Driade was founded in 1968 through the collaborative efforts of art director Enrico Astori, who defined the company's product and communication strategies from the outset; designer Antonia Astori, who created the brand's architectural identity; and Adelaide Acerbi, responsible for the brand's image.
Driade holds a unique place in the design world thanks to its innovative approaches and distinctive aesthetic. The brand quickly gained a reputation for producing furniture that combines originality, high quality, and functionality. Initially, the company began its journey by manufacturing classic furniture, but it evolved to embrace modern trends over time.
One of Driade's key elements is its collaboration with renowned designers. The company has worked with notable figures such as Alessandro Mendini, Achille Castiglioni, and Philippe Starck. These masters brought their ideas and visions, enabling Driade to create unique and memorable pieces.
For instance, the collaboration that began in 1982 with Alessandro Mendini led to the creation of the Sabrina armchair — a vibrant and widely recognized item of Driade. The Costes armchair, designed in 1984 to mark the start of the partnership between Philippe Starck and Driade, was developed for a café of the same name in Paris and later achieved great success due to its timeless design.
Driade not only creates unique furniture pieces but also emphasizes interior design as a whole. Drawing inspiration from art and culture, they offer diverse collections, each telling its own story.
For example, the concept of the Mingx collection is based on a tubular profile, which also inspired the Zigzag bookshelf. The name Mingx is linked to the Ming dynasty, which was pivotal in developing Chinese culture and turning China into the heart of Eastern trade.
Despite its global reach, Driade remains committed to Italian design traditions, combining style, comfort, and functionality.
