Tailor-made luxury between nautical and interior design: the La Mandragola atelier redefines the boundaries of contemporary living through the excellence of Made in Italy
When the technical rigor of nautical engineering meets the theatrical magic of tailor-made design: a dialogue with Susanna Larini and Diego Fiorini on haute couture, historical roots, and an international vision.
In the landscape of high-end luxury design, the La Mandragola Design Studio represents a truly unique excellence. Born from the creative union of Susanna Larini and Diego Fiorini, the workshop combines the rigor of naval design, the mastery of theatrical scenography, and high-end Made in Italy craftsmanship. From the design of superyachts to the curation of exclusive residences and major international sporting events such as the Polo Cup in Forte dei Marmi, the two founders redefine the concept of tailor-made. The encounter of two eclectic paths gives life to a sustainable, sophisticated style deeply tied to signature traditions.
Susanna, your path begins with your roots in Viareggio, with a family tied to boating and motors, up to your successes in New York and Paris. How has this background influenced your approach to naval interior design?
«My passion is rooted in my family history: my grandfather was a seaplane motor technician at the Picchiotti shipyards and founded the first Alfa Romeo dealership in Versilia, while my father was a famous racing driver. This universe transmitted a strong technical rigor to me. When I graduated in naval architecture and then in interior design, I wanted to combine engineering precision with aesthetic vision. For me, a yacht should not simply be a house transferred onto the water: it must “smell of the sea” and be in perfect harmony with the environment.»
In 2016 you won the Designer of the Year Award in New York and you collaborate with prestigious international studios. How does the excellence of Carrara marble and Tuscan craftsmanship dialogue with global market demands?
«The international market seeks authenticity and mastery. Collaborations with major studios in New York and London taught me to broaden my horizons, but the key to success remains Italian manufacturing quality. The use of noble materials such as Carrara marble and natural woods, worked by master craftsmen of excellence, conveys an incomparable tactile and emotional value that captivates both overseas clientele and prestigious Parisian contexts.»
You firmly believe in sustainability as an essential element of your work. How do you translate this principle into your luxury projects?
«For me, sustainability is not a passing trend, but a responsibility. In our projects, we use materials that respect the environment without sacrificing beauty: from selected natural woods designed to evoke walks on the beach, to cutting-edge ecological fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles recovered from the seas, as soft to the touch as cotton. True contemporary luxury lies in the ability to create beauty while respecting the ecosystem.»
Beyond design, you are the President of the Polo Club Forte dei Marmi. What is the meeting point between the world of elite sports and high-end design?
«Organizing events like the Polo Cup creates a natural synergy between high-level boating, sports, and the promotion of the Versilia area. Polo embodies timeless elegance and a deep respect for nature and animals. Curating these events requires the same attention to detail and the same scenographic research that we apply in interior design: every element contributes to creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.»
Diego, your long career as a costume designer and set designer alongside masters such as Franco Zeffirelli and Giancarlo Del Monaco—combined with your prestigious role as President of the Teatro Verdi in Pisa—represents a professional path of extraordinary value. How do you transfer the magic of the theater into the design of interiors and private residences?
«Theater teaches us how to manage space, light, and emotion. Working for major theatrical directions and exhibitions in venues such as Palazzo Reale in Milan or the Venice Biennale trained me to listen to matter and visual storytelling. When I design an interior or the layout of a yacht, I apply the same scenic sensitivity: our residences must be a mirror of those who live in them, unique places imbued with atmosphere, where the magic of the theater contaminates everyday space.»
Studio La Mandragola is famous for its dedication to hand-printed fabrics, customized upon client request. Is this deep passion also reflected in your direction of the Cerratelli Foundation, a unique entity that preserves the most important existing collection of theatrical and cinematic costumes, with over 40,000 stage outfits?
«Craftsmanship is the true beating heart of custom-made design. In our atelier, we create unique furnishing elements, from lamps to sofas, up to wallpapers painted like true works of art. In an era dominated by mass production, the ability to offer hand-dyed and hand-printed fabrics provides an unrepeatable visual and tactile experience. It is the very essence of Made in Italy.»
Beyond design, you teach Costume for Performance at the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti in Genoa. What is the main message you pass on to future generations?
«I try to convey to students the importance of research and respect for artisanal knowledge. Creativity alone is not enough: a deep understanding of traditional techniques, materials, and history is required. Teaching means handing down to new generations the tools to innovate without losing their roots, always keeping alive that curiosity that allows them to range from high fashion to the visual arts.»
From collaborations with fashion brands like Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana to equestrian events with the FISE, what is the guiding thread of your work?
«The common denominator is custom-made uniqueness. Whether it is conceiving a signature photographic campaign, setting up an equestrian event in collaboration with the FISE, or dressing the interiors of an exclusive residence, the starting point is always a passion for beauty and sartorial rigor. Studio La Mandragola was born precisely as a source of experiences where art reigns supreme in all its facets.»
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Edit By @Guendalina Cappellano
Editor @Monaco Woman
