Here is the old currency of Italy, the Italian Lire.

“In building its pitch-winning solution, Landor combined the idea of past and future – reflecting Italy‘s uniqueness as a country unified by passion and friendship but also marked by originality and diversity.

The use of 18th century type for the letter “i” – by renowned Italian printer and publisher Gianbattista Bodoni – evokes the world of classicism and tradition. The shape of the “t” is reminiscent of more modern design: the soft curves suggest movement, happiness, flexibility and fantasy.

The other letters appear in Futura type to express rigor and modernity, while the lower-case style is informal and welcoming. The color black renders the logo concrete, solid and stable. The red dot adds passion, energy and warmth, and together with the green “t,” completes the tri-color scheme making the reference to Italy irrefutable.

The iconology and originality of the two letters combined to create “it,” lay groundwork for not only a logo, but also an intriguing and sustainable communication campaign, especially in an international context.”

“This Nebbiolo Riserva depicts the iconic legend of the Roman god of agriculture and harvest: Saturn”. View the design below. This Nebbiolo Riserva depicts the iconic legend of the Roman god of agriculture and harvest: Saturn (Latin: Saturnus). The family name behind the product is Saturno who originate from Italy. Utilising a beautiful Aleka bottle from Saver, we screen printed a scrapper board illustration directly onto the bottle ensuring the visual aesthetic maintains a sense of Roman mythology.” Designed by Voice: via TheDieline

Love these ad’s for Shun and Italian-Asian restaurant. If you look closely the first ad incorporates the famous Italian Vespa and the background reveals a Milanese scenery which at first glance looks Asian.

In the second ad a  typical Milanese streetcar passes by whilst 3 Asian’s  play soccer in a classical colonnaded courtyard. created by Advertising Agency: Grey, Milan, Italy via eternallycool

Designed by Nick Beaulieu. A collection of vectors inspired by gladiators and roman life. You can buy these for 29.99 at You Work For Them

Michelangelo at the plastic Surgeon. Dr. Kim set up a Michelangelo poster in the building where he works as a plastic surgeon. The tagline at the bottom of the ad says “Be born again. The original Michelangelo piece is The Creation of Adam. Michelangelo. 1508-1512. via eternallycool

Editora Europa Viaje Mais Magazine, the copyright says “Get to know the city you want without passing through time zones.” created by Longplay, Sao Paulo, Brazil via adsoftheworld.com

The Italian ministry of Cultural Affairs has just launched a new ad campaign intended to shock visitors and residents into paying homage (and admission) to some of the country’s most important cultural sites. In one example, shown above, four cranes work at disassembling the Colosseum by night, while in another example, below, helicopters carry Michelangelo’s David into the stratosphere.  Taglines on the ads read, “If you don’t visit it, we’ll take it away.” via eternallycool.net

Rome: Photography by Vince Cianci

Illustration by Jonas Bergstrand via ffffound.com