For more than two decades, Sergio Buttiglieri, Art and Style Director of Sanlorenzo, has been one of the quiet yet decisive forces shaping the visual and cultural identity of the Italian superyacht icon. Known for his refined sensibility, encyclopedic knowledge of design, and deep connection to the art world, Buttiglieri represents a rare figure in luxury yachting: a true cultural curator.
In this YachtTalks interview, we explore his vision, his long-standing leadership at Sanlorenzo, and his evolving passions — from sustainable yacht design to theatre writing.
YachtTalks: Sergio, you have guided Sanlorenzo’s design language for many years. What defines your role today?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
My role has always been about coherence — not imposing a style, but creating a cultural framework. Sanlorenzo is not about trends; it is about identity. I act as a bridge between the shipyard, the designers, the craftsmen, and the clients. My task is to ensure that every yacht speaks the same language: understated elegance, balance, and authenticity.
YachtTalks: You are often described as a visionary. Where does this vision come from?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
From listening. To architecture, to art, to people. I come from a background deeply rooted in furniture design and contemporary art, and that has shaped my understanding of space. A yacht is not very different from a house or a gallery — it must breathe, it must tell a story, and above all, it must feel timeless.
Vision is not about the future only; it is about understanding the past and translating it into something relevant today.
YachtTalks: Sanlorenzo collaborates with some of the most important designers in the world. How do you choose them?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
We don’t choose designers because they are famous — we choose them because they have a cultural affinity with Sanlorenzo.
Designers such as Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Rodolfo Dordoni, John Pawson, and others bring different voices, but they all respect the same philosophy: restraint, intelligence, and depth.
My role is to guide this dialogue so that creativity flourishes without becoming decorative excess. Luxury today is silence, not noise.
YachtTalks: Sustainability has become central to yacht design. How does Sanlorenzo approach this?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
Sustainability is not a slogan; it is a responsibility. At Sanlorenzo, we work on sustainability on multiple levels — from materials and energy systems to spatial efficiency and longevity of design.
A sustainable yacht is one that does not age quickly. Timeless design is, in itself, a sustainable act. If a yacht remains relevant for decades, it avoids unnecessary replacement and waste. Beauty that lasts is the most intelligent form of sustainability.
YachtTalks: You are not only a designer but also a representative of Sanlorenzo in the global art and design world. How important is this role?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
Very important. Sanlorenzo is not just a shipyard; it is a cultural brand. My presence at international art fairs, exhibitions, and design forums is about positioning Sanlorenzo within a broader cultural conversation.
We speak the same language as museums, galleries, and collectors. That’s why our connection with art institutions and events feels natural — because our yachts are conceived as cultural objects, not just products.
YachtTalks: Recently, you’ve developed a new passion — writing about theatre. How did this begin?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
Theatre has always fascinated me. It is the purest form of space, emotion, and narrative. Writing about theatre allows me to explore human dynamics in a different way — the relationship between bodies, silence, movement, and time.
In many ways, theatre is very similar to yacht design: both require discipline, rhythm, and an understanding of how people experience space emotionally.
YachtTalks: Finally, how would you define luxury today?
Sergio Buttiglieri:
Luxury today is culture. It is knowledge. It is responsibility.
True luxury does not shout — it whispers to those who know how to listen.
Editor’s Note
Sergio Buttiglieri remains one of the most influential cultural figures in contemporary yachting — not only as a design director, but as a guardian of meaning. Through his work at Sanlorenzo, he continues to elevate yachts into spaces of art, reflection, and timeless beauty — proving that the future of luxury lies in depth, not display.
