Please join us for the 2026 Art of Design event, a vibrant panel discussion and luncheon to benefit the Bruce Museum’s exhibitions, programs, and operations on Monday, September 28.

Purchase tickets here or for more information contact 203.413.6745 or sheath@brucemuseum.org.

Featured Speaker: Ippolita Rostagno, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at IPPOLITA and Co-Founder & Creative Director at Artemest

Ippolita Rostagno is a visionary artist, designer, and entrepreneur whose work has redefined the intersection of fine art and functional luxury. Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Rostagno’s creative DNA was forged at the Istituto D’Arte, where she trained as a sculptor and ceramicist. Her early experience working with large-scale bronze and stone remains central to her aesthetic, as she applies the techniques of traditional sculpture to the refined scale of fine jewelry.

In 1999, she disrupted the fine jewelry landscape with the launch of her eponymous brand, IPPOLITA. Debuting at Bergdorf Goodman, the collection introduced a revolutionary "jewelry for every day" philosophy, moving precious materials away from the vault and into the modern woman’s daily life. Today, the brand is a global benchmark for artisanal luxury, instantly recognizable for its signature hammered 18k gold, organic silhouettes, and use of vibrant, hand-cut gemstones.

Beyond the atelier, Rostagno serves as a preeminent guardian of Italian heritage. In 2015, she co-founded Artemest, the leading digital destination for the world’s finest Italian craftsmanship. As Creative Director, she has bridged the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary commerce, curating an expansive portfolio of handmade furniture, lighting, and décor. By providing a global stage for Italy’s most highly skilled artisans, Rostagno has solidified her legacy not just as a maker of beautiful objects, but as a pivotal force in safeguarding the centuries-old lineage of Italian hand-craft.

Art of Design 2026 is generously sponsored by JP Morgan Chase.