The Anna Molinari Blumarine shop in London served as the inaugural commission for Fabio Novembre in 1994, marking the start of a prolific career in architecture and design. Born in 1966 in Lecce, Italy, he moved to Milan in 1984, where he completed his architecture degree in 1992 before pursuing further studies in New York City.
Early Career and Architectural Foundations
After graduating in Milan, Novembre spent time in New York City in 1993, where he engaged in filmmaking studies at New York University. Upon his return to Italy in 1994, he established his own professional studio in Milan. His early architectural footprint included various retail spaces, such as the Blumarine stores across London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taipei throughout the mid-1990s. During this period, he also completed restaurant and bar projects, notably Cafè l’Atlantique in Milan and a series of discotheques.
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Novembre expanded his practice into high-profile art direction and design collaborations by the turn of the millennium. From 2000 to 2003, he served as the Art Director for the mosaic tile brand Bisazza, influencing its international growth. Starting in 2001, he partnered with prominent Italian manufacturers, including Cappellini, Driade, Meritalia, Flaminia, and Casamania. His product designs range from the ORG table and HIM&HER chairs to the Nemo chair and various lighting fixtures, reflecting a wide-reaching industrial design portfolio.
Exhibitions and Urban Installations
Novembre developed a significant presence in public art and exhibition design. He was the subject of institutional retrospectives, such as 'Teach me the freedom of swallows' at the Rotonda di Via Besana in 2008 and 'Il fiore di Novembre' at the Triennale Design Museum in 2009. His urban interventions included 'Per fare un albero', which featured fiberglass replicas of the Fiat 500C on Via Monte Napoleone. Furthermore, he curated exhibitions for figures such as Steve McCurry and managed the interior design for Casa Milan, the headquarters of A.C. Milan, unveiled in 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Lecce, Italy
- Architecture degree: 1992, Polytechnic University of Milan
- Film studies: 1993, New York University
- Studio established: 1994, Milan
- Bisazza Art Director: 2000-2003
- Casa Milan interior design completion: 2014
Questions readers ask
Where did Fabio Novembre study?
He attended the Polytechnic University of Milan and the University of Milan, and later completed a filmmaking course at New York University.
What notable brand headquarters did he design?
He designed the interior spaces for Casa Milan, which serves as the headquarters for the football club A.C. Milan.
Achievements
- Trained at University of Milan and New York University
