Artemest was launched by jewelry designer Ippolita Rostagno to showcase the talents of Italian artisans to an international audience. For months they travelled around Italy in search of small independent crafters willing to commercialize their work through Artemest. Products offered range from furniture to decorative art with each maker providing details about their craft process and materials used.
Artemest stands out from traditional ecommerce platforms by connecting smaller, locally made brands to an international marketplace in an attempt to keep them alive. Led by cofounders Rostagno and Marco Credendino (who previously served on corporate strategy at Yoox Net-a-Porter Group), this company connects local artisans directly with global buyers in an effort to keep their craft alive.
The site’s carefully curated selection of Italian makers features glass masters from Murano, Florentine goldsmiths who have been plying their trade for centuries and contemporary artists. Each artisan, brand or product selected by its founders features its own multimedia content that details their creation process.
Interior designers and architects can take advantage of a Trade Program offered by this company that connects artisans directly with interior designers and architects, who in turn fulfill sample and custom order requests as well as prepare quotations and manage worldwide shipping. Furthermore, plans are underway for opening a showroom in New York City where architects and designers can collaborate with artisans on specific pieces for specific projects.