The first edition of EDIT Napoli, the innovative fair promoting independent designers that challenge the traditional chain of production and distribution, kicked off in the earth of the Southern Italian metropolis. Exquisite crafts, site-specific installations by emerging talents, established designers and companies take over the spaces of a former Dominican convent and church.

“EDIT Napoli focuses on the rise of the designer-maker,” explain Domitilla Dardi and Emilia Petruccelli who created and curated the fair. “We selected a new generation of independent designer, makers and manufacturers who sidestep the industry by flying solo on all aspects of design production, from conception and fabrication to branding and distribution. It’s a striking new path and never before has a design fair exclusively spotlit this specific trend.”

“Naples is a Mediterranean capital of culture with a rich history of a talented craftsmanship and local manufacurer industry, a prestigious contemporary art scene and a vibrant community of collectors and progressive cultural institutions. This land of undisciplined visionary, navigating life with passion and individuality, attracts an international audience looking for that something else.”

That’s why the fair was born with a both international and local imprint: “One eye is global, the other is local”. Indeed, established designers such as Andrea Anastasio, Nike Zupanc, Simone Crestani and Constance Guisset present their work along local emerging talents and producers. “EDIT Napoli aims to build a bridge between designer-makers and buyers, retailers, interior designers, and architects,” add the curators.

Among the 60 exhibitors and exhibitions also collaborations between manufacturers and designers: Gum Design teamed up with Alfaterna Marmi, Daniele Della Porta joined forces with B Beds 1967, BCXSY collaborated with Laboratorio Morseletto while Elisa Ossino’s new works were developed with Nesite.

Born from a Residency program emphasizing EDIT Napoli’s commitment to the city’s genius loci, the collections by Khaled El Mays, Reinaldo Sanguino and Faberhama were created in collaboration with local artisans. For the courtyard of the Complesso Neapolitan artist Resli Tale has created a ping pong table in collaboration with PPPattern.

Florentine brand BITOSSI showcases its ultimate collections including Colonne by Quincoces-Dragò, Empty Cages by Michele De Lucchi and Revolver by Christoph Radl.  On show also an installation by Reggio Calabria-based rugs brand Karpeta and wallpaper design company Texturae.

Wava Carpenter and Anna Carnick, editors of the Pamono vintage and contemporary design marketplace, curated the exhibition Indie Rock – the new New Wave. Inspired by Memphis and celebrating the independent spirit of today’s designer-maker, the show features selected works by Serena Confalonieri, Secolo, Eligo and Wall & Decò.

All images: courtesy of EDIT Napoli.