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Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty
Ninefifty

Ninefifty

Ceramist - Sicilia, Italy

Ninefifty is a young Sicilian atelier specializing in the production of majolica in terracotta and lava stone from Etna. The founding brothers Nicolò, Fausto and Alessandro Parrinello, who learned their craft in a historic workshop in Caltagirone, harnessing their creativity, skills and experimental mindset, have created collections designed by Margherita Rui to enhance the expressive power and imperfections of the materials. Each tile is individually crafted and detailed freehand. Ninefifty debuted at EDIT Naples 2020 and its Alphabet Collection won the Best New Product Award.

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Handmade in Sicily at 950°

The Brand
The name itself encapsulates the deepest meaning of this entirely Made in Sicily brand: at 950 degrees, the glazes fuse with lava stone and terracotta, giving life to unique elements.
The common thread running through the Ninefifty collections is the authenticity of the craftsmanship: its perfect imperfection is a sign of refined sophistication.
In the shapes and markings that trace the surfaces of the lava stone and terracotta tiles, in the relaxed Nordic-inspired hues, and in the vibrant colors of Southern Europe, modern aesthetics meet ancient Sicilian tradition. Thus, research, experimentation, and tradition are called upon to transform the material into new forms and tones.

Genesis and Properties
Ninefifty was born from the intuition of Nicolò and Fausto Parrinello, the second generation of a family steeped in art and craftsmanship.
In this new venture, the Parrinello brothers, heirs to great skill, have sought to imbue Etna’s lava stones and terracotta with a new flavor, bridging the gap between tradition and the demands of a world—design—that is always in search of innovation.
The Parrinello masters transform the material into form and endow it with essence. Every piece that comes to life within the large, modern facilities of the company becomes art. An art that is framed by Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a millennia-old ceramic tradition.

Commitment

Sustainability and an environmentally respectful approach are key elements for Ninefifty. For years, about 80% of its energy needs have been covered by photovoltaic panels that power the electric kilns where the brand’s products come to life. The goal is to reach 100% by 2030. The waste from the processing of lava stone and terracotta is ground and reused in the mix used to mold the tiles and to convert it into geopolymer for the restoration of cultural heritage, supporting an ambitious research project. The water and glazes used in production are decanted in tanks that allow for water recirculation and the proper recycling of glazes. For Ninefifty, minimizing the environmental impact of production is not an option but a duty.


The Collection

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The Collections
The collections arise from the blend of contemporary design and the ancient knowledge preserved by the master craftsmen of Caltagirone. The supports chosen by Ninefifty are Etna’s lava stone and handcrafted terracotta, made locally.
These are materials that have been used for centuries to adorn churches, noble palaces, and stairways that define the urban spaces of this part of Sicily.
These two natural elements—lava and terracotta—become a canvas on which glazes are brushed, and once fired, they bring to life vibrant colors and decorations with countless geometric patterns.
This is how the first Ninefifty collections designed by Margherita Rui were born, collections where the material becomes tactile, imperfect, and beautiful precisely because of that imperfection. Through color and ancient techniques such as graffito, engraving, or spolvero, primal, almost primitive signs are created, leading to a warm, evocative result.
Thus, Ninefifty’s creations have an aesthetic that, without contradiction, carries the touch of contemporaneity, internationality, and tradition that only a land like Sicily can express on every level.