What is it that makes so many of the protagonists of Italian design authentic Icon Makers? It’s difficult to say. The recipe is based on a happy mix, the binding substance of which is the country’s long manufacturing history and a vital productive texture that is driven by a wide range of professional figures. and it is precisely to 100 protagonists from ‘behind the scenes’ of design – chosen among entrepreneurs, photographers, graphic designers and communicators, along with their iconic creations – that Icon Makers, a special issue in the INTERNI Serie Oro is dedicated, a continuation of the overview of Italian design begun in 2014 with the celebratory volume marking the magazine’s 60^th anniversary.

The introductory notes are by well-know international critics, such as Domitilla Dardi, Deyan Sudjic and Leonardo Sonnoli, who discuss the roots and peculiar characteristics of contemporary design. Meanwhile, the contribution of Cristina Morozzi and Christoph Radl focuses on the work of photographers and art directors, with the view to assessing the evolution of the role and skills of involved.

Following previews at the Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai, Icon Makers will also be presented in Miami at a special location: the Miami Ironside, the lively urban centre created by Ofer Mizrahi. On this occasion there will be a conversation between Gilda Bojardi, editor of INTERNI, Ofer Mizrahi (Miami Ironside Founder), Giulio Cappellini (Art Director at Cappellini and talent scout), Piero Lissoni (Lissoni Associati), Rene Gonzalez (Rene Gonzalez Architects), Carola Hinojosa (Hinojosa Design Studio) and Nasir Kassamali (CEO of Luminaire).

The book, for which an extra print run of 10,000 copies (in Italian and English) has been planned, will also be distributed at the leading  design showrooms in Miami and Milan.

Icon Makers has been supported by 56 of the best and most representative design brands, contributing to the excellent results of the INTERNI system which, in December alone, saw an increase in advertising revenues of over 50% compared with 2016.

With 216 pages, Icon Makers will be available from 5 December at all good newsstands as a supplement to the new issue of the magazine for just €10 (including the magazine).