Meet Cameron Foggo: The Designer Behind our Latest Collaboration

At Città, we’re excited to expand our sofa collection with the introduction of two unique new designs: Dialogue and Claret. These pieces are the result of a creative collaboration between acclaimed designer Cameron Foggo and our in-house team.
Cameron is a second-generation furniture designer who grew up in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. His connection to Città runs deep. In the early 1990s, his mother and Città founder Margot Acland travelled the world together sourcing products—laying the foundation of the brand as we know it today. 
Now, decades later, there’s a sense of continuity in welcoming Cameron’s own design perspective to Città. We chatted with Cameron to learn more about his background, family ties to Città, and the design journey behind Claret and Dialogue.

 

Hi, Cam! Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I'm a New Zealand–Australian furniture designer currently based in Byron Bay. I established my studio practice in 2007 and now design for a range of international furniture brands, also serving as an art director for some of them.
Beyond design, I’m an avid traveller. Exploring new places pushes me out of my comfort zone, broadens my perspective, and fuels my creativity. My surroundings have always been a direct source of inspiration, and travel keeps me in a constant flow.

You're a second-generation furniture designer. How did your upbringing influence your decision to follow in your father's footsteps?

Design was a natural path for me—with both of my parents in design. My father was very entrepreneurial, starting his career in interiors by making cane pieces in our garage. Eventually, this led him to open his first showroom, which became one of the most well-regarded interior design showrooms in the country. 
From a young age, I was immersed in that world. I remember sketching ideas for window displays at six or seven, always eager to contribute creatively. Growing up in that environment allowed me to absorb the language of design, develop an intuitive sense for form and materials, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the impact of good furniture. Working for my father early in my career was an invaluable experience—almost like a hands-on apprenticeship.

How did the collaboration with Città come to life?

There’s a long-standing connection between my family and Città. My mother and Margot, one of Città’s owners, have been friends for decades. In the ‘90s, they each owned Corso di Fiori showrooms—my mother in Christchurch and Margot in Auckland—and spent months each year traveling the world sourcing products together.
The first sofa I ever designed, back in the early 2000s, was actually represented in one of Margot’s businesses. So in many ways, this collaboration felt like a natural evolution of a long-established relationship.

What was the experience like working with Città's in-house design team?

It was a collaborative process. I believe it’s important to stay open to the perspective of others, try different things, and enjoy the process of problem-solving—which is what design is at its core. 
I worked with Città’s team much like I would with a manufacturer, but with the added advantage that they have deep insight into their own market and customers. That knowledge gave me valuable context when refining the designs.
One challenge was that I haven’t always been based in one place, which sometimes makes it difficult to assess the feel of a piece from different locations. However, we found ways to navigate this successfully.

Can you talk us through the new Dialogue and Claret designs?

The Dialogue sofa is inspired by a simple piece that belonged to my grandmother during my childhood. We haven’t attempted to reinvent the wheel or make any bold statements with this design. Instead, the piece shines through subtlety, with elegant proportions and atypical modular configurations for a contemporary touch. The result is a piece that is understated yet sophisticated, and capable of fitting into both contemporary and traditional spaces.
The Claret, on the other hand, is more aligned with the typology I’m best known for—linear, light, elegant, and mid-century-inspired. As always, it stays true to my values—uncomplicated and, of course, comfortable.

What are three essentials in your studio?

Good music, good coffee nearby, and reliable internet.

Visit Cameron Foggo’s website to view his work and learn more. We’re excited to welcome the Dialogue and Claret to Città’s sofa collection. Enquire now for pricing and orders.