When Ippolita Rostagno, the iconic jewelry designer behind Ippolita, realized that Italian artisans were closing their shops, she was dismayed. As a woman who had successfully launched her own jewelry company to international appeal, she was frustrated that so many talented artisans were unable to compete in the global marketplace. Her desire to create a destination to showcase Italian artistry inspired to launch Artemest. Artemest is an Italian e-commerce site featuring a collection of curated home décor, jewelry and art aiming to keep centuries-old techniques alive.
Ippolita decided to launch Artemest with the purpose of promoting Italian artisans and their work through the digital channel, many of whom would not have the exposure without the site. Artemest provides support in terms of consulting, marketing and shipping, so that the artisans can create their products without being distracted by the logistics of selling to the international market.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have built a successful craft based business in the United States, and I wanted to share my knowledge with other fellow artisans in Italy who do not have the wherewithal to flourish in today’s globalized internet economy,” Ippolita said.
Artemest offers a one-of-a-kind product assortment with a selection of more than 1,500 artistic handmade products. The platform showcases treasures along with the unique stories about the artisans who create each product. Prices range from $70 for a plate, to $237,150 for a Florentine mosaic.
“When I was growing up in Florence there were countless artisan workshops,” Ippolita said. “Over time many have disappeared taking with them the craft and wisdom of centuries of craft knowhow.”
It is Ippolita’s dream to carry on these traditions with Artemest. The e-commerce platform offers unique finds ranging from renowned glass masters of Murano to the most ancient workshops of Florentine goldsmiths. Featured artists and designers include Bruno Gambone, Antonino Sciortino and Giacomo Moor.
“We had many offers to enter ecommerce websites before, but we always refused because we want to keep being free from the constraints of mass production,” Antonino Sciortino, a featured artisan said. “Artemest gives us this opportunity, probably because Ippolita is an artisan like us. Satisfaction from this job comes from craftsmanship, from doing different things every day, without organizing our work as an assembling line. For being different and creating beautiful objects you need to love what you do.”
All images courtesy of Artemest
