A vast creative vocabulary couples Milan-based designers Tania Monics and Rafaela Vieira. Made up of minimalist yet fluid bespoke marble pieces with a distinct presence, the Dueto collection conveys the potency of juxtaposition.
The shapes and color patterns of each minimalist piece of the Dueto collection masterfully fit into one another like a puzzle. A welcome surprise, we discover marble anew through the mindful playfulness it has now come to masterfully foster. Crafted in liaison with the renowned Portuguese marble manufacturer Galrão, the Dueto furniture collection is the outcome of a synergistic collaboration that spellbinds.
Tania Monics and Rafaela Vieira, the harmonious team-up behind it, met while studying Furniture Design at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano. They instantly bonded over their mutual passion for design. The act of nurturing an ever-expanding dialogue on challenges, industry trends, and ideas led them to discover how they share an outstandingly similar vision for interior design.
The Dueto collection, a collaboration between Czech Republic-born designer Tania Monics and Brazilian designer Rafaela Vieira, represents the fusion of two complementary visions. – © Tania Monics & Rafaela Vieira
Open-mindedness, trust, and humor can be identified as the key ingredients that make this duo so dynamic. Powered by both Tania’s and Rafaela’s inquisitiveness and contrasting cultural backgrounds, as a concept, the Dueto collection is rooted in how tangible constructs can embody thoughtful design narratives. The bespoke table and chairs visually captivate and simultaneously resonate on an emotional level. As experienced and multidisciplinary designers, in their respective practices, Tania and Rafaela are wholeheartedly invested in creating immersive, meaningful, and memorable experiences with every idea they bring to life.
The pieces not only reinterpret the use of marble but also challenge traditional conventions, bringing forth the essence of the material through shapes that evoke fluidity and connection. – © Tania Monics & Rafaela Vieira
The Dueto collection is characterized by how restorative all its silhouettes feel. Different components come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts, an interplay that reinforces the idea of balance and unity. What Tania and Rafaela found in the face of their partner, Galrão turned out to be exactly the right formula to seamlessly blend with their signature biomorphic ethos. Galrão brought decades of expertise to the realization of all the pieces, a seamless fusion between a timeless material such as marble and contemporary aesthetics.
Dueto Collection, a showcase of the importance of staying true to the essence of materials while daring to explore new, exciting frontiers. – © Tania Monics & Rafaela Vieira
The Portuguese company, a family business that celebrates its 70th birthday this year, is committed to utilizing the finest local materials and preserving their heritage. This inspired Tania and Rafaela to develop a more organic design language featuring curves that offer versatility while honoring Galrão’s traditions of impeccable craftsmanship as well. They wanted to experiment and do something unexpected while remaining true to Galrão’s legacy and essence.
The furniture collection fetes collaborative creativity, where each piece not only adorns but tells a story of mutual respect and shared vision. – © Tania Monics & Rafaela Vieira
Tania and Rafaela approached the design with simplicity in mind. Marble can be complex, but with Galrão’s know-how, they chose to focus on flat surfaces and elements that Galrão’s tools could easily handle. The pivotal moment was when they found a cohesive balance that honored their creative visions while taking into consideration Galrão’s needs.
As an incredibly reliable material, marble’s beauty lies in its timelessness. – © Tania Monics & Rafaela Vieira
All the furniture pieces that make up the Dueto collection demonstrate how marble isn’t just about rigid, square, characterless shapes. It indeed has a natural softness to it. Achieved by advanced technology, Tania and Rafaela focused on easing the pieces’ edges and incorporating zestful curves.
Through their design philosophies, Tania and Rafaela seek to do much more than please the eye. The Dueto collection renders a space where people can connect with their inner selves just as much as they can with their surroundings. There’s no telling what might come next for the pair. More often than not, they’re just happy to call one another close friends.
