Fedrigoni 365–2023: A Love Letter to Design

Hello, fellow designers! The 2023 edition of Fedrigoni 365 is an exemplary celebration of creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Known for uniting designers under a singular vision, this project has long been a symbol of love — for paper, print, and the sheer power of design. The latest edition elevates this commitment to connection, using love as its thematic core, leading to a uniquely emotional and visually stunning result.

In a year when global circumstances have emphasized the need for kindness, unity, and human connection, Fedrigoni 365–2023 feels especially poignant. The contributors, a diverse group of designers and creatives, were asked to explore the concept of love in their designs. The result is a beautiful compendium of 365 designs that reflect the broad emotional spectrum that “love” can evoke, ranging from tender and intimate to humorous and irreverent.

A Celebration of Creativity

Each edition of Fedrigoni 365 has its distinct personality. The 2023 version builds on the legacy of previous years — like 2018’s all-black edition, 2019’s celebration of white papers, and 2020’s recycled rainbow of colors — by focusing on love in all its forms. Each designer has taken this abstract theme and made it their own, showcasing their unique voice and design sensibilities.

What makes Fedrigoni 365 stand out is how it allows so many individuals to express their creativity while uniting them under a common theme. The results are, as always, diverse and surprising. Some designs lean into the romantic or sentimental, while others approach the theme of love with a more playful or ironic twist. This variety makes the book an ever-evolving experience, as every page turns to reveal a new interpretation of the same idea.

Paper as the Medium of Expression

For those unfamiliar with Fedrigoni 365, the book doesn’t just celebrate design — it’s also a love letter to fine paper. Each year, the book highlights the exquisite range of paper stocks available from Fedrigoni, a leading Italian paper manufacturer. In the 2023 edition, the designers worked on a palette that ranges from deep red to soft pink, giving the book a vibrant and cohesive visual identity.

One of the joys of this project is the sheer variety of paper stocks used. Fedrigoni 365–2023 showcases the brand’s commitment to high-quality materials and sustainable practices. The book is printed on Fedrigoni’s premium red and pink paper stocks, and the quality of these materials elevates each design. The feel of the pages, the weight of the paper, and the attention to detail in the printing all contribute to a truly tactile experience.

The cover itself is a visual treat. With randomly assembled colored boards glued to the front and back, no two copies of Fedrigoni 365 are exactly alike. This process ensures that each book carries its visual signature — its own love story if you will. These cover boards are finished with foil accents, adding an extra layer of elegance to the overall design.

Printing and Production Excellence

Fedrigoni 365–2023 owes much of its success to the collaboration with Identity, the trusted print partner for this edition. Identity brought their extensive knowledge and innovative techniques to the table, ensuring that each design was printed to perfection.

The inners are printed in silver (PMS 877) throughout, contrasting beautifully with the warm hues of red and pink paper. This attention to detail in the production process reinforces the idea that every aspect of this book is a labor of love. From the careful selection of papers to the precision of the printing, each step in the process has been executed with care and intention.

The Power of Love Through Design

The emotional depth of Fedrigoni 365–2023 is perhaps its most striking feature. By asking designers to explore love as a theme, Fedrigoni has tapped into a wellspring of creativity. Love is a universal concept, yet its expressions are deeply personal. Each design in this book is a reflection of how the individual designer interprets love — whether that’s love for a person, a place, an idea, or even for the design itself.

Some designs are beautifully simple, using minimal elements to convey profound emotion. Others are more intricate, weaving together complex shapes and patterns that suggest the multifaceted nature of love. The book is a reminder that design, like love, is both an art and a craft — something that requires not just skill, but passion and dedication.

The fact that profits from the sale of Fedrigoni 365 will be donated to the British Heart Foundation further emphasizes the project’s message of love and care. It’s a reminder that love, when channeled into action, has the power to make a real difference in the world.

A Continuation of a Proud Tradition

This edition of Fedrigoni 365 carries forward the tradition of previous years while adding its unique twist. The 2022 edition, for example, was composed of four uniquely bound volumes, each showcasing different types of paper and design approaches. Meanwhile, 2021’s edition was a digitally printed version that highlighted the advances in printing technology. Each year, the project evolves, exploring new creative directions while staying true to its roots.

Fedrigoni has raised over £22,000 for charity through the sale of previous editions of Fedrigoni 365, and this year’s contributions to the British Heart Foundation will add to that impressive total. The fact that this project not only celebrates creativity but also supports meaningful causes is a testament to the power of design to effect positive change.

Final Thoughts

Fedrigoni 365–2023 is more than just a design book — it’s a celebration of love, creativity, and collaboration. By bringing together so many talented designers and asking them to explore the concept of love, Fedrigoni has created something truly special. Each page of this book is a testament to the diversity and creativity of the design community, and the result is a book that feels both personal and universal.

For designers, collectors, and lovers of fine paper, Fedrigoni 365–2023 is a must-have. It’s a beautiful, tangible reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of love in all its forms. Whether you’re flipping through its pages for inspiration or simply admiring the craftsmanship that went into its creation, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Happy designing!