Emirates Man
Alberto Caliri has not only overseen ready-to-wear collections for Missoni but has also made substantial contributions to the realms of home decoration and furniture design for the luxury brand.
His distinguished curricular studies and research in arts, textiles, and colours have cultivated a unique perspective that has seamlessly evolved with Missoni since 1998.
Transitioning to the position of Missoni Home Collection Creative Director in March 2022, Caliri’s journey reflects a deliberate fusion of Missoni’s heritage with contemporary elements.
In a freewheeling chat with , Caliri talks about the intricacies of his vision, examining the intersection of chromatic shades, irony, and profound sensitivity that shape Missoni’s Home collections.
Alberto, your career with Missoni spans over two decades, transitioning from overseeing ready-to-wear collections to becoming the Creative Director of Missoni Home Collection. How has your journey evolved, and what inspired this transition?
I’ve dedicated two decades working with Missoni, where it has allowed me to showcase my creative prowess. I’ve always been passionate about home design, so it was a natural choice for me to transition to Missoni home. It has been a lifelong passion which I’m happy to finally embrace. It has evolved naturally, and I think there is no better time to do it but now especially with the opportunities to create beautiful homes and leisure destinations.
Missoni is known for its iconic colour palettes and zigzag patterns. How do you ensure a harmonious synergy between Missoni’s heritage and contemporary elements in the brand’s home collections, particularly in Moonstone Interiors by Missoni residences?
Throughout the creative process of Moonstone Interiors by Missoni, we made sure to showcase the unparalleled expertise in luxury design and craftmanship Missoni has been known for. We did our best to integrate the natural environment of beachside living, with the design elements of Missoni, through a harmonious play with light, silhouettes, and shadows – creating a sophisticated coastal allure.
The Moonstone Interiors by Missoni project in Ras Al Khaimah reflects a passion for art, culture, and nature. Can you elaborate on how Missoni’s iconic elements blend with details inspired by natural beauty, creating a unique and refined environment for this residential project?
Unique combination of lines and colors, when applied to every detail of the project from the architecture to the interiors, furnishings and accessories, reflected a clear distinction and created an imprint that cannot be replicated. We played with the natural environment and the sophisticated craftmanship of the development – allowing us to create a distinctive Missoni residence that has the coastal imprint and opulent design.
The Moonstone Interiors by Missoni residences are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. What challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in bringing Missoni’s design philosophy to a luxury residential project, and how does it differ from your work in fashion collections?
One of the challenges we faced is the anticipation of the final product, where you are unable to see, touch and feel the ‘real thing’ until they finish the development. You are only able to experience such through renders and alike. Whereas clothing pieces can have prototypes to see the look and feel. However, with the long-standing expertise of our team, we have sharpened our abilities to ensure that the design philosophy of Missoni is gracefully executed and experienced by its residents regardless.
The development includes various amenities such as a swimming pool, rooftop sunset pool, gym, spas, and more. How do you approach the integration of interior design with functional spaces to enhance the overall living experience for the residents?
Our team made sure that the unique and vibrant aesthetic, along with the fusion of colors and patterns, echoes the vibrant essence of beachside living that is boasting in AlMarjan Island. Being aware of the natural elements, and the energy of the place allowed us to integrate the Missoni beachside allure, which is present in some of the properties we have launched previously.
Reflective and transparent surfaces are strategically integrated into the Moonstone Interiors, creating a kaleidoscopic effect with natural light. How does this design choice contribute to the overall ambiance, and what impact do you expect it to have on the residents’ experience?
Our goal is for its residents to experience a visually immersive experience that isn’t disruptive of daily life. We wanted the Missoni allure to effortlessly, and naturally fall into place by simply elevating the already existing luxury living within the property.
Missoni as a brand is associated with bold design, elevated luxury, and attention to detail. How do you ensure that these values become the hallmarks of Moonstone Interiors by Missoni, and what sets this development apart in terms of design and luxury within the real estate landscape?
With the brand’s commitment to luxurious craftmanship, the interiors typically feature a harmonious blend of Missoni’s signature patterns and textures, creating a visually striking and cohesive living environment. The attention to detail extends to the selection of furnishings, textiles, and finishes, all carefully curated to embody the brand’s unique style. This holistic approach to design sets Missoni residences apart, offering residents a truly immersive and exclusive lifestyle.
