Emporio Armani × Francesca Dalla Benetta
When two worlds meet
I was born in Italy, but it was in Mexico where I found my voice as a sculptor and where, piece by piece, I have built the path that allows me to make a living doing what I love. There is something profoundly symbolic about this project connecting these two worlds in such an unexpected way.
After nearly two decades developing my career in Mexico, I never imagined that my return to my roots would come through one of the most renowned Italian firms in the world.
This is the story of that encounter.
An unexpected collaboration
It all started with a visit to my studio.
During one of my Open Studios, I met a collector who toured the workshop, discovered my work, and decided to add one of my sculptures to his collection. Months later, he returned for a second piece and, shortly after, enrolled in one of my sculpture courses.
As the weeks passed, what began as a relationship with a collector evolved naturally. We shared long conversations about art, creativity, and design, until one day he told me about an idea that seemed too ambitious to be real: developing a collaboration between my sculptural work and Emporio Armani. That conversation didn't remain a mere possibility. The proposal began to grow, involving teams in Mexico, New York, and Italy.
Between sketches, meetings, and a shared creative process, the project took shape until it became an official collaboration.
The Project
The collaboration revolves around a previously unseen bronze sculpture, approximately 125 cm tall, created exclusively for Emporio Armani.
Inspired by my sculptural language and the brand's aesthetic, the work seeks to create a dialogue between contemporary art and Italian design, respecting the identity of both worlds.
In addition to the monumental piece, the project includes miniature versions and a series of experiences designed to bring the public closer to the creative process behind the sculpture.
A traveling experience
During September and October, the sculpture will tour some of Emporio Armani's flagship boutiques in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Each presentation will be accompanied by client meetings, masterclasses, discussions about art and sculpting processes, and special coverage in media outlets such as Marie Claire and Noir.
More than simply exhibiting a work of art, the project aims to share the experience of its creation and foster a space for interaction between art, design, and people.
A return to my roots
For me, this collaboration represents much more than a professional project. It's the meeting of the country where I was born and the country where I found my identity as an artist.
It's confirmation that authentic relationships, generosity in sharing knowledge, and perseverance ultimately build opportunities that could never be planned.
And it's also a reminder of something I've always believed: the best stories often begin with a conversation and an open door. Welcome to this new chapter.