Ettore Sottsass (Innsbruck, 1917 - Milan, 2007), grew up in Trentino and studied architecture in Turin. After graduating in 1939, he pursued both architecture and painting. He moved to Milan in 1946, working with the Triennale and later marrying writer Fernanda Pivano. Sottsass gained fame as a designer, winning Compasso d’Oro awards for Olivetti’s Elea 9003 and Valentine typewriter. A 1961 illness in California deeply affected him. A constant traveler, he drew inspiration from global cultures. In 1981, he co-founded the Memphis group. His later years were rich with exhibitions and collaborations.