Fabio Novembre
Fabio Novembre’s work transforms the spaces it inhabits. Turning spaces into theatrical stages, where objects interact in a continuous, evolving dialogue.
Designer Profile
Born in Lecce in 1966, Fabio Novembre has established himself as one of the most visionary figures in contemporary design. Moving to Milan in 1984, he earned his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic of Milan in 1992. Shortly after, he ventured to New York to study filmmaking—a journey that would influence the narrative-driven, artistic sensibility that permeates his work.
In 1994, Novembre opened his studio in Milan, which rapidly became an international reference point for architecture and design. His collaborations with prominent Italian brands, such as Driade and Cappellini, helped cement his reputation as a designer who masterfully merges art, architecture, and storytelling.
Over the years, Novembre’s designs have become known for their theatricality and boldness, blending traditional references with modern forms. His role as Artistic Director at Driade since 2019, coupled with his leadership at Domus Academy, showcases his ongoing influence in shaping the trajectory of contemporary design.
Inspired by the crates used to ship priceless works of art from one museum to the next, the Venus bookcase blends ancient majesty with avant-garde aesthetics
Design Philosophy
Fabio Novembre’s design philosophy is rooted in the idea that design should provoke emotion and invite participation. His creations are not passive objects; they engage in a dialogue, creating an immersive experience that blurs the lines between art, design, and architecture.
Central to Novembre’s approach is his fascination with the human form, which he often abstracts into mythological or sculptural representations. This interplay between the classical and the avant-garde defines his aesthetic, resulting in works that are both timeless and unmistakably modern.
Novembre’s interest in storytelling is also apparent in his designs. Each piece tells a tale—whether through form, function, or materiality. Inviting you to become a part of that narrative.
His creations often transcend their immediate functionality, becoming symbols or statements that challenge traditional design conventions. In this way, Novembre’s pieces are more than just furniture; they are art objects that punctuate their surroundings in profound and unexpected ways.
The We chair’s backrest features the profiles of two faces gazing at one another with love, transforming a familiar object into an evocative sculpture
Cultural and Artistic Landscape
Fabio Novembre’s work is deeply embedded in the broader context of Italian design, drawing from both the traditions of antiquity and the experimental tendencies of contemporary art. His designs pay homage to Italy’s rich architectural and artistic heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern design.
Novembre’s fascination with the human figure ties his work to the classical art of the Italian Renaissance, where the human body was idealised and transformed into a subject of beauty and enquiry. His pieces evoke this classical heritage, reimagining the human face as both a functional object and an artistic statement.
While he's greatly influenced by tradition, Novembre's approach is distinctly contemporary. He transforms classical references into abstract, almost surreal forms that resonate with modern sensibilities. Challenging the viewer to reconsider the relationship between form, function, and identity. Inviting you to engage with them physically, emotionally, and intellectually. By placing experience and interactivity at the forefront of his design ethos, Novembre encourages you to reimagine your place within the built environment.
His long-standing collaboration with Driade, where he currently serves as Artistic Director, exemplifies his unique ability to fuse art, architecture, and design. Novembre’s work for Driade continues to celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Italian design while embracing a futuristic vision.
The Love sideboard makes an unforgettable statement with its bold typography emblazoned across the front — transforming this piece from a functional storage solution into an artistic declaration
Notable Pieces
NEMO ARMCHAIR
The Nemo Armchair is perhaps Fabio Novembre’s most recognisable piece. It encapsulates his fascination with the human form, transforming a classical face into an abstract, functional object. This hollowed-out face becomes a habitable space, blurring the lines between furniture and sculpture.
Available in a range of bold colours, the Nemo Armchair is more than a seat; it is an immersive experience that conceals and reveals its inhabitant in equal measure, making it both a conversation piece and a functional work of art.
With hollow eyes that evoke a sense of mystery, the Nemo armchair's silhouette commands attention — merging comfort with high-concept design
VENUS SIDEBOARD
The Venus Sideboard continues Novembre’s exploration of the intersection between art and design. Drawing inspiration from classical sculptures, this piece features a bust of the Roman goddess Venus ensconced in its design. Like the Venus Bookcase that preceded it, the sideboard merges artistic form with functional purpose, creating a dialogue between beauty and utility. Transforming any space into an artfully sophisticated environment by adding a touch of mythological grandeur that refuses to be boxed in by convention.
Ideal for modern interiors that embrace minimalist design with eclectic touches, the Venus sideboard is a testament to Driade's signature blend of style and substance
WELCOME TABLE LAMP
The Welcome Table Lamp is a masterful example of Novembre’s ability to merge function with artistic form. This portable, rechargeable lamp is designed to adapt to a variety of environments, providing both light and a convenient storage space for your keys, jewellery or even hors d'oeuvre.
Available in white, black, and red, the Welcome Table Lamp transcends its traditional role, serving as a versatile object that fits seamlessly into domestic and hospitality spaces. Novembre’s design inviting you to see the lamp as more than just a source of light. Becoming a part of life's daily rituals, offering both practicality and beauty in equal measure.
With its fluted base and minimalistic design, the Welcome table lamp makes for an artistic centrepiece on a dining table or a smart and chic accent in a bedroom
Transformation of Space
Fabio Novembre’s work has the power to completely transform the spaces it inhabits. His designs are not mere objects; they are theatrical interventions that challenge and enhance their surroundings. Whether it’s the bold presence of the Nemo Armchair in a living room or the quiet elegance of the Welcome Lamp on an outdoor dining table, Novembre’s pieces invite you to engage with your environment in unexpected ways.
By incorporating classical forms with modern functionality, Novembre bridges the gap between past and present, offering designs that are at once timeless and avant-garde. His work transforms everyday spaces into stages for your life's narrative. In this way, bringing a Fabio Novembre piece into your home is more than a design choice — it's an invitation to reimagine how you live and interact with your everyday environment.