Hi, I’m Maurizio, founder of Modernista. Born in Sicily, I have been living in Switzerland since the age of 14. Over the last decade I’ve been passionately sourcing, collecting, restoring and reselling decorative objects, lamps and furniture from the 1940s to the 1970s. My focus is on Italian mid-century modern or “Modernariato”, Danish design classics, and the refined simplicity of the Bauhaus movement.
Modernista was born from a desire to breathe new life into iconic pieces—preserving their authenticity and sharing them with those who appreciate the beauty of 20th-century design. Every object I choose tells a story, and my aim is to make it beautiful and relevant for contemporary living. Each year, I travel thousands of miles in search of these treasures, then dedicate time and resources to restoring them—sometimes with my own hands, sometimes in collaboration with skilled artisans. This is more than a job; it’s a true passion. I’m driven by the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of careful restoration, and the joy of placing refined pieces in new homes—pieces that embody quality, character, and soul.
Why Modernista?
The name Modernista is more than just a brand—it’s a reflection of both my personal taste for interiors design and the spirit of what I do. The “M” in Modernista echoes the first letter of my name, creating a subtle but personal signature. I chose Modernista because it captures the essence of the mid-century modern era that I love so deeply—an era defined by innovation, elegance, and timeless design. It also has a clean, memorable sound that stays with people—just like the objects I curate.
About our company
First and foremost, we’re people — people with a real passion for vintage furniture and lightings. comQuèst SA is a Swiss company, founded in 2009, and it’s the legal entity that allows us to share this passion. Our registered office is located at: Via Ceresio 6a, in Lugano-Pregassona – Ticino, Switzerland. Whether you’re looking for a standout piece of furniture or seeking a unique item, we’re happy to help — with care and attention to detail.