Setsu and Shinobu Ito

Biography

Graphic, sculptural and full of life. The married couple Setso and Shinobu Ito are both architects and designers, which strongly influences their design. Their work has a special energy, whether it be a silver teapot for Tiffany, a lamp, or a desk accessory. Or the famous and unforgettable Hanahana family for Swedese – a wooden, sculptural coat stand, coat hanger and valet stand.

After graduating in Japan, at Tama Art University (Shinobu) and at Tsukuba University (Setsu) respectively, they moved to Milan. Now they work as consultants for design companies from both Milan and Tokyo.

From 1988 to 1995 Shinobu Ito worked on design and marketing in Japan for CBS Sony (Sony Music Entertainment) and still works partly as a graphic designer, while her husband Setsu Ito is also a lecturer in Milan for the Domus Academy and in Tokyo at both Tsukuba and Tama Art Universities. Some of their pieces form part of the permanent collection of the Triennale in Milan and they have both received various awards.