MILAN — Lapo Elkann, the Fiat scion and cofounder of eyewear company Italia Independent, presented his new book “Fiat 500: The Design Book” on Wednesday in Milan, at Carla Sozzani’s concept store 10 Corso Como.
The 139-page book covers the history of the Fiat 500 in seven sections — experience design, design story, design metamorphosis, three-dimensional icon, brand identity, masterpiece reloaded and timeless heritage. Published by Rizzoli, it is priced at 25 euros, or $28 at current exchange rate.
“For me, this car is like a wife,” said Elkann, the grandson of Gianni Agnelli, “and the 500 represents not only myself, but all Italians. It is the symbol of the Italian economic recovery because behind it there is the history, the commitment and imagination of not just one person, but of all those who have worked to create it.”
Roberto Giolito, Fiat’s head of design, and Enrico Leonardo Fagone, who wrote and art directed the book, also attended the presentation.