Fornasetti plate, 125GBP, Milk Concept Boutique

I first “met” Fornasetti on an episode of Debbie Travis’ Painted House, a long while ago (I think I might have been in highschool!). I was a fan at first sight. Those black & white faces just had a way of capturing my attention. Since then, I have noticed that Fornasetti has continued to gain popularity and interest among designers, collectors and artists. The Fornasetti style has been produced and reproduced countless times in numerous forms. Pillows, lighting, stools and even umbrellas with Fornasetti designs have made it to the marketplace.

Last weekend a friend took me to The Good Neighbour espresso bar in Toronto (thanks Kathlyn!) and I was quite excited to see the Fornasetti wall. I think the wall in this inviting café makes for an interesting focal point. Seeing the wall also reminded me that it was about time I put a little Fornasetti into White Cabana!

Fornasetti Wall at The Good Neighbour, Toronto

If you’re looking to invest in a piece, I suggest you start your search at Caviar20 as there always seems to be a Fornasetti piece or two in stock. Troy at Caviar20 suggests that if one is serious about starting a collection, vintage is the way to go. According to Troy, “savvy collectors know that this is the time to buy Fornasetti”. Be warned…the new items have purely decorative value and they will never appreciate in value. Are you sold yet?

Fornasetti's Mesi Soli, $225, at Caviar20

Although I don’t own any pieces just yet, when I do begin this collection I might decide to arrange them something like this:

Fornasetti plates as wall art, via Design is Mine

Want to learn more or get your collection started? Click here and here.

Update: Read Troy’s review of the book, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe here.

Images via Caviar20, Design is Mine, Milk Concept Boutique. Image and more information about The Good Neighbour here.