Words by Allegra Salvadori
I recently met Mr. Guido Damiani, President of the DAMIANI Group, — elegant, remarkably approachable, and disarmingly genuine. Fully present, eloquent, and deeply invested in the world of VENINI, he speaks of the brand with a mix of pride, clarity, and profound understanding.
He looks to the past not as nostalgia, but as foundation: a heritage of technique and artistry that becomes the springboard for a house evolving at the speed of light. Under his vision, VENINI stands at the intersection of art, design, and architecture — a contemporary expression built on more than a century of Italian mastery.
Soon, we hope to visit the historic Fornace in Murano to bring you closer to this extraordinary universe. In the meantime, here is our exclusive interview.
What makes Dubai the right stage for Venini to return this year?
Dubai is a fantastic place. I’ve been living here with my family for three years now, and I truly love it. I believe the city has extraordinary potential. Everyone here wants better homes, better offices, better stores — and Venini can be the right partner to elevate their living experience.
What is your favourite piece here?
One of my favourite pieces is Palma. It’s a fantastic lamp designed for the outdoors and inspired by the local vegetation. But it works beautifully everywhere. I’m sure it will be successful in Europe too — many Europeans love Dubai and its lifestyle — but it’s also perfect for the Arab region because it blends naturally with the environment.
Describe Venini in three words.
Venini is passion — first of all — then tradition, and a fantastic history. We’ve been doing this for more than 100 years. You can’t stay in the same craft for so long without great know-how and an enduring passion to keep going.
What do you want people to understand when they think of Venini?
I would like people to understand that we are deeply Italian — with a long tradition and a great passion — but always looking forward. We’re not a brand anchored in the past or limited to old styles. We continue evolving, looking to the future, staying relevant and contemporary. That is the true spirit of Venini.
What’s the most iconic must-have piece for any home?
For me, a chandelier is something extraordinary — a lamp that can be truly incredible. People sometimes don’t realise this: they spend millions on refurbishing and on furniture, but adding a chandelier means adding a masterpiece. It’s not just beautiful; it makes a statement. It gives a voice to the home.
How would you describe the magic between glass and light?
It’s something natural. Glass is transparent — it’s alive, in a way — so it gives light. That’s why the combination is so natural. Whether it’s an abat-jour or a chandelier, everything becomes possible.
What’s the secret behind glass that feels alive?
As I said, glass is alive. For us it’s something truly incredible — an experience. When someone visits our fornace in Murano, they often become emotional. Some even cry, from joy, when they understand how natural, how alive this craft is. It’s a passion that has been carried on in Italy for centuries.
Finally: glass — is it art or architecture?
It’s both. Especially for Venini. Glass is architectural because we work not only with our internal designers, but with some of the most renowned architects in the world — from Bianconi, Gio Ponti, and Mendini to Fuksas, Peter Marino, Tadao Ando, and many others. But it’s also art. These pieces are not just furniture; they are Italian art. We even have Pomodoro lamps, which are true artistic objects. So yes — it’s a mix. When something is beautifully made in Italy, with intention and craftsmanship, it becomes art everywhere.
