illy Art Collection 2019: Olimpia Zagnoli 2 espresso cups/saucers.

The encounter between the iconic illy cups, designed by Matteo Thun in 1991, and the flair of Olimpia Zagnoli, globally recognized Italian illustrator known for her colorful, minimalist graphic art with retro gusto, lends a touch of originality to an exciting series dedicated to women, to their uniqueness and ability to generate collaboration and a sense of togetherness. The 6  cups portray the Sisters, eclectic female personas of different and potentially opposite characters, who meet in a bar and share a laugh over an espresso and a pastry, each an expression of a distinctive, original point of view.

Strong identities projected in six colors: yellow, pink, blue, green, red and brown, the whimsy of their glasses distinguishes rather than hides; their necklaces lining the underlying plate become interchangeable accessories just as is common practice among good friends. The two-piece espresso sets includes the yellow and blue faces.

The cups define a social status in life; lively “fem-oji” with a touch of positive flair that Olimpia adds in a nursery rhyme accompanying each set.

“The collaboration with Olimpia Zagnoli for this new illy Art Collection - explains Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of illycaffè – is rooted in the art of sharing. The ritual of coffee is a tradition, a consolidated attitude and moment that symbolizes the excellence of sharing and socializing; one that is never lacking, particularly among “Sisters”, as defined by the artist’s feminine figures.”