Emilio Nanni

Emilio Nanni was born in Bazzano, near Bologna, in 1955. An architect, designer and artist, he graduated in architecture in Florence, where he taught from 1990 to 1998, and has run his own studio in Bologna since 1986, designing for brands such as Pianca, Zanotta and MDF Italia.

His collaboration with Billiani opened a colourful, pop era: his first design, the 2010 Doll chair, became the brand’s best-seller. Croissant followed in 2011 as Billiani’s first upholstered collection, and the Fratina chair won a Red Dot award in 2016. Other pieces include Blazer, Hippy, Spy, Kursaal, Marimba, Puccio and Babà.