The collection’s narrative unfolds through a distinctive use of bronze crochet, a key element that links it to Hicks’ previous works, including her celebrated Metamorphosis collection. This time, however, the crochet technique takes on a
new, more profound significance, reflecting the layering of cultures and history in Naples. Just as the city itself is marked by a stratification of different cultures, Hicks’ designs use crochet to turn soft wool into something eternal—much like the enduring archaeological remnants that dot the Neapolitan landscape.

“The bronze crochet represents the fil rouge of the collection”, says Allegra Hicks.
“In this collection, by using multiple layers of crochet, I’ve created various stratifications on the objects, much like the intricate layers of time found in the archaeological sites of the city, adding depth and texture to the objects.”

Among the standout pieces in the collection is the ‘Conchiglia di mare’ console, where bronze crochet pieces are meticulously arranged together to create a base that evokes an archaeological find such as a shell or artifact from the sea. The console’s top, made in linen and hand-painted in a deep mauve hue, is encased in resin, giving the object an atmospheric depth that evokes the sense of something both familiar and unknown—as if it has always existed but has now been reimagined.

The ‘Golfo’ low tables, inspired by the Gulf of Naples, are another highlight of the collection. These two pieces fit perfectly together to form a Yin and Yang shape, symbolizing the balance between two forms that are independent yet complete when united. The Poppea chaise longue draws inspiration from a fragment of a Pompeian fresco, while revisiting the traditional Roman triclinium in a modern context. In addition, the collection features two mirrors, ‘Narciso and Echo’. Inspired by the ancient myth, these two pieces reflect the interplay of ornamentation and restraint with their elaborate bronze crochet frames. Narciso, the more intricate of the two, features a full frame of bronze crochet that, as the myth recalls, flows like a raging river, embracing and entrapping the mirror’s edge. Echo, in contrast, is more restrained, subtly mirroring Narciso’s flowing shape at the opposite corner of the glass, evoking the fading presence of its mythological namesake. Finally, the Tapestrydesign featured in the exhibition continues Hicks’ exploration of scale and abstraction. By enlarging this simple motif, Hicks creates a new interpretation of texture and pattern, elevating the humble craft into something larger than life.
In ‘Napoli Future Nostalgia’, Hicks once again celebrates the power of design to transcend time, capturing the essence of Naples and infusing it with a sense of nostalgia for the future. The collection embodies the power of transformation—where materials and history come together to create something new.