Francesco Ciccolella lives and works in Vienna and is a conceptual illustrator and visual storyteller. Born in Salzburg with Italian roots, he studied graphic design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and has worked independently since 2016. His illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, Die ZEIT, and Der Spiegel. He has also collaborated with brands and organizations including Apple, Google, and the International Olympic Committee. His visual language explores the space between word and image, distilling complex ideas into simple forms that say more with less.
For this collaboration, we bring an illustration originally created for an editorial piece onto textile. Inspired by Matisse’s Dance, the pattern shows stylized human figures moving with a sense of connection and joie de vivre. Sublimation printing preserves every line, color, and detail, while the repetition of the figures creates rhythm and continuous movement across the fabric. Made from recycled textiles, the reflective material reveals another side of the artwork when illuminated in the dark. The limited-edition design is available across five bags and backpacks: Alva Medium, Jona Large, Hajo Mini, Mion Mini, and Jannik Medium.
Interview with Francesco Ciccolella
I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember and have always been a very visual person. During my graphic design studies, I started to explore creating images as a form of communication. That’s when I truly fell for illustration.
Simplistic yet metaphorical. I like to think of my illustrations as “images that speak.” Bold colors and clean lines are central to my work, helping to convey ideas with clarity, often with a dash of humor.
Creating images has become almost like a language for me. It’s how I process, shape and communicate ideas.
The design is about celebrating life. Inspired by Matisse’s Dance, it shows figures moving through life with open eyes and a sense of connection and joie de vivre. It was originally created for an editorial piece, and I’m delighted to see it come to life on Ucon Acrobatics bags.
You can visit my website, www.francescociccolella.com, where you can subscribe to my studio newsletter, or follow me on Instagram @francescociccolella to see more of my work and stay up to date.
The bag with my design! Though I admit, I’m a bit biased. :)
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION
The special Artist Edition is now available in our online shop and at select retailers. Crafted from recycled textile waste, this Limited Edition doesn’t just stand out by day but it becomes highly reflective by night
