About Memories of Italy

Memories of Italy is a brand that brings together beautiful everyday items that have been used in Italy. The brand was launched by designer Kaori Shiina and her partner Riccardo Nardi. Living in Milan and leading busy days as designers, the two would occasionally take vacations in small villages in Tuscany, such as Santa Fiora, in search of abundant nature. Tuscany is also Riccardo's hometown, and while traveling around the country, he was particularly drawn to the Orcia Valley. He moved there after the COVID-19 outbreak in search of a life closer to nature. With more time spent at home, Shiina gained new insights into the tools that have been used in Italy for a long time. These are tools that are familiar to Italians, such as carafes and glasses for wine, and marble mortars. Memories of Italy was born by re-editing the tools that were dear to him during his many years of living in Italy.

About Val d'Orcia

Val d'Orcia is located about two hours southeast of Florence, Italy. Stone mansions stand on the vast hills along the pilgrimage route to Rome, and cypress trees cast their straight shadows here and there. The picturesque landscape created by nature and the people's activities has nurtured a long history and aesthetics of life. It also fascinated artists of the Renaissance era, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004. Although the Val d'Orcia is now a place of beautiful scenery, it was originally not suitable for cultivation. However, by cultivating the fields and carefully cultivating them while improving the soil over a long period of time, a miraculously beautiful landscape was created. It is probably because of this lifestyle background that it is registered as a cultural heritage site rather than a natural heritage site. The reason why everyone feels a certain nostalgia for this landscape, which symbolizes Tuscany, may be because we are deeply moved by the unbroken activities of the people rather than by its beauty.

From Kaori Shiina

Aiming to become an interior designer, she moved to Italy at the age of 24 and has been active as a designer, mainly in Milan. She met her partner Riccardo Nardi and her beloved Lagotto Romagnolo dog Pupa, and now lives in the Val d'Orcia. She opened "MANUFACTO STORE," which also serves as her office, in San Quirico d'Orcia, and sells "heartfelt items" made by Japanese and Italian artisans, including "Memories of Italy." The items, which reflect the passion of their makers that remains over time, are filled with a mysterious charm that makes you feel the beauty of ordinary everyday moments. / Shiina