The Avalanche of Taste project is more than just a cookbook—it’s a tribute to Livigno’s unique culinary heritage, culture, and resilience.
What began as an idea from the Gruppo Cuochi e Pasticceri di Livigno to preserve their region’s historical recipes evolved into a beautifully crafted bilingual coffee table book.
Guided by my creative direction, the project transformed into a visual and cultural masterpiece. Through elegant design, evocative photography, and heartfelt storytelling, the book bridges the gap between past and present, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Livigno’s flavours, landscapes, and traditions.
From nostalgic images of antique cookware to portraits of the chefs who bring these recipes to life, Avalanche of Taste encapsulates the essence of a community shaped by its history and its passion for excellence.
Preserving Heritage
A Culinary Exploration of Livigno
The Avalanche of Taste project began with the Gruppo Cuochi e Pasticceri di Livigno’s vision to preserve the town’s culinary traditions. What started as a simple recipe book evolved into a cultural artefact celebrating Livigno’s past and present through design and photography.
The chefs sought to document historical recipes, many handed down orally, to safeguard them from being lost forever. In collaboration with local experts, artisans, and my creative direction, we developed a prototype in 2012, blending contemporary aesthetics with tradition.
This prototype was pivotal in communicating the project’s scope and securing support from stakeholders, although it ultimately became a self-funded endeavour.
First prototype
This gallery showcases the thoughtful integration of design, storytelling, and photography that laid the foundation for the final book. From meticulous layouts to evocative imagery, these pages capture the essence of Livigno’s culinary heritage and the passion driving the project’s evolution.
Blending Tradition and Modernity
A Culinary Narrative
From its inception, the book’s goal was to create a bilingual coffee table volume that appealed to both locals and international visitors. It would not only document historical recipes but also contextualise them within Livigno’s cultural identity, bridging the gap between past and present.
The prototype established the visual and conceptual framework: a clean, timeless design infused with emotional photography. By using antique utensils and cookware, the imagery highlighted the recipes’ authenticity while incorporating contemporary reinterpretations from the chefs.
This foundation defined the ambitious project—a 432-page publication featuring 100 traditional and 37 modernised recipes, over 250 photographs, and captivating stories about Livigno’s unique culture.
The preparation for Avalanche of Taste was a journey into the heart of Livigno’s culinary soul, where every detail mattered. Behind the scenes, we embarked on an intimate mission to collect and preserve tangible pieces of the town’s history—hundreds of original items, lovingly donated by the elders. Each artifact, from weathered wooden utensils to hand-crafted cookware, carried stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and the passage of time.
Amid shelves filled with vintage treasures, we unearthed not just tools but fragments of daily life that once shaped Livigno’s identity. These objects became more than props; they were the soul of the photographs, whispering the traditions of those who lived and cooked with them. The care and precision in staging each scene reflected a deep respect for these heirlooms and the people behind them.
The process wasn’t just about creating images—it was about honouring a heritage, about ensuring that the essence of Livigno’s past could resonate through the pages of the book. Every lens, every click of the camera, and every carefully positioned artifact was a tribute to a community’s enduring spirit. This meticulous backstage preparation laid the foundation for a visual narrative that not only celebrated food but also the stories that bind generations.
A Visual and Culinary Symphony
Crafting Livigno’s Story
The book’s design focused on storytelling through harmonious layout and imagery. The visual narrative was divided into distinct photography themes:
Feed The Eyes: Macro shots that introduced each recipe, evoking a visceral connection with the ingredients.
Good Old Days: Nostalgic compositions with antique props, immersing readers in the historical context of each dish.
Mountain Ingredients: Close-ups that celebrated the purity of local produce, from turnips to lamb.
On The Table: Overhead shots of completed meals, showcasing the artistry of plating.
Modern Plates: Artistic and innovative presentations of contemporary recipes, highlighting the chefs’ creativity and the modern reinterpretation of traditional flavours.
The commercial section, Livigno Stories, portrayed the people behind the cuisine, blending portraiture with environmental storytelling. The layout united these elements, balancing typographic elegance with vibrant photography, making the book as functional as it was artistic.
The design of Avalanche of Taste revolves around a meticulous system of templates that harmonise content while preserving the book’s dual linguistic nature. The layout balances visual storytelling with textual clarity, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional readability.
The colour-coded approach to language — black backgrounds for English and white for Italian — establishes a seamless yet distinct flow for bilingual readers. Each section is thoughtfully constructed, from opening chapters with bold photography and narrative depth to recipe pages that combine detailed instructions with vibrant imagery. These templates maintain a cohesive structure while allowing for flexibility in content presentation, ensuring that the book’s chapters, sections, and recipes feel connected yet unique.
This design philosophy transforms the book into a harmonious blend of form and function, elevating the reader’s experience by reflecting the cultural richness and authenticity of Livigno’s culinary heritage. Every template, every page, is crafted to honour the stories, traditions, and flavours of this Alpine community.
From Concept to Reality
Launching an Ambitious Vision
The final publication, printed by Giorgio Mondadori, exceeded expectations.
Despite the lack of institutional support, the chefs’ investment of €120,000 was recouped within just four weeks of sales, underscoring the book’s value to the community.
Presented in Livigno, it was more than a book launch—it was a celebration of collective effort and pride.
The book became a powerful tool for promoting Livigno’s cultural heritage, drawing attention to its unique culinary offerings and fostering a deeper connection between tradition and modernity.
A Cultural Catalyst
Building Loyalty, Driving Growth
The impact of Avalanche of Taste extended far beyond its pages. It inspired culinary tourism, brought Livigno’s traditions into contemporary dialogue, and showcased the resilience of its community.
The project demonstrated how design, photography, and storytelling could preserve and revitalise cultural heritage. Today, it remains a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on Livigno’s history.
LEINA DA SAOR
Una valanga di sapori
An avalanche of taste
Editor: Gaia Grassi (www.gaiagrassi.com)
Creative direction / Design and Photography: Luca di Filippo (www.lucadifilippo.com)
Food styling: Luca di Filippo e Gruppo Cuochi Pasticceri Livigno
Copywriting: Emanuele Mambretti, Gaia Grassi
English translation: Roberto William Shaw
Printed in the month of October 2014 by Elcograf S.p.A., Verona (Italia)
