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Excellence in Form Women in Luxury Furniture Design

A Captivating Conversation with Giada Vismara on the Impact and Aspirations of Women on International Women’s Day

Half of the team at Vismara Design, a company based in Brianza, in Lombardy, northern Italy, specialising in luxury home entertainment furniture, are women. That’s why, in order to celebrate this International Women’s Day, we engage in a compelling conversation with Giada Vismara, the Sales & Marketing Manager, to talk about the status of women in the luxury furniture industry.

Crafting Excellence Through Unique Strengths

In the company she represents, the concentration of women is a deliberate and strategic choice, that stems from the belief that women bring unique strengths to both creative and managerial aspects of the luxury furniture industry. Despite prevailing clichés, women at Vismara thrive in collaborative environments, characterized by effective communication and superior problem-solving skills. Giada emphasizes the agility and practicality innate to women when seeking solutions, a trait crucial in meeting the demanding standards of the luxury industry clientele. In facing challenges, women seem to exhibit resilience, persisting until a comprehensive solution is achieved. Giada underscores the significance of these qualities in meeting the discerning needs of customers who demand exceptional quality and specialized assistance. Attention to detail also plays a special role, however, for Vismara and anyone working in this field, and Giada ardently asserts that women, by nature, surpass their male counterparts in this regard. Their ability to finely tune into intricate details positions them not only as contributors but as leaders in achieving excellence in the luxury furniture industry.

Women’s Rising Influence Across Borders

The remarkable prevalence of women in the luxury furniture industry is, therefore, not a mere coincidence but a compelling trend gaining momentum each passing year. Women are increasingly assuming pivotal roles, shaping the landscape of architecture firms and forming all-female teams within. This transformative shift is particularly prominent on the international stage, where encounters with women are more prevalent, not only in sales offices and showrooms but also in influential top management positions.

Women’s Mastery

While acknowledging the complexity of individual differences, an intriguing trend surfaces when exploring the dynamic between men and women in the luxury furniture realm. It appears that, in this specific domain, women exhibit a heightened sensitivity to interior design aesthetics, an enhanced dedication to customer service, and a flair for creativity. This nuanced observation challenges preconceived notions, illustrating the multifaceted strengths that women bring to the forefront. For Vismara this industry is unequivocally a very feminine world. Here, women not only excel but thrive, shaping an environment where their innate qualities contribute significantly.

“The promptness and concreteness in seeking solutions are typical of women, who do not falter at the first obstacles but strive to solve the problem thoroughly.”

Giada Vismara

Navigating the Gender Gap

In certain instances, the gender gap remains notably entrenched. Giada Vismara sheds light on this reality within her Brianza, the industrial hub where manufacturing leadership has historically been male-dominated. Despite strides, women in this business often find themselves navigating an arduous path, necessitating a threefold effort to attain parity with their male counterparts. And the manufacturing domain’s deeply rooted, established attitudes pose hurdles, requiring a concerted effort to instigate change. This reality not only impacts the current workforce but also risks deterring aspiring young women from pursuing careers in this field. However, only by recognising and addressing the complexities surrounding gender inequalities do we pave the way for a more equitable future.

A Shared Desire: Harmony in Equality

On this International Women’s Day, we resonate with Giada Vismara’s heartfelt wish for women worldwide. Her aspiration, shared by our collective voice, advocates for the fundamental principle of equality, urging that women be recognized as equals to their male counterparts in every professional sphere. As we celebrate the achievements of women and their indispensable contributions, it’s imperative to foster an environment where talent, expertise, and dedication transcend gender biases. The wish is therefore a collective effort to break down barriers, inspire positive change and create a world where the potential of every woman is fully realised and appreciated.

Marta Delgado Designer

Discover Marta Delgado’s Creations that Transform Spaces with Elegance, Simplicity and Responsibility

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with the talented designer Marta Delgado. At Marta Delgado Studio, innovation is imperative, a vital energy that turns every obstacle into an opportunity. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Marta seized the moment to establish her own venture just when the world paused due to Covid-19, demonstrating extraordinary adaptability and resilience.

Marta Delgado Studio’s Mission

The primary purpose of her company is to design pieces with a strong character capable of making a difference in any environment. That’s why Marta Delgado has chosen to work closely with a small group of artisans, whom she herself describes as “extraordinary,” helping her give life and shape to her ideas.

Inspiration and Philosophy

Sculpture, architecture, geometry, graphics, areas that have always sparked Marta’s interest, are the same from which she draws inspiration for her creations. “I am very inspired by details and changes in scale,” whether it’s spaces, jewelry, books, or magazines, for her, awake and open to the World, History, Culture, and Time, the sources of inspiration seem to be infinite.

Marta Delgado

“When we add objects to people’s lives, to the economy, and essentially to the planet, I think there is a huge responsibility.”

Marta Delgado

Marta Delgado’s ideas embody simplicity, honesty, beauty, quality, importance, and resilience. That’s why the pieces, crafted in Portugal in small artisanal workshops, have the prerogative of lasting for generations with proper maintenance. Marta herself describes her creations as “aesthetically contemporary yet made with timeless materials.”

In the context of the role of women in the world of design, Marta Delgado argues that design takes on a new dimension when voice transforms into culture through interaction with others. Her experience confirms that skills vary from individual to individual, emphasizing that gender is not a determining factor. “I appreciate women who thrive in a complex balance of work and personal life, multitasking with grace under pressure,” Marta says. Furthermore, she argues that all sectors would greatly benefit from greater diversity among owners, CEOs, leaders, and managers.

Marta’s Iconic Creations

Her designs are intended for practical use by any user, whether it be a family, hotel guests, someone dining in a restaurant, or even people working in a company. Primarily, her products are chosen by interior designers, architects, art galleries, buyers, and clients, both for Residential and Contract Projects.

Among Marta Delgado Studio’s most representative collections are the Divergent Sofa, a very captivating piece in a category where it’s difficult to design unique pieces, the Sequence Mirror for its simplicity and jewelry-like atmosphere, and last but not least, the Equation Coffee Table, which is, according to Marta herself, the most challenging piece to produce.

Divergent Sofa and Equation Coffee Table by Marta Delgado
Divergent Sofa and Equation Coffee Table by Marta Delgado
Sequence Mirror by Marta Delgado
Sequence Mirror by Marta Delgado

The Future

The startup’s life is on the rise, and the outlook is to expand the collection with new projects, always respecting the company’s values, so that more and more interior designers from around the world choose to use Marta Delgado Studios’ creations in their projects.

Ottaviano Borgonovo Tells Us about The Art of Creating Iconic Spaces with a Sustainable Vision

At the heart of MisuraEmme lie values of commitment, dedication, and cooperation, led by Ottaviano Borgonovo, the leader and third generation of the company. This legacy is deeply influenced by Ottaviano’s revered mother, Tiziana Mascheroni, who passed away in 1991, and whose testament can be seen at the entrance of the company’s headquarters in Mariano Comense, in the province of Como, Northern Italy.

MisuraEmme places primary importance on the care and conservation of our planet. A pioneer in environmental responsibility, the company has obtained the prestigious Aquaver certificate as the first to invest in water-based painting, exemplified by the revered 0001 mark from ANVER.

Renowned for product customisation, meticulous attention to detail, and the use of high-quality materials, MisuraEmme stands out as a pioneer in the high-end market, driven by its flagship product, the “Palo Alto” night system.

Ottaviano is determined about the future: to continue with steadfastness, supporting the family business with unwavering commitment and passion. The legacy forged by MisuraEmme is a testament to its authoritative position in the industry, built on a foundation of respect, expertise, and enthusiasm.

Thanks to Lucrezia Radice for her extraordinary collaboration! 😊

Inbox

From removal experts to creating unique spaces with care, precision and expertise in Melbourne

People first

For Inbox everything starts with people.It’s not merely about moving furniture; it signifies a meticulous focus on detail and a genuine care for space. From the initial contact, be it a relocation or the coordination of marketing events demanding space reorganization and high-end furniture management, their commitment is unwavering.

From moving company to expert in high-end furniture logistics

Founded in 2014 as a removals company, Inbox is based in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia, and has evolved into a specialist in crafting unique spaces through iconic furniture supply. Their mission transcends furniture management; they aspire to be a solution for their partners, facilitating their progress and expansion with the necessary tools. In essence, their mission is to deliver excellence at every touch point. Engaging the finest talents and software in every facet of their organizational structure, they stand as a benchmark among transport and logistics companies, specializing in high-end furniture and VIP clientele.

Not just transport

Their specialized team provides real-time assistance to on-the-road teams, ensuring streamlined communication with live reports to brand sales representatives. In the realm of deliveries, while it remains the most requested service, Inbox extends beyond mere transportation. Assembly and waste management are integral components of their white-glove delivery service, enriching the overall customer experience. Prior to delivery, the booking process emerges as a crucial, if not the most pivotal, phase. Managing end clients’ expectations, availability, and on-road teams becomes imperative to optimize routes, saving time and ensuring the right personnel and equipment are deployed.

If you need excellence, look for Inbox

Clients turning to Inbox expect nothing short of excellence. Furniture delivery transcends a simple A to B movement; it marks the final interaction between the brand and the client, extending the after-sale process for an elevated customer experience.

To the future day by day

A key strength of Inbox lies in its adaptive prowess, continually evolving while staying attuned to customer needs and the dynamic market. Embracing new technologies, they remain vigilant, assessing and enhancing capabilities daily to address evolving concerns and implement effective solutions. Inbox aspires to sustained growth, aligning with customer needs and industry evolution. Their gaze toward the future is optimistic, grounded in the knowledge that their ongoing commitment positions them for success.

Ambra Vismara’s passion unveils the soul of a family-owned legacy, embracing beauty, progress, and a visionary future.

Respect, wellbeing, and innovation stand as the cornerstone values guiding Vismara Design, a distinguished company nestled in Seveso, within the northern Italian province of Monza Brianza.

Ambra Vismara, Export Manager and a pivotal force in the third generation of this family-owned enterprise, escorts us through the rich tapestry of the company’s history.

For Ambra, the pursuit of beauty has always been an intrinsic part of her identity, making her a natural fit for a career within this realm where she radiates energy and passion.

Amidst the accomplishments already achieved, Vismara Design is set on reaching new milestones. The imminent inauguration of an expansive production plant and showroom, slated for completion by the close of 2024, is a testament to the company’s commitment to continual growth and advancement.

This strategic expansion is poised to enable concurrent work on multiple projects, ultimately optimizing processing times. The envisioned developments not only underscore Vismara Design’s authority and expertise but also signify a pledge to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, setting the stage for an even more remarkable future.

Special thanks to Giada Vismara for her amazing support!😊

Pietro Maggi introduces us to the brand where you can rest.

Will to grow more and more, without ever forgetting its origins, to which it owes the characteristics that make it unique: Sales Manager Pietro Maggi tells us about the Amura brand, welcoming us inside the showroom in the centre of Milan, Italy.

As soon as you enter you can feel a warm atmosphere. Colours and lines evoke the special land of the Murgia, in Apulia, southern Italy, from which the name and history of this company are derived.

In Japanese Amura means precisely the love for one’s own land, where the brand has left its production headquarters, thus giving jobs to the many local artisans.

Amura is working, therefore, for a future in which sustainability becomes the focus of everyone’s purchasing decisions. A future in which man’s respect for the environment is central.

For, as contemporary Italian poet Franco Armino writes and the brand’s website states, “Love for places is the best medicine in the world”.

The Enchanting Journey of Lapis

Lapis is the astonishing “concept living” conceived by Emanuel Gargano and Anton Cristell for Amura, with the aim of reconnecting humanity to nature. It is Mother Earth herself that gives life to these modular elements, whose forms have been shaped and softened over time, emerging almost spontaneously from ancient cobblestones. “Lapis” can assume infinite dimensions and combinations, adapting to spaces and needs, ranging from classic and traditional shapes to free and irregular compositions.

The padding, made of memory foam, ensures incredible resilience and maintains its shape over time. It is a design that, in its simplicity, is imbued with refined complexity, reclaiming the concept of time as a fundamental element for human well-being.

Thanks to Carmen Zavettieri for her valuable collaboration! 😊

From the beginning shock to the passion for his work, Alberto Rugiano tells about the family business.

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Alberto Rugiano didn’t want to set foot in his company.

He was just a child at the time, whereas today at the Mariano Comense headquarters, in the province of Como, Italy, we meet a young man and entrepreneur, enthusiastic about his work and determined to carry on the business bearing his surname.

Alberto, who now oversees the company’s commercial strategies, created his first collection at the age of twelve.

Back then, he spent his free days with his father Luigi in the production departments, unknowingly becoming passionate about what would become his job.

“Rugiano transforms dreams into matter” and begins from the choice of materials.

For its creations, the company chooses noble metals such as bronze, brass and steel and uses the finest leathers and fabrics.

At Rugiano, craftsmanship plays a central role: in fact, we find those who work and decorate leather, those who shape metal, those who embroider textiles and those who do cabinet-making.

Attention to detail, research into new materials and reinterpretation of classic ones result in timeless pieces of design and make the company worldwide recognisable.

Alberto has no doubts about the path taken by the company: products with clean, contemporary design, without losing sight of the attention to detail and the origin of the brand.

Rugiano means “fashionable today, but also in 50 years” and the secret of this company, explains Alberto proudly, is in people.

‘Cause no matter how the technology evolves, there are things that can only be done by human hands.

Longhi: fifty years of elegance in Italian design

A family business between tradition and innovation

Reliability, uniqueness and elegance are the pillars on which the great history of Longhi rests. A story that spans more than half a century in the world of contemporary design furniture, entirely “Made in Italy”, and which holds firm to its family identity, which it sees as an immeasurable value.

A Made in Italy tradition

Founded in Meda, in the province of Monza Brianza, Lombardy – Italy, Longhi has long produced exclusive furnishing accessories for the domestic market. Each of its pieces is a handmade work of art, often costumized, proudly respecting traditional craftsmanship. Customisation, taken to a very high level, guarantees maximum Made in Italy quality through rigorous in-house controls.

The heart of Longhi are its professionals, masters in their field, loyal to the company for over twenty years, who work with passion and professionalism to turn your every dream into reality.

A pioneering beginning

The first step was a bold leap into the world of interior doors and woodwork of the highest standard, in which Longhi was unrivalled. Pioneers in this field, they’ve continued to grow, increasingly meeting the needs of their customers.

The turning point, however, came with the second generation, who perceived the growing demand for luxury across the border. Then came the time when a customer asked to furnish his entire house in the company’s unmistakable style: this gave a further push to expansion, covering the furnishing of every nook and cranny of the home, except the kitchen.

From external stimulus to project: “Breath Collection”

The watchword in every accessory and design is “elegance”. Whether it is a hotel lobby, a lake house or a penthouse in New York, this aspect is always central.

When you turn to Longhi, you’re looking for a sober, chic atmosphere that reflects your essence and authentic values, to be shared with those you love. But Longhi has a talent for capturing external stimuli and translating them into new collections with unique and distinctive designs: the “Breath Collection”, born at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a tangible example.

This collection, with its soothing and welcoming style, celebrates the end of a difficult period, full of stress and uncertainty.

Ready to light up the world with timeless design

Longhi’s future is rich in projects. Next December, a flagship store will open in Vienna (Austria), followed by openings in 2024 in Ha Noi (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and London (UK).

In addition, shop-in-shops will see the light in Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Quatar) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), following in the footsteps of those in the prestigious locations of Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Dakar (Senegal), Miami (Florida), New York (USA), Oslo (Norway) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Longhi Spa.

Hunter & Co.: from the ordinary to the extraordinary

When professionalism wears White Gloves

Embarking on a Remarkable Tale

Picture this: a world where vision meets opportunity, and an extraordinary company is born.

Once upon a time, in 2009, there was a bond where trust and mutual respect were not empty words, but the foundation of a great narrative waiting to unfold. 

This story begins with Ryan Hunter, who while working at International Art Services (IAS), identified a gap in furniture logistics. Nestled in the heart of Sydney, Australia, this gap begged to be bridged with finesse akin to the world of fine art logistics.

Ryan, therefore, brought this to the attention of Kingsley Munday, the owner of IAS. Now Kingsley, wise and forward-thinking, saw the potential in Ryan’s vision and encouraged him to set up his Hunter & Co. Transport. Kingsley gave Ryan dual powers of entrepreneurship and a continuing role at the IAS.

The rest, as they say, became a harmonious history of mentorship and friendship: Kingsley thus became, over time, a loyal mentor and close friend.

Ryan and Blue (company’s mascot and Ryan’s best friend – in memoriam)

Hunter & Co. Today

Fast forward fourteen years and here we are, looking at the brilliant company Hunter & Co., with its team of 25 people.

Ryan Hunter and Hamilton Ribeiro are currently the Managing Directors (whereas Nicole Cramey and Pierre Etienne Mathot previously held the same position). Last but not least, Operations Manager Kyle Dolan.

This crew has only one mission: to make customers feel like royalty, taking care of them especially in the delicate final phase – the last physical mile.

The legendary White Gloves Delivery and more! 

H&Co. is best known for its highly sought-after White Glove service, symbolised by the literal use of white gloves. This complete package includes installation and meticulous removal of packaging.

Another frequently requested service is the correction of failed delivery attempts initiated by other delivery services.

In order to guarantee optimal results, Hunter & Co. deploys balcony lifts, hoists and collaboration in crane operations, just to name a few examples. Of course, the needs of customers and suppliers have changed over time, e H&Co. elegantly danced its way into adapting services. Among these, commercial and residential storage and consolidation are the true stars of this evolving saga.

A new dawn in Brisbane

Hunter & Co. not only embraced change but also chased the sparkle of growth. 

The story took a double turn in Brisbane, where a new chapter began on 1 September. 

The same majestic services that Sydney had enjoyed find a home here too. 

A bold two-day strategy, soon to be expanded due to the impending high season, ushered in a fresh era.

The supervisors of H&Co. will then be transferred to Brisbane in October-December, due to growing demand.

Our Unbreakable Bond

And then emerges the heart of it all – the unbreakable bond between Hunter & Co. and us at Salbini. It’s not just business; it’s an alignment of values ​​and ethics.

“The inclusion of the Salbini team has undeniably enriched H&Co.’s portfolio. Their insights are instrumental in refining, adapting, and gaining ideas, making the learning process invaluable for us”; these are the words Hunter & Co. dedicated to us.

Team working on a Salbini project in Vaucluse, NSW
Strength and delicacy of Team Hunter & Co.

So, let’s raise a toast to Hunter & Co. – a saga of trust, evolution and spirited collaboration. Here’s to a future where the pages continue to turn, and the legacy continues to grow. 

Cheers to Hunter & Co., where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, one white-gloved step at a time.

Discovering the soul of Riva 1920

He isn’t a life mentor, but he daily spreads important messages through his work.

Passionate and meticulous, Maurizio Riva takes care of his products from the first to the last stage of manufacture. Born in 1954, the president of the Riva 1920, puts his soul into every inch of his company, where he himself makes sure that everything works and is in place.

We meet him at Riva Center in CantĂč, in the province of Como, surrounded by the scent of wood and “order”, which is a key word for him.

The Riva Center

Showroom

The showroom covers 1,200 smq Among the most striking pieces is the “Draft Horse: Peace and Hope,” more than three meters tall and made for Expo in 2015.

In addition to solid wood pieces from the Riva 1920 collections, you can admire the so-called “Workers’ Bicycles”, a private collection, purchased by Maurizio Riva himself, dating back to the early 1900s.

Pangea Lab

The Pangea Lab is located on the top floor of the Riva Center. Designed as a multifunctional space, this is where the Company organizes his training events and conferences.

Inside, you can see the Pangea Table designed by Michele de Lucchi for Expo 2015.

The table is inspired by the continent Pangea, which originally included all the land surface.

Also located along the walls is a xylotheque, which contains about 900 different woods from around the world.

Wood Museum

The Wood Museum houses a collection of machines and tools that is unique in Europe. The pieces on display are, in fact, more than 5,000.

Standing out above them all, is the Antico table with an iron base designed by Renzo Piano.

This table is 12 m long and is made of 48000-year-old Kauri wood from New Zealand.

Leaving his building, we feel that this special carpenter and his story left a mark on us too. We come back home, after visiting the entire Showroom, the Production Units, the exclusive Wood Museum and sitting at the Pangea Table, created for Expo 2015.

We bring with us the honor of having walked among millennial woods and the awareness that, whatever happens, we’ll get up just like the spinning top.

Thanks to Cinzia Porro, Marketing and Communication Manager at Riva 1920.