ALPI, a renowned Italian brand of decorative surfaces in recomposed wood, unveils The Lost Cloth Object, a capsule collection created in collaboration with Stephen Burks Man Made on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Design Miami 2.0, which will be held from 2 to 7 December 2025. This installation represents the encounter between cultural heritage, craftsmanship and innovation in design, celebrating the union between ALPI’s mastery in wood treatment and the cultural and creative approach of Burks’ studio.
Inspired by the ancient textile traditions of the Kuba Kingdom in today’s Democratic Republic of Congo, the collection translates the geometric patterns and craftsmanship of raffia fiber into sophisticated wooden furnishings. Through ALPI’s Legacy Collection , the project revitalizes the texture, color and grain of rare wood species such as ebony, teak, wenge, rosewood and zebrawood, reinterpreting a cultural heritage at risk of extinction.
The project stems from in-depth research on Kuba culture and materials, culminating in a week-long workshop in Kinshasa with contemporary artisans. The experience was documented in the short film In Search of Kuba, which tells the fusion between tradition and innovation. Vittorio Alpi, President of ALPI, underlines how “The Lost Cloth Object represents design as a cultural practice, where wood becomes an expressive language and tells new stories”.
The installation at Design Miami includes an organic platform with decorative furniture such as swinging stools, ottomans and curved panels that pay homage to Kuba graphic abstraction, combining the radical creativity of Italian design with diverse cultural perspectives and material innovation. Glenn Adamson, curator of the fair, defines the project as “an extraordinary example of fusion between pattern and mastery in wood treatment”.
ALPI, founded in Italy, is a leader in the production of ALPIlignum veneers, industrially recomposed wood but with a strong artisanal character, 100% FSC® certified to ensure sustainability and responsible origin. Thanks to the combination of research and development, advanced technology and attention to detail, each ALPI surface is reproducible and durable over time, maintaining high safety standards (Bs1d0 and IMO-MED certification).
Stephen Burks Man Made and ALPI demonstrate how contemporary design can dialogue with the global cultural and artisan heritage, creating unique and innovative furnishings capable of telling profound stories through noble materials such as wood. This collaboration marks a significant moment in the international luxury design landscape, merging aesthetics, craftsmanship and sustainability.
INFO/PHOTO COURTESY: Francesca Formenti – Camron Global
