Mariana Pellegrino Soto

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Mariana Pellegrino Soto developed an early appreciation for design in her mother’s architectural studio, where she was inspired by form, colour, and structure. After moving to Italy, she pursued a degree in Product Design at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome, further refining her skills through an Erasmus exchange in Barcelona. During her studies, Mariana’s talent was recognised when her glass water bottle design won the Best Packaging Award at the 2016 Global Bottled Water Awards. Her partnership with Oluce began with her thesis project, which evolved into a commercial product, exemplifying her ability to turn conceptual ideas into functional, elegant designs.

Now working as a design developer for F&N Compositi, Mariana continues to craft pieces that balance sculptural beauty with practicality. Her designs evoke an emotional connection, reflecting her deep belief in the interplay of aesthetics and purpose. Whether developing lighting or exploring other mediums, she consistently demonstrates her ability to create objects that captivate and resonate with users.