There is a certain kind of beauty that cannot be manufactured. It is shaped by places, preserved through craftsmanship and enriched by the stories collected along the way.
That philosophy lies at the heart of Les Ottomans. What began as a fascination with the colours, traditions and artistry of the Ottoman world has evolved into a brand that celebrates maximalism, cultural dialogue and the enduring value of handmade objects. Every collection reflects a journey, every detail carries a memory, and every piece invites its owner to see the home as a space for expression rather than convention.
For The Project Garments, founder and creative director Bertrando di Renzo shares the ideas, memories and beliefs that continue to shape Les Ottomans—from preserving artisanal heritage and finding inspiration in unexpected places to the stories hidden within every collection, and why, above all, luxury begins with freedom.
Chapter 1 — The World of Les Ottomans
For someone discovering Les Ottomans for the very first time, what would you want them to understand about the brand beyond its aesthetics?
Bertrando di Renzo: My goal is for Les Ottomans to be recognized as a brand that has always focused the art of the handmade. Since day one, we have collaborated with and supported artisans and craftsmen—both in Italy and across the globe.
The tradition of fine handmaking is rapidly disappearing, not only in Italy but worldwide. I believe that as brands, we have an obligation to sustain the small, specialized ateliers that have defined the excellence of 'Made In' heritage for years.
Furthermore, I want Les Ottomans to be remembered as a pioneer of maximalism. We introduced a world of bold colors and eclectic mix-and-match aesthetics for home decor and tableware at a time when minimalism was the prevailing trend. We chose to celebrate colors and our commitment to “over the top “design stays in everything we do."
Every Les Ottomans piece feels like it belongs to a larger story. Where does a new collection usually begin—for you—with a place, a colour, an object or an emotion?
Bertrando di Renzo: To me, every piece tells a story that begins in a unique way and in a different corner of the world. A collection might be inspired by a single tile in an Italian villa, a painting in an Indian palace, or a hidden find in a flea market around the world.
It is always a specific detail—a striking color combination, the texture of a material, or the silhouette of an object—that captures my attention. That attention will most probably become a new design.
For me, emotions are the key to the creative process; that sudden joy I feel upon making a new discovery is telling me that I am on the right track.
Beyond my travels, I invest significant time exploring the archives of the companies I collaborate with, as well as museums and historical sites where I know I can get inspired.
Where do you find inspiration when you're not looking for it?
Bertrando di Renzo: I don't go looking for inspiration.. By nature, I am a deeply curious person, always attracted to the new and the unexpected. My frequent travels play an essential role in this, constantly exposing me to diverse cultures and traditions and objects that naturally translate into new ideas, patterns, and products.
Chapter 2 — The Designer Behind the Brand
Has success ever made designing harder?
Bertrando di Renzo: I’ve never seen the success of Les Ottomans as my personal success. In many ways, running a successful brand can make things easier as for designing, as the unexpected appreciation we get from people acts as a great boost to improve and make it better. The hardest part, perhaps, is the pressure to constantly reinvent ourselves to meet client expectations. It’s a challenge, certainly, but one I’ve been able to manage it.
Have you ever designed something beautiful that felt too personal to sell?
Bertrando di Renzo: Not really. Beyond the collections, I often create bespoke pieces for my friends and family—gifts for a birthday, a marriage, or simply as an expression of love. These pieces are never intended for the public; they are deeply personal, carrying the distinct 'traces' of our experiences.
Is there a story hidden inside one of your collections that nobody has ever noticed?
Bertrando di Renzo: Every Les Ottomans collection has an hidden story. La Menagerie Ottomane, for example was born after reading an Elif Shafak’s novel, while the Costantinopoli collection, designed by Vito Nesta, was inspired by my desire to portrait the intricate and majestic ceilings of Istanbul’s historic monuments.
Then there was Istanbul Gold—a series featuring gold-leaf porcelain plates - applied on antique Istanbul’s engravings that I created with the aim to reproduce the astonishment I felt the first time I visited the city: the Bosphorus, the mosques, the hills, and the horizon.
Telling a story is an essential part of the journey; I believe that those who love Les Ottomans can feel the truth and the history into every object."
Chapter 3 — Memory & Identity
If Istanbul disappeared tomorrow, what part of it would still exist inside Les Ottomans
Bertrando di Renzo: Istanbul is more than a destination to me; it is my second home and my greatest muse. The colors, symbols, and patterns that define my work are deeply tied with the Ottoman heritage I first discovered visiting the city.
It is a city that doesn’t just inspire my work—it is a huge part of Les Ottomans, shaping the brand’s identity from the start.
If your collections could speak after everyone leaves the room, what do you think they'd say about their owners?
Bertrando di Renzo: I design for those who embrace colors. My audience isn't interested in following general trends and tastes; they are interested in creating homes that feel alive.
They aren't afraid to mix patterns or layer textures, because they know that these choices do more than look beautiful—they make people feel at ease. When they bring people together, they do so in a space that feels warm, welcoming, and, mostly, authentic.
Chapter 4 — Closing Notes
What part of yourself exists only inside the objects you create?
Bertrando di Renzo: My mind and my beliefs.
Complete the sentence: "Luxury is..."
Bertrando di Renzo: Being free.
Discover the World of Les Ottomans
Explore our curated selection of Les Ottomans home décor, tableware and decorative objects at The Project Garments. From hand-painted porcelain and statement trays to vibrant cushions and one-of-a-kind accessories, every creation reflects Bertrando di Renzo's passion for craftsmanship, colour and cultural storytelling.
Browse the Les Ottomans Collection at The Project Garments and bring home objects that celebrate individuality, artisanal excellence and the timeless beauty of living boldly.
- The Project Garments
