i-Italy Magazine interviews designer and Italian Journal editor, Claudia Palmira

For centuries, the idea of the Italian family has centered around the home and hometown/regional love. Often generations and generations of family members would find themselves settled in the same place they grew up. However, in today’s changing landscape, the traditional Italian family is beginning to change as well. A recent series by i-Italy Magazine, directed by editor Letizia Airos. follows the new generation of Italian families that are helping to transform the idea of what the Italian family mold is. In the latest issue of i-Italy, the Italian Academy Foundation’s Vice President and Italian Journal editor, Claudia Palmira Acunto, explains how her own family is paving the way in this new Italian lifestyle.

The article, written by Judith Harris, describes the Claudia and her husband Mauro Benedetti as a couple who thrive in two cities: Rome and New York. Claudia Palmira Acunto grew up in Bronxville, New York where the web designer learned the ropes of the fast paced lifestyle the state is well known for. Yet, family vacations and, later, Italian design clients brought her to Italy again and again.

“I came to like Rome so much that I decided to take a sabbatical leave my job as art director at an advertising agency in New York to live in Rome a year. And then I liked it so much that I stayed on.”

Mauro had always been based in Italy however, and found his passion for photography in the ancient landscape of Rome when he moved there at 13 years old from his birthplace Palermo.

Finding themselves splitting their time between New York and Rome became a norm, and the tale of two cities became a reality for the couple. However, after the birth of their son Ludovico the family now finds themselves returning to New York for only two month-long visits out of the year.

While they may not travel to New York as often, the spirit of the fast paced can still be seen in both the couples lifestyles. Mauro’s photographs can be found throughout the Eternal City in one man and group art showings. Earlier this year he held a photo exhibition in Rome’s Café Alfredo e Lia, where the love and passion for his two cities can be seen in his exquisite photographs. (http://www.mbenphoto.com)

Claudia Palmira brings the fresh drive of New York to Rome by finding herself involved in multiple projects. Palmira runs her own studio out of the Prati neighborhood of Rome called Rome Design Agency and has just recently launched a redesign of her business sight ClaudiaPalmira.com. Outside of designing, she is also focusing on a project entitled “Awakening the Authentic Self” that will take place in Tuscan region known as Maremma.

I-Italy magazine is the premiere publication and website for Italian New York. The magazine is distributed free at Eataly NY, the Italian Consolate and other key locations in Manhattan. The issue is also available on their website: iItaly.org

To read the full article online about Claudia and Mauro, as well as viewing their son Ludovico on the cover, you can click the link here.

-Ashley Curtis