Elegance and the art of bespoke craftsmanship: Susanna Larini designs the “elegant” dreams of the luxury yachting world.
From her roots in Viareggio to international superyachts: secrets, sustainability, and signature design under the summer sun. The allure of “Made in Italy” nautical design by La Mandragola Design
When summer really gets going and the path of luxury heads toward the golden beaches of Versilia and the Mediterranean, the world of yachting once again inspires dreams. But what truly makes acharming yacht unique?
The answer lies in the ability to blend great Italian artisanal tradition with innovative, sustainable design that is deeply connected to the sea.
Sharing insights into this fascinating world is Susanna Larini, a true native of Viareggio, an internationally renowned eco-interior designer, and co-founder of the studio “La Mandragola Design alongside Diego Fiorini.
Raised amid the scent of the sea and the roar of engines, Susanna embodies the excellence of Made in Italy: a figure capable of combining the technical rigor of her roots with a keen artistic sensibility, bringing her furnishings aboard the world’s most prestigious yachts and earning acclaim as far afield as New York and Paris.
Susanna, your family has a strong tradition tied to both the sea and engines. How much has this background influenced your professional development?
“Very much so—it’s part of my DNA. My grandfather worked as a seaplane mechanic at the historic Picchiotti shipyards, then founded the first Alfa Romeo dealership in Versilia. My father, Flavio Larini, was a race car driver for Alfa Romeo alongside his twin brother. The sea and mechanics have always been cornerstones of my family. It’s no coincidence that in 1988 I was one of the first women to graduate as a shipbuilder from the Nautical Institute. Later, in 1993, I earned a degree in interior design from the Academy of Architecture in Florence. Although I devoted myself to my family and to studying law for a time after my daughter was born, my artistic streak and passion for the sea prevailed, leading me to revisit those long-held dreams with unexpected success.”
Your style in yacht interiors is very distinctive. What is the philosophy behind your onboard designs?
“For me, a yacht should smell like the sea; it shouldn’t be a mere replica of a luxury villa set on the water. I make extensive use of marble—in 2016 I received an award in New York for a line of locally sourced Carrara marble accessories—and natural woods, striving to recreate the colors and scents I experience during walks on the beach. At Studio La Mandragola, we work like a true tailor’s shop: every element is custom-made. Working in the yachting industry demands a high level of customization, made possible by the exceptional talent of our artisans.”
In an era when environmental protection is essential, how do you incorporate eco-sustainability into your luxury yachts?
“It’s one of my key stylistic hallmarks. For me, sustainability isn’t a trend, but a concrete commitment. Every piece of furnishings in my designs is conceived to avoid harming the environment. For example, I prefer fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles that feel like cotton to the touch. I collaborate with specialized companies and artisans who are committed to this cause, creating extraordinary pieces by reusing plastics recovered from the sea. Contemporary luxury must respect the ecosystem that sustains it.”
Over the course of your career, you must have faced a wide variety of requests from yacht owners. Can you tell us about any particularly unusual ones?
“In this industry, requests are often very specific. I remember one yacht owner who specifically asked me to create wolf fur upholstery. In that case, as a committed animal rights advocate, I firmly refused and chose to lose the job rather than compromise my principles.” .
In addition to the yachting industry and international projects between Paris and New York, you’re president of the new Polo Club Forte dei Marmi. How do these worlds connect?
“I’ve been riding since I was a child, so the Polo Club project immediately excited me. With events like the Polo Cup, we enrich the summer season in Versilia, bringing in prominent figures. The worlds of polo and high-end yachting share the same sophisticated target audience: natural synergies and connections are created among lovers of beauty, sports, and luxury yachts. It’s another way to showcase our beautiful region.”
After all, true luxury isn’t just about sailing toward a distant horizon, but doing so surrounded by spaces that reflect who we are. This is the power of Susanna Larini’s design: transforming every yacht into a sanctuary for the soul, where beauty dialogues with the sea, sustainability meets elegance, and every detail becomes a memory.
Because the most extraordinary boats aren’t simply those that cut through the waves, but those thatleave a mark on the hearts of those who experience them.
