Rene – a unique collection by Matteo Calonaci!

Florentine designer Matteo Calonaci (@matteocalonacidesign) shares the story of how he found inspiration for the René chandelier, its connection to René Magritte, and why it was named in honor of the brilliant Belgian artist. The René collection is built around two key elements: 1. Porcelain umbrellas that capture the soft glow of fiber optics, forming an ethereal cloud of magical light within. 2. A porcelain miniature of a man in a hat, carrying a suitcase. Who is this mysterious stranger? The character was inspired by the famous Italian actor Totò — or Antonio De Curtis, as he called himself. Known as the “Prince of Laughter,” Totò was a celebrated comedian, playwright, poet, and Freemason… a remarkable figure for Italy. Despite his playful appearance, he held numerous noble titles. The Totò figure is crafted from porcelain, carefully hand-polished (as it has countless fine details), and completed with a golden suitcase. The René chandelier draws on Totò’s image of uniqueness and individuality — a traveler, a businessman, carrying it into the world. This idea is emphasized by the color of his umbrella, which stands in striking contrast to the others. In Totò’s figure lies the central artistic meaning of the chandelier: a work of art that embodies individuality. The collection, with pendants shaped like porcelain umbrellas, was first introduced to the public in February 2024 at the ArtDom exhibition. The René chandelier is a unique creation born of the collaboration between the Italian school of design and the Sagarti team, bringing a new reality into the world of interior design.