Newly appointed artistic director Luca Nichetto steers Barovier&Toso’s centuries-long tradition into a modern era

It’s impossible to say glass without thinking of Murano. And what would Venetian glass be without one of the oldest family businesses in the world – Barovier&Toso. Founded seven centuries ago, the brand has collaborated with some of the lagoon’s most skilled artisans, building an unshakeable reputation for refined chandeliers and finely crafted lighting designs that transcend trends.

Even the most storied houses, however, must evolve. Under the careful direction of newly appointed artistic director Luca Nichetto, Barovier&Toso is entering a new chapter that reimagines Venetian glassmaking for a global contemporary audience while remaining firmly rooted in its heritage.

Nichetto, who was born in Murano and is now based in Stockholm, took on the role in May 2025. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the company, as he works alongside CEO Andrea Signoroni to guide a wider strategic transformation. The ambition is clear: reinforce the brand’s international presence and reinterpret centuries-old craftsmanship through new design approaches, collaborations and production strategies.

‘From a young age, Murano glass was my first school,’ Nichetto reflects. ‘It's a living material capable of telling ancient stories while opening up new possibilities.’ His approach explores the many stylistic layers that have shaped the Venetian lagoon’s design culture, bringing them into dialogue with a contemporary, cosmopolitan outlook.

A central element of this renewal is a refreshed visual identity developed by Studio Blanco. Inspired by Barovier&Toso’s historic signage on Fondamenta Vetrai in Murano, the new identity refines and modernises the brand’s graphic language. A retraced logo, updated colour palette and typography informed by the tones of the Venetian lagoon create a system that is both rooted in place and adaptable across digital and physical applications.

The transformation will come fully into view during Milan Design Week 2026, when Barovier&Toso presents ‘2026 Chapter 1’ at its Via Durini showroom from 20-26 April. The installation introduces a new collection developed under Nichetto’s artistic direction and created in collaboration with an international group of designers, including Claesson Koivisto Rune, Emmanuel Babled, Studio Lani, Keiji Ashizawa and García Cumini.

Together, the projects explore refreshed formal languages for Murano glass while honouring the technical mastery that defines the brand. The result signals a renewed vision for Barovier&Toso – one that treats its heritage not as a fixed legacy but as a rich living resource for the future of design.

barovier.com