As part of our Meet The Makers series, our portrait collection celebrating the Italian artisans, experts and creatives we admire, we step inside the world of Laboratorio Paravicini.
A Milanese ceramic atelier, Paravicini is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive, hand-painted tableware. For over thirty years, the family-run workshop has brought together traditional techniques with a spirit of experimentation, creating pieces that feel both timeless and entirely individual. Each plate is shaped, decorated and finished by hand, resulting in subtle variations that make every piece one of a kind.
Located within a hidden courtyard in Milan’s historic centre, just moments from the Duomo and Sant’Ambrogio, the laboratorio is a world of imagination where artistry meets playfulness. From intricate botanical motifs to expressive narrative designs, each collection balances heritage with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
This attention to detail is matched by a deeply personal approach. Whether creating bespoke tableware or evolving signature collections, Laboratorio Paravicini embraces a made-to-measure philosophy, transforming ideas into objects designed to be cherished for generations.
Most recently, Laboratorio Paravicini kindly provided the tableware for our Rich Collection celebration dinner at The Carlton Milan, a Rocco Forte Hotel, where their recently launched Jardin à l’Italienne plates brought an added layer of artistry to the evening.
We spoke with one of the minds behind the brand, Margherita Paravicini, who runs the brand with her two sisters and their mother Costanza Paravicini, about creative inheritance, the enduring appeal of objects made by hand - and plans for her Italian summer.
What does craftsmanship mean to you?
“I grew up in a family that has always surrounded itself with beautiful, authentic and handmade objects. A passion for craftsmanship has been part of our story for generations: we have always admired everything created with care, dedication and love for one’s work. It is precisely from this attention that beautiful, unique and truly valuable things come to life.”
How did your journey into ceramics begin?
“When I was little, my mother Costanza began turning one of her many hobbies into a real profession. It all started with a simple desire: she wanted decorated plates, not just plain white ones. However, the pieces she found in stores did not truly reflect her taste, so, being an exceptionally skilled decorator, she decided to create them herself.
Over the years, the workshop gradually became a point of reference for many people in Milan and beyond. Little by little, my sisters and I joined our mother, helping the Laboratorio grow. Although we come from very different educational and professional backgrounds, a passion for ceramics has always been a common thread in our lives. I spent nine years in the fashion world at Bottega Veneta, my sister Benedetta worked in graphic design, while Bona comes from the events industry. Each of us has brought our own experience, sensitivity and know-how to Laboratorio Paravicini, helping shape and evolve the identity of the workshop over time.”
How does your Italian heritage and location influence your work?
“Being born in Italy and growing up surrounded by beautiful, carefully chosen objects has certainly shaped my aesthetic sensibility. Even today, I am constantly searching for something that can inspire me, move me and tell a story.
The Laboratorio is located in an inner courtyard of a historic building in the heart of Milan, just steps from the Duomo and Sant’Ambrogio. The place where we work plays a fundamental role as well: it is a space that inspires both us and our clients. Today, the walls of the workshop are covered with countless decorated plates. Yet these same spaces once belonged to my grandfather, who used to spend his free time here pursuing his passion for wood and semi-precious stones. He would turn and polish materials with great care, transforming them into unique objects. Even today, working here, we still breathe in those childhood memories.
Inspiration for a new decoration can come from anywhere: from a historical period, a fabric, a wallpaper or a motif found in a work of art. It can also arise from a special request from a client - perhaps inspired by the view of their dining room or the atmosphere of their home.”
What is your design philosophy and how do you balance modern design with older traditions?
“We enjoy exploring different eras and artistic movements, reinterpreting them in our own way, rather than limiting ourselves to simply reproducing ‘grandma’s old plate’. Milan, in this sense, is a constant source of inspiration: fashion, design and the creative energy that flows through the city make it feel vibrant, dynamic and deeply contemporary.”
Is there a personal keepsake or heirloom that you hold dear, or a favourite piece of art or decor in your space?
“Inside our workshop there are only plates decorated over the years; they have now become the historical and living archive of our entire creativity. Today, they are a source of inspiration for all our clients.”
What is a place that inspires you, whether in Italy or elsewhere in the world?
“My country house is the most inspiring place for me and my family. We spend much of our time there, enjoying holidays and sharing some of our happiest moments together.”
What advice would you give to aspiring artisans?
“Believe in it always. Dive headfirst into your passion and persevere with determination. Commitment and dedication always lead to concrete and rewarding results.”
What is your favourite Irene Forte Skincare product?
“I no longer give up those ten minutes in front of the mirror before going to bed. The Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum is a true caress for the skin, and this little moment of self-care has become a beautiful part of my nightly routine.”
What will your Italian summer look like this year?
“Our country homes in Varese and Santa Margherita Ligure are places I could never give up. I love inviting friends and family and hosting large gatherings, where good Italian food takes centre stage and, with our plates, everything feels even more magical and special.”
Discover more about Paravicini at paravicini.it
