11X | THE BIRTH
11X came into existence in Milan in 2018 as the creative brainchild of Matteo Bertolio and Raffaella Palmieri. Their journey began with a daring mission to manifest a unique vision of beauty—raw, natural, and deeply meaningful—an exquisite fusion of ancestral simplicity and avant-garde futurism.
Embracing the profound belief in the power of circumstances and the absence of mere chance, they embarked on the creation of a lifestyle brand that could embody their visionary concept.
Thus, 11X was born—a symbiotic harmony between "11," representing the Strength card of the major arcana, and "X," the Latin symbol for ten, symbolizing the perfection of a new beginning. This fusion manifested as an imaginative binary code, symbolizing the non-binary evolution of humanity.
The meticulously crafted collections that unfold within 11X are the result of an extensive aesthetic exploration rooted in a dystopian and universal vision. Each object blossoming within the 11X collection encapsulates the brand's essence—an alluring fusion of rugged surfaces that bear the marks of erosion by time in an otherworldly future, natural stones in their primordial form, untouched reminders of Earth's origin, and technological fibers treated with the reverence of ancient silk yarns.
In this magical realm, materia in its diverse expressions becomes the language through which 11X speaks—a testament to the enchantment and wonder that permeate their creations.
11X THE AUTHOR | MATTEO BERTOLIO
Born in Milan, Matteo completed his studies at NYU and returned to Italy to work in the world of professional photography since 1995. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with the world's most renowned brands such as Ferragamo, Versace, Ann Demeulemeester, as well as Mercedes-Benz, Fiat Lancia, and Oris. He can boast of having produced multiple covers for fashion magazines such as L'Officiel, Tank, Elle, and Vogue. He is the communicative soul and image of 11X, consistently interpreting a dreamlike world guided by nature with his erotic vision of the human being.
11X THE AUTHOR | RAFFAELLA PALMIERI
Diversity as richness, an opportunity for the unexpected. A mindset of an adventurer constantly seeking ever-changing realities. Thread as an experimental material, its transformation into an object as an expression. Researcher, designer, jewelry creator, but also a spiritual guide, Raffaella begins her professional journey in textile research and product development for fashion brands, while nurturing a growing passion for jewelry creation, leading her to embark on a parallel career in this field.
THE AUTHORS | TOGHETHER
Together, in 2018, they created the first jewelry collection for 11X Milano, and later established the brand 11X Artworks, where they not only create jewelry but also design decorative objects, lamps, and artworks.
11X | THE WORK
All oxidations are meticulously handcrafted by the designers.
The metals undergo a process of deliberate scratching, followed by brushing in a potent acid bath. They are then exposed to direct flame and brushed once again. The delicate balance between air temperature, duration in the acid bath, and the intensity of scratching all contribute to the final outcome.
It is important to note that no two items are alike, and the variations should be cherished as inherent characteristics of the product. Each piece undergoes strict scrutiny and is only delivered if it satisfies the creators' aesthetic sensibilities.
In addition, we embrace the beauty of randomness and the serendipity of natural occurrences. Just as many phenomena on Earth originate from events beyond our control, there are certain aspects that are best left to unfold organically. The gemstones used in our creations are natural formations, shaped solely by the forces of nature. They are not subjected to cutting but are lovingly cleaned with natural soap and water, preserving their inherent allure.
Each stone bears the timeless beauty of the Earth's origin, symbolizing its ancient existence.
It is important to emphasize that all our jewelry is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that every piece is truly one-of-a-kind