit. I believe that when you publish a classic, you should support it with paratext that is—if not equally—at least very elegant. Is there a particular kind of paper you’re especially fond of? The Meridiani books are printed on a famous type of paper: “Bible paper,” incredibly thin and very refined, which gives a vaguely sacred feel. As if it were a gospel, or one of those Bibles you find in American motel rooms.I must admit, for a long time I was tempted to read digitally—which I still do for work. But I have the feeling, and I can’t quite explain why, that reading a novel—or even a collection of poetry—on anything other than paper is a diminished experience.It’s interesting how the book remains an ancient yet non-obsolete instrument. They’ve tried every possible way to kill it, but it’s still here. And I can say, from my editorial experience, that today’s younger generations show a strong interest in the book as an object. There’s an authentic fetishism there—something my own generation never really had. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Pineider for the Paola Marella Foundation: a gesture of love, “a cura di Paola”
12 May 2025From May 9 to 11, Pineider will take part in the first edition of “A cura di Paola,” a charity event dedicated to the memory of Paola Marella—an architect and television personality who, with grace, passion, and a refined aesthetic sense, left a lasting mark on the hearts of many. The event will be held in the evocative setting of Milan’s Salone dei Tessuti and was created to support the newly established Paola Marella Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide concrete assistance to those facing the difficult diagnosis of pancreatic cancer—the same illness that sadly took Paola’s life in September of last year. As one of the featured brands supporting this initiative, Pineider is honored to participate wholeheartedly. For the occasion, we have donated a selection of products from our world, chosen with special care to reflect the taste and elegance that Paola so deeply appreciated—objects that embody timeless style, attention to detail, and a passion for authentic beauty. Each item—like every artwork and creation featured at the event—was chosen to tell a part of her story, to inspire an act of solidarity rooted in beauty and directed toward good. The event’s name, “A cura di Paola,” is rich in meaning: it suggests both a curated selection that bears her signature style, and a mission of care for others—just as she did throughout her life. All proceeds will be donated entirely to the Foundation, helping to fund a significant project in collaboration with San Raffaele Hospital and its Pancreas Unit, led by Professor Reni and Professor Falconi: a continuing education program for oncologists focused on one of the most challenging areas in modern medicine. Being part of this event means a great deal to us. It is a tribute to the memory of an extraordinary woman and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference—through what we do best: giving form to the value of things. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Marco Missiroli: Handwriting Is a Narrative, Human, and Essential Gesture
25 April 2025There’s an intimate bond between writing and the body, between thought and gesture. Marco Missiroli, an acclaimed author and a refined voice in contemporary fiction, knows this well: “Writing by hand activates a different part of the brain—the one that thinks narratively, the one that feels.” Handwriting isn’t just a tool; it’s a place. A place where wrist fatigue, mistakes, and cross-outs aren’t flaws, but marks of humanity. “Writing by hand also means making physical mistakes. Not grammatical ones, but those born of tiredness. That’s where writing becomes authentic—alive.” Like any ritual, this one, too, demands its own tools. “One of my obsessions,” Missiroli confides, “is the quality of the paper. Good paper, a good pen—these ease the strain. Pineider, in this sense, makes everything smoother. Writing becomes a fluid gesture, even more natural than typing.” Missiroli writes his novels by hand—not just the first draft: “Handwriting helps me organize my thoughts. I use lots of colors, mark things up, underline. It’s a formative moment, almost physical, that shapes and supports the text before it’s typed.” These aren’t just notes. His notebooks hold the heart of the novel: “I use them to support the emotional architecture of the story. When the heart of it risks fading or falling apart, that’s where I return.” Like every writer, Missiroli has his rituals. He always carries three notebooks: one for appointments, one for sketches—he also paints—and a third, precious hybrid by Pineider that follows his writing and cross-disciplinary creativity. At home, he has many more. But not all survive: “I burn a lot of them. They hold things I could never confess. If someone found them one day…” And so, on the day of the Fogheraccia—March 19, when Rimini celebrates the spring equinox with great bonfires—Missiroli throws pages and secrets into the flames, in an ancient and liberating gesture that makes room for spring and rebirth. Because writing by hand, after all, is also this: a way to let go, and to begin again. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Pineider presents BURN AFTER READING: when junk journal becomes art
17 April 2025Art meets craftsmanship in Milan Inside the Pineider boutique on Via Manzoni 12, BURN AFTER READING comes to life, an installation by artist Yansu Wang. A project that merges Pineider’s timeless elegance with the experimental art of junk journaling, giving shape to something truly unique. A creative dialogue between tradition and experimentation Yansu Wang, a Chinese artist deeply inspired by Italian culture and paper, showcases a selection of pop-up books from her IT’S ALL PAPERWORK series, born from her collaboration with Pineider. Her junk journals, crafted using recycled materials like receipts, tickets, and everyday fragments, find their perfect match in Pineider notebooks, becoming the canvas for intimate, authentic, and unconventional stories. An installation to see (and experience) The artworks will be on display until the end of the month: a unique opportunity to explore the meeting point between artisanal excellence and contemporary language, and even to purchase one of the unique pieces on exhibit. Pineider’s proceeds will be fully donated to charity. And there’s more… To close the installation, you’ll have the chance to take part in an exclusive workshop, where you’ll learn how to create your own pop-up junk journal, guided by the creative spirit behind the project. Visit us in-store and get inspired by a new way of storytelling, through paper. Find out more on our website or follow us on social media for all updates. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Writing The Light: Pineider, Imola Ceramica, and Wanderlust Vision Together for Design Week 2025
15 April 2025On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2025, Pineider hosted a special event at its boutique on Via Manzoni 12, born from a collaboration with Imola Ceramica and Wanderlust Vision: a sensory and symbolic immersion into the world of bees and their secret language. The central theme of the gathering was cyanotype, an ancient photographic technique based on light exposure, which was transformed for the occasion into a poetic and artisanal gesture. An action that slowly reveals memory—just like bees do: pollinating, leaving invisible traces, silently building networks of connection with millimetric precision. Inside the Pineider boutique, this process was reinterpreted on noble materials such as paper and leather, creating a dialogue between tradition and experimentation. The surfaces became witnesses of a fragile ecosystem, echoing the quiet yet extraordinarily generative power of nature at work. It was a moment of connection between seemingly distant worlds—design, craftsmanship, nature—united by a shared sensibility: the value of trace, of time, of the essential. And of the beauty that is born from hands, from light, from matter. An event that celebrated not only the legacy of two brands with over 150 years of history but also a contemporary vision of making: slow, mindful, and authentic. Aggiungi ai preferiti
The Return of an Icon: Pineider’s Reversible Leather Belt
21 March 2025There are objects that do not follow time, but transcend it, preserving their elegance untouched. For Pineider, leather belts have always been one of these: an iconic accessory, capable of expressing the luxury of Italian craftsmanship with quiet sophistication. Today, that chapter of our story reopens with a new protagonist: the double-sided leather belt, a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. One Accessory, Two Styles Crafted from semi-gloss calfskin with a subtle palmellato texture, this belt represents the height of refinement. The leather, carefully selected from the finest hides, has a full, smooth feel—designed to endure and improve with time, gaining character and softness. The central padding is not merely an aesthetic detail but a functional feature that ensures a natural fit, enhancing the silhouette—especially when paired with tailored trousers and formal looks. The true signature of this accessory is the satin-finished steel rotating buckle, which allows you to switch sides in seconds, offering two colors in a single belt. A detail that makes all the difference, especially for frequent travelers or those who value versatility without compromise. The Luxury of Functionality Each Pineider belt is a tribute to quality and attention to detail. Here, luxury is not about show, but substance: premium materials, a design conceived for comfort, and craftsmanship that can be felt at the touch. The return of leather belts to our collection is not just a celebration of our heritage—it’s a statement of intent: to revive the pleasure of well-made things, designed for those who know how to appreciate them. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Gift Ideas for Father’s Day
19 March 2025Dear Dad, I Write You… Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate dads with a gift that matches their style and personality. With its tradition of artisanal excellence, Pineider offers a selection of exclusive gifts, ideal for every father who appreciates elegance and quality. Here are 10 classy ideas to surprise him, accompanied by 10 quotes to make this moment timeless. 1. Avatar Fountain Pen A timeless classic: the Avatar UR fountain pen combines refined design with impeccable performance. Perfect for the dad who loves writing with style and leaving an indelible mark. “A man who fathers a child is not yet a father; a father is one who fathers a child and proves himself worthy.”(Fyodor Dostoevsky) 2. Personalized Wax Seal Set For the dad who appreciates traditional writing, a personalized Pineider stationery set is a gift that blends elegance and practicality—ideal for letters, notes, and special correspondence. “Sometimes I think my father is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.”(Markus Zusak) 3. Leather Notebook A perfect companion for jotting down thoughts, ideas, and appointments. Crafted from fine leather, Pineider’s notebook is a sophisticated accessory that every dad will love to carry. “I have learned that when a newborn baby first grasps his father’s finger with his tiny fist, he has him forever.”(Gabriel Garcia Marquez) 4. Cardholder Compact, elegant, and functional: Pineider’s leather cardholder is an essential accessory for the dad who likes to keep things organized without compromising on style. “A father’s tears and fears are unseen, his love is unexpressed, but his care and protection remain a pillar of strength throughout life.”(Ama H. Vanniarachchy) 5. Desk Set To bring a touch of class to his workspace, a Pineider leather desk set is the perfect gift. It includes a desk pad, letter holder, and luxury accessories for an impeccable office. “Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you were at it today, you have to do it again tomorrow.”(Reed Markham) 6. Passport Holder For the dad who loves to travel, a leather passport holder is the ideal accessory—combining practicality and elegance in all his journeys. “All my friends worry about becoming like their father. I worry about not becoming him.”(Dan Zevin) 7. Rollerball Pen If he loves pens but prefers the practicality of a rollerball, Pineider offers a world of alternatives to the fountain pen, ensuring a smooth and refined writing experience. “Father, even if you weren’t my father, even if you were a stranger to me, I would still love you just the same.”(Camillo Sbarbaro) 8. Ink & Letter Writing Set A perfect gift for the dad who loves handwritten letters: a set featuring high-quality ink and nibs, accompanied by fine stationery paper to turn every message into a work of art. “A child on his father’s shoulders: no pyramid or ancient column is taller.”(Fabrizio Caramagna) 9. Leather Diaries An elegant and functional accessory for the dad who loves to plan and organize his schedule with style. Pineider’s leather planner combines craftsmanship with utility. “When you need true understanding, when you need someone to care for you, when you need someone to guide you… A father is always there.”(Thomas J. Langley) 10. Personalized Leather Keychain A small detail that makes a difference: a personalized leather keychain with dad’s initials is a refined and unique gift that will accompany him every day. “The light of fathers shines seven times brighter.”(Japanese Proverb) This Father’s Day, choose a gift that truly represents your appreciation and love. Pineider’s timeless craftsmanship ensures that every detail speaks of elegance, tradition, and care just like a father’s love. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Francesco Mandelli x Pineider
3 March 2025Pineider Postcards by Francesco Mandelli Actor, director, comedian, musician: Francesco Mandelli is a multifaceted artist accustomed to expressing himself through different forms of language. However, there is a more intimate and recent passion he has decided to share with the world: drawing. To tell this story to his friends, he chose a simple yet meaningful gesture, treating himself to a set of personalized postcards featuring his own artwork, ready to be sent. Francesco, how did your love for drawing begin? «It all started with my daughter. As she grew, she fell in love with wax crayons, and watching her draw, I thought: it would be incredible to recapture that spontaneity, that ability to create without worrying about external judgment. You just do it, and what comes out is the purest image of what’s in your mind at that moment». Have you been influenced by any contemporary artists in particular? «Besides my daughter, another great inspiration has been Adam Green, a dear friend and eclectic artist. While touring together, I watched him draw instinctively, almost musically. With pastels, he could translate a sound into an image: it was as if I could hear it before even seeing it. His creative freedom, without schemes or rules, profoundly influenced me». What do your drawings represent? «Formula One and its graphic symbolism are a recurring theme. As a child, at the start of every season, I would buy Formula Sprint and copy Ferrari liveries and their sponsors, fascinated by the colors and designs. Today, I revisit that imagery but distort it, as if pushing it into overdrive, creating images full of energy». Which classic artist has influenced you the most? «In both painting and music, I seek inspiration from the artists I admire. Basquiat is an evident reference, to the point that, with great humility, I’ve called myself the Non-Basquiat, a way to openly acknowledge my inspiration». You draw on Pineider’s Fiorenza avorio paper. Why this choice? «I was looking for high-quality paper that would make drawing a sensory experience. I use rough A4 sheets, perfect for pastels: the color is beautifully absorbed, and with layering, the surface becomes smooth, almost velvety. It’s a pleasure not just to see, but also to touch». Aggiungi ai preferiti
Valentine’s Day: 10 Gift Ideas… from the Experts
3 February 2025Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love with a gift that exudes elegance, sophistication, and personality. Here’s a selection of unique gifts, accompanied by our favorite romantic quotes: 1. A Letter Writing Set In the digital age, a handwritten letter remains a timeless romantic gesture. Choose a Pineider letter-writing set with customizable initials or monograms for an even more exclusive touch. “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 2. A Fountain Pen Gifting a pen symbolizes wishing for a future filled with stories to write together. The Avatar UR fountain pen, with its sophisticated design and smooth writing experience, is the perfect present for those who appreciate timeless elegance. “I love you with a love that is more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe 3. A Leather Journal For those who love jotting down thoughts, travels, and dreams, a handcrafted Pineider leather journal with premium paper is the perfect companion. A gift that will hold emotions forever. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Brontë 4. A Saffiano Leather Wallet A practical yet elegant accessory, crafted from high-quality leather. A timeless classic, ideal for those who appreciate refinement in everyday details. “True love begins when nothing is expected in return.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 5. A Leather Desk Set For a touch of style in the office or home workspace, the Pineider desk set—featuring a desk pad, pen holder, and organizer—adds class and functionality to any work environment. “Never forget that the most powerful force on Earth is love.” – Nelson Rockefeller 6. A Travel Bag For couples who love romantic getaways, a leather travel bag makes the perfect gift. Elegant and durable, it accompanies every adventure with style. “Love is the only thing that doubles when shared.” – Albert Schweitzer 7. A Set of Luxury Business Cards An original gift for those who love standing out in the details. A set of business cards printed on the highest-quality paper, perfect for leaving a lasting impression on every occasion. “I love you not for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you.” – Gabriel García Márquez 8. A Versatile Backpack A modern, multifunctional gift for those always on the move. The Pineider soft leather backpack blends practicality and luxury in a sophisticated design. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the soul.” – William Shakespeare 9. A Laptop Case A thoughtful gift for tech lovers who don’t want to compromise on elegance. Pineider’s premium leather laptop cases protect devices with style. “I may not be your first love, but I will be your last and best.” – Anonymous 10. A Personalized Gift Set For a truly unique present, Pineider offers the option to personalize many products with initials, names, or special engravings. A detail that makes every gift even more special and unforgettable. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle Aggiungi ai preferiti
