Mana Sazegara

Mana Sazegara is an award-winning designer who creates products, graphics, and digital and physical experiences. Having studied architecture, she then began applying its geometries to other design disciplines. “My work comes to life through a negotiation between shapes, forms, layers, colors, and textures,” she explains. “I situate my practice at the intersection of architecture and graphic design: engaging, enhancing, and empowering life.” Below, she shares some of her inspirations.

As a kid, what did you answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
A fashion designer.

Which designer and/or piece of work inspires you? Why?
Ettore Sottsass. His work permits me to express who I really am.

Who are three designers you follow on Instagram?
Gaetano Pesce, Serban Ionescu, Giorgia Lupi

What is your design philosophy?
Design should be responsive to your emotional needs.

Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?
I’ve been living and working in an Art Deco building in New York for the past 6 years. Every day of it has been an inspiration to me, walking through its shapes and forms from the 1920s.

Which of your pieces, products, and/or projects are you most proud? Why?
Alice, the first mirror I designed. The initial concept I had in mind had different finishes. But, because of the short time I had for the production, I had to come up with new ways of fabrication that lead to using totally different materials. Alice reminds me of the importance of being flexible, open to new opportunities, and never giving up.

What is the most pressing issue in the design world today?
Lack of risk-taking.

What’s now?
Our studio is developing new products using glass and metal as well as producing a new collection of our signature mirrors.

What’s next?
We will be showing at ICFF for the fourth time this May, which is very exciting.

And just curious: What is your favorite movie?
Poor Things

And your favorite band or/and song?
Billie Holiday