GIOVANNI TOMMASO GARATTONI
Giovanni Tommaso Garattoni is an Italian designer and entrepreneur who refers to himself as “a craftsman of ideas” who translates design concepts into tangible objects, much like a skilled craft worker. His passion for design emerged early in his life, driven by his love for cars and speed, which initially led him to aspire to become an automobile designer.
As he grew older, Garattoni developed a profound fascination for the architectural style of the 1930s. This new interest motivated him to pursue formal education in the field, leading him to enroll at the University of Architecture in Florence. His journey through design and architecture reflects a blend of early inspirations and evolving passions, shaping his unique approach to creating innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs.
During his studies, the initial approach to design focused exclusively on the nightlife scene of Rimini, his birthplace and one of Italy’s most renowned seaside resort destinations in Europe.
During this period, Garattoni channeled his creativity into various aspects of design, including architectural design, stage setting design, and advertising graphics. In 1980, he opened SLEGO, a punk/new wave nightclub. He meticulously curated every detail of the club, from the furniture to the music, and even enjoyed life in the DJ booth. Reflecting on this period, he often remarks, “Rock ’n roll saved me from a boring architecture career.”
Graphic Design
In 1982, Garattoni founded COMPLOTTO GRAFICO along with fellow artists. This group consisted of ambitious architects, graphic designers, photographers, and painters dedicated to exploring graphic and multimedia arts.
COMPLOTTO GRAFICO organized and promoted various cultural events, such as exhibitions, performances, and happenings, with the aim of recovering the past and celebrating the fusion of different worlds through new means of communication. Their vision aligned with global trends, particularly the influence of punk culture, which was transforming the arts and giving rise to new wave culture.
This experience led Garattoni to design projects and collaborate with some of the most innovative and acclaimed nightclubs of that era, further establishing his reputation in the field.
Movimento Bolidista
After graduating in architecture, Garattoni founded Movimento Bolidista with his fellow architects, a design renewal movement where elements of the American Streamline style merged with Italian Futurism.
He gained recognition for the distinctive and peculiar nature of his projects, particularly with his “The Decline Of Western Civilization Collection.” This provocative and innovative collection of furniture drew inspiration from evocative shapes that transcended traditional styles. By combining precious materials with forgotten craft techniques and new technologies, Garattoni created furniture that challenged the standardization of mass culture.
Product Design
Currently
Garattoni is currently dedicating all his efforts to GTG Design Studio, a new venture specializing in the design and manufacture of uniquely extraordinary mirrors.
At GTG Design Studio, creativity and innovation are skillfully combined with manual expertise, paying tribute to the master cabinetmakers of the Art Deco period and the great Italian tradition of medieval craftsmanship.
The mission is to create unprecedented artifacts—objects with a strong symbolic presence, stunning mirrors featuring dynamic reflections. These mirrors are designed to bring extraordinary appeal to any environment that hosts them, embodying Garattoni’s vision of blending art, tradition, and innovation.
