Francesco Risso launches creative space

Francesco Risso, known for his roles at Prada and Marni, has opened the Bureau of Imagination, a creative hub in a renovated 1920s cheesemaking plant in Milan. The space, called the Alpine Farm, is described as a "house and factory for making objects" and is located near the Navigli, a historic canal area in the city.

Collaborative creative partnership

Risso runs the Bureau with his partner, Alex Sossah, a Paris-born conservator and creative consultant. They met through a mutual friend and spent a month communicating via SMS before Sossah traveled to Paris for one of Risso’s fashion shows. Sossah describes his role as the more structured counterpart to Risso’s instinctive approach.

Space for creation and collection

Originally intended as a home, the Bureau has transformed into a space for artistic experimentation. Artisans work there painting, sewing, and assembling objects. The Engine Room is a central area for bringing ideas to life, while the basement holds vintage items collected from their travels, which are used to create new designs by hand.

Objects for daily life and artistry

The Bureau produces objects meant for daily use, such as animal-shaped vases, Murano glassware, and refined silverware. Creating the Murano glasses involved months of effort to earn the trust of Gianni Seguso, a 79-year-old glassmaker from the renowned Seguso family known for their traditional Venetian glasswork.

Architectural design and ongoing construction

The main room on the upper floor is still under construction, with architectural elements designed by Risso and scenographer Mario Torre. The space features a large brutalist concrete table, neon lighting, ceramic tiles, and custom furniture, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Three creative groups and a collaborative spirit

The Bureau is organized around three groups: "Internal Creators," who are regulars; "External Creators," the artisans; and "Muses," including artists and friends like Orfeo Tagiuri and Flaminia Veronesi. The collaborative spirit often leads to spontaneous questions like "What if we created something together?"

Sales and direct consumer engagement

The Bureau plans to sell directly to consumers through in-person appointments in Milan or online. It will offer a basic range of timeless pieces and introduce new items monthly. Unique, custom-made objects will be produced on request, with updates shared via newsletter.

Inspired by avant-garde art and intimate spaces

The Bureau is inspired by the Store of sculptor Claes Oldenburg, aiming to create a more direct and personal connection between creators and the public. This spirit is reflected in the Bureau’s living archive library and in three intimate rooms on a mezzanine, including the Boat Room, the Cantine, and the Glass Room, each designed for different purposes like reflection or relaxation.

Daily rituals and shared responsibilities

Risso and Sossah manage the evolving space through shared rituals, including sports, music, and walks with their dogs. They often leave Milan to explore the countryside and seek inspiration from architecture and landscapes. Their partnership involves both logical and irrational decisions, creating a dynamic and relaxed work environment.