Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Milan-based design studio Formafantasma have become fashion and art's go-to design duo. In the past year, they designed runways for Meryll Rogge's Marni debut, scenography for the new Fondation Cartier, and a radical take on the Shaker legacy for a show at the Vitra Design Museum. In an interview, they discuss their critical approach to design, the gap between design's progressive claims and its environmental and labor impacts, and their commitment to using design as a tool for inquiry rather than mere form-making.
This profile matters because Formafantasma represents a growing movement within design that prioritizes ethical accountability, research, and systemic critique over conventional aesthetics. Their inclusion in the CULT100 honorees list signals the art and fashion industries' increasing recognition of designers who challenge extractive systems and advocate for material responsibility. Their work bridges art, design, and activism, influencing how institutions and brands approach production and sustainability.