Remembering Antonio Rolfini |08 February 2023

We have learnt of the passing of the former Seychelles honorary consul in Milan, who proudly and profoundly served in this position for some 35 years, from 1980 to 2014.

Antonio Rolfini, fondly known as Tony, was someone who loved Seychelles with all his heart and who contributed so much to the country.

He was a brilliant businessman, president of the ‘Camera della Gioielleria’ in Italy before assuming the mandate of honorary consul of Seychelles in Milan. He represented the Seychelles in Italy on the highest level, promoting art and crafts with events some of us might still remember, like the show in one of the most important fashion locations in Via Montenapoleone in Milan.

Mr Rolfini was a sportsman, champion of judo, but he also realised two spectacular residences in Fond des Liannes and there he could express his talent as architect and interior designer, for which he was naturally gifted.

Together with his beloved wife Franca they moved to Seychelles in the 1980s and he started working for the image of the country opening a boutique in the former Pirates Arms building offering local products under the brand ‘Museum Collections’ and ‘Antik Colony Collections’, extremely classy and refined for the discerning tourists. He was also editor and published the best tourist guide book and map ‘Seychelles in your pocket’ for many decades and also the glossy magazine ‘New Wave’ with contributions from famous photographers like Giampaolo Barbieri.

We have to thank Mr Rolfini for the immense cultural legacy he has left behind in Seychelles. He will also be remembered for his passion for beautiful things, his creativity, his humour, his witticism, his abundance of energy, his avant-garde ideas and his big projects.

Mr Rolfini’s funeral service took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception yesterday, Tuesday February 7. He leaves behind his beloved wife Franca and his daughter Cristina.

Contributed