ilaria innocenti + giorgio laboratore’s self portrait mirror for portego

designed by ilaria innocenti and giorgio laboratore and presented at biennale interieur in kortrijk, ‘self portrait’ is hand mirror that references japanese fans, proposing it as a feminine accessory symbol of luxury and beauty. following the lightness and harmony of the pleats and wrinkled paper found in paper fans, this product has the pattern impressed on the wood through the work of an expert italian carver. comprised of a double-faced mirror made of a sheet of galvanized steel joined to the carved wooden handle, the piece also includes a base for table use.

the self portrait mirror by ilaria innocenti and giorgio laboratore has been created for italian design brand portego. the aim is to bring back to life the appeal of the silk road — the road which connected the east to the west, reaching as far as venice. it’s unique grip is complemented by a thin plate of brushed stainless steel which holds the mirror.

when commenting on the motivation behind the project, the designers say: ‘attributed to hephaestus, in ancient times the mirror was composed of a perfectly polished sheet of bronze, gold or silver. the subsequent technique of producing glass mirrors was equally precious, and therefore available only to a few: for this reason mirrors, the feminine accessory par excellence, has always been considered a symbol of beauty and luxury.’

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