Trends

A Designer’s Death Marks the End of a Decades-Long Partnership

TrendsJun 08, 2020

A Designer’s Death Marks the End of a Decades-Long Partnership

Roberto Faraone Mennella was the creative force behind the eponymous label based between New York and Italy.

20200608-Roberto-header.jpg
Designer Roberto Faraone Mennella died June 4.

New York—Jewelry designer Roberto Faraone Mennella died Thursday at his family estate in Italy.

He was 48.

Rewind exactly 30 years to June 4, 1990, to a friend’s 18th birthday party. It’s the night that marks the start of three decades of partnership between Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio.

They’re the same age and from the same small town outside of Naples. Their families have known each other all their lives. But this is the occasion where their relationship begins in earnest.

“That’s the summer,” recalled Scognamiglio, from Mennella’s family estate. “We started both going to the same university and became friends more and more.”

Scognamiglio described the totality of their relationship as: “A human partnership, business partnership and soul mate. At one point, we really didn’t know anymore what came first.”

Mennella is Scognamiglio’s first kiss that summer. The two have no way of knowing he’ll be the last hand he holds before he dies of cancer.

Beginnings
Mennella originally pursued law, studying at the University of Naples Federico II, but credited his grandmother with encouraging him to pursue design.

He went on to obtain a degree in design marketing at famed university The New School Parsons School of Design in New York City.

In 2001, he launched Faraone Mennella with Scognamiglio.

Part of the brand’s folklore is a chance encounter with Patricia Field, costume designer for “Sex and the City”

Mennella’s designs were prominently featured on the show, a centerpiece of the cultural zeitgeist. TV’s iconic show led to iconic retailers. Bergdorfs came calling.

In the year before his death, Mennella experienced somewhat of a design renaissance, executing jewelry abstractions that bring to mind exotic underwater creatures, expressing movement and energy, rendered in psychedelic shades of titanium.

“We realized our customer was, yes, very wealthy and very well-traveled and sophisticated, but she was different from the old-school jewelry client,” Scognamiglio explained. “She was wearing Alaïa and high heels and dancing on a yacht, so her jewelry had to be in the same spirit.”

The collection has been a hit, but it was one of Mennella’s very earliest designs that was his career-long best seller: the Stella necklace, named for the grandmother that inspired him to follow his passion.


Faraone Mennella 18-karat gold “Stella” necklace ($10,300)
“I couldn’t believe while Roberto was dying and I was holding his hands I see my phone and the notification from our website that they just sold

two of those necklaces. I said, ‘Can you believe that those necklaces will never go out of style?’ That’s the biggest accomplishment for any designer.”

The two worked together under the same creative umbrella for the entirety of their jewelry design careers.

An Iconic Partnership
Especially in the beginning, Mennella and Scognamiglio designed jointly, but, creatively, Faraone Mennella bore the stamp of its namesake, delivering Italian classicism and elegance, as wearable now as it was two decades ago.

“You can see a client still wearing jewelry they bought at Bergdorfs 20 years ago and it’s still fresh and cool and relevant because it’s timeless. That was our intention when we designed always,” Scognamiglio said.

“His house in Italy is a beautiful 18th-century estate that he kept like a jewel. It is timeless and that’s what he was really obsessed with—to create timeless jewelry, not the earring of the moment. If [a style] is still current after 20 years, they will be in 50 years.”

Mennella and Scognamiglio formed a company, RFMAS Group, and launched Amedeo, a modern take on Scognamiglio’s cameo-carving family business, dating back to the early 1800s. Both brands are produced in the same in-house Italian workshop.

“With Faraone Mennella I wanted it always from the beginning to be about Roberto, and I was his assistant designer. He would [sketch] something and show it to me, or at the bench with our jewelers and I would say, ‘Oh OK. It’s beautiful but it’s not us.’


Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio
“That was our thing. Is it us or is it not?”

The two brands opened stores in New York City, where they neighbor each other on the Upper East Side, and in Capri.

“The difference when I design,” said Scognamiglio, “is he has final say.”

The last piece on which he solicited Mennella’s advice was a large dragon cameo. “I didn’t know how to set this piece that’s not boring, and he designed so contemporary, so modern.”

Per Mennella’s suggestion, Scognamiglio set it in titanium.

A New Chapter
Scognamiglio finds it symbolic that, a week ago Saturday, he drove Mennella the entire 10-hour trip from Milan, where he received his last cancer treatment, to Naples, so he could die at home.

Typically, Mennella would be the one behind the wheel, just as he was “in the driver’s seat” for their three decades of partnership as RMFAS Group.

Scognamiglio is now the company’s sole owner and creative director. He considered dissolving Faraone Mennella immediately following the designer’s death, questioning if he was “good enough” to continue his work, but quickly realized he could best honor him by continuing his legacy, following the blueprint they laid together over the last 30 years.

“I think that I need to bring Faraone Menella to the next level in honor of Roberto. When I sort of mentioned it to our team—the jewelers and the office—they said, ‘Amedeo, absolutely we will continue. We learned so much from Roberto; we will live on. We will make mistakes but from up there he will say, ‘What’s that necklace? That earring is horrible!’ and we will feel it.’”


These titanium, diamond and sapphire “Kaleidoscope of Hope” earrings are from Mennella’s latest collection and represented a new chapter for the designer. ($22,000)

Calling Mennella “the great designer I’ve ever met,” Scognamiglio aims to increase the brand’s reach and influence, landing it on the same level as some of the industry’s greats.

“It can be the Bulgari of the next 50 years. Now I have the new motivation to honor Roberto’s life and work and no one is going to stop me. I am going to be fierce.”

In their entire partnership, the two had the singular achievement of only working for each other, and never had a more significant romantic relationship, a fact that is still taboo to say aloud in conservative southern Italy.

“Roberto and I were partners in life and in business in a very unusual way. We don’t know anything else other than our friendship and our business. We never worked for anyone else or with anyone else.”

Ultimately, Scognamiglio says his greatest achievement wasn’t their businesses or stores or success.

“I think that my main mission accomplished is that he made me promise to hold his hand until the end. And I did and I was privileged to be with him until his last breath.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute watch
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-Long

The Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy