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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! 😊

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.

Bespoke joinery: from the idea to your dream environment

Here it is the art of customised joinery systems, where each modular element comes to life to meet individual needs.

Welcome to the exciting world of custom joinery, where incredible opportunities for customisation open up to you. We thought of involving our fantastic Expert of Joinery Modularity, Roberta Apuleo, in order to make this journey even more interesting and instructive. She has 39 years of experience in the furniture industry and specialises in designing modular systems.

Bespoke Joinery in practice

Bespoke joinery is a customised approach to designing and creating interior furnishings to meet specific needs and individual preferences. It’s known for its customisation, quality, adaptability, exclusivity and design flexibility. It can cover a wide range of interior design elements, including kitchens, bathroom vanties, bookcases, wardrobes and more.

Narcisse wardrobe

Customisation is the Answer

The main features of bespoke joinery include customisation. Thanks to it, every element of the joinery, from the size to the materials, from the finishes to the arrangement of components, can be customised to perfectly suit the space and taste of the customer. This adaptability allows detailed design to solve specific space, functionality and style requirements in a wide range of situations, from private residences to commercial spaces.

The joinery is therefore ideal if you’re looking for exclusivity and flexibility, as each piece is unique and you’ll enjoy an environment that stands out for its originality, attention to detail and aesthetic vision.

Example of Industrial Joinery: Crossing

Crossing by MisuraEmme, designed by Mauro Lipparini, is a cutting-edge joinery solution that seamlessly combines form and function. Its modular panels allow for flexible wall-mounted shelving, offering complete adjustability along three axes for endless configuration possibilities. Crossing offers various module types and sizes, including units with different door styles and drawers. It comes in two versions: Fusion for a modern look and Listellare for a warmer ambiance. Its integrated LED lighting system adds elegance, making it a versatile and stylish storage solution.

Artisan and Industrial Quality

Both craft and industry can be used to make customised furniture, offering unique and functional solutions for living space. The choice depends on individual needs, but in both cases, the goal remains to create a unique and functional space that reflects one’s personality and style.

However, when we talk about bespoke joinery, you’re often led to think only about a handcrafted product and you might find it difficult to associate the process with an industry. Instead, there are now furniture companies capable of creating extraordinary tailor-made designs, adapted to the customer’s specific needs, with the added technology and perfection of industry.

Manufacturing Processes

The individual craftsman and industry only have in common their first approach to work, which is the design of the product you want to make. From now on, the craftsman will work on the single piece by hand, while industry can move on to the study of the most suitable materials for the manufacture and use of the specific product, focusing on the various possibilities of composing the individual elements to best realise the project. Finally, the industry will offer you a wide choice of finishes to choose from, including timber veneer or laquer, both glossy and matt, or HPL, high pressure laminate, which are now endless. Not least, you can even think about customising the hardware.

Once approval is obtained, the project goes to the production engineers who determine the feasibility and delivery time.

If you rely on an industry for customised work, you’ll first of all have the guarantee of programmable and well-defined delivery times. In addition, the company itself will have world-class designers and advanced production technologies at its disposal.

The Crucial Importance of Material Selection

In the industrial context, the precise selection of materials plays a pivotal role. Alongside the wide array of available finishes, the industry carefully adopts chipboard or plywood depending on specific design and structural needs.
Conversely, master craftsmen in carpentry, for similar projects, mainly uses MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) for its ease of manual work, despite being aware of the resulting compromises in terms of quality, added weight, and increased vulnerability to moisture, with the consequent risk of deformation.

Another notable distinction lies in the industry’s capability to masterfully combine different materials, as exemplified, for instance, in the acclaimed “Palo Alto” project by MisuraEmme. This system skillfully integrates and alternates glass and metal to create a fully customizable system, successfully challenging the boundaries of the artisanal context.

Undertaking projects with specific dimensions and complexity would prove exceedingly challenging, if not nearly impossible, for an artisan to achieve the same quality standards while simultaneously maintaining competitiveness in terms of the quality-price ratio. Consequently, the industry unquestionably represents the most advantageous choice for those whose priorities center around customization paired with maximum quality and the best possible price.

Ultimately, you’ll be able to benefit from a much broader and more professional view of your finished product, resulting from the collaboration of several professionals specialised in the field.

Craftsmanship at the Core

Thanks to the big brands that have kept craftsmanship at the core of their production processes, you can rely on the custom joinery industry without losing anything, but rather gaining in terms of quality standards. So forget the mass-produced stuff and get ready to receive a customised product with all the industry guarantees.

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.

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.

Salone del Mobile.Milano and Design Week 2023

Once again we have combined the passion for our work with friendship, as we like to do… as we like to be! The 61st edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano and Milan Design Week 2023 were amazing!

Thanks to our clients, partners and managers for having lived these intense and exclusive days together.

Thanks to our suppliers for welcoming us with kindness and professionalism.

Visits to the exhibitors, definition of the projects, details of the orders and the splendid conclusion at Lake Como… what a beautiful experience!

People

Our Italian team consisted of managers Filippo Salbini, Maria Giordano and Antonio Pepe.

With them also our Expert in Joinery Modularity Roberta Apuleo.

Our manager Scott Wilson has joined us from Australia.

Our Malaysian partner Steven Leong was in Italy with his collaborators.

Our American partner Tom Landry II joined us from the USA with his trusted collaborator Miriam Padberg Owens.

Joining our team were also some leading international interior designers and architects with whom we collaborate with enthusiasm and also some Australian clients who have chosen the last details for some ongoing residential projects.

Projects

We worked on some projects closely with our clients and direct suppliers, while our partners and collaborators took care of the selection and details for some supplies in Asia, Australia and North America.

Brands

At Salone del Mobile.Milano we experienced first-hand the latest news from the best furniture manufacturers. At Euroluce area we have dedicated ourselves to lighting.

We have further strengthened relationships with some manufacturers and established new relationships with some important Italian and European brands

In the evening, however, we took part in exclusive events organized by our trusted suppliers in Milan.

We met Amura, Barovier & Toso, Baxter, Boca Do Lobo, Bover, Cini&Nils, Emmemobili, Extremis, Impatia, Kare, Koket, Longhi, Luceplan, Malerba, miniforms, MisuraEmme, Nomon, Paolo Castelli, Preciosa, Rosa Splendiani, Scolaro, Teckell, Tonon, Wall DecĂČ.

Lake Como

We decided to conclude our Exclusive Design Week 2023 in a splendid location, hosting our friends for lunch at Lake Como. No work here… just chatting and having fun with friends!

Our job is beautiful, because it allows us to have relationships based on sincere esteem, mutual trust and solid friendships.

We are really lucky!

Tag Archive for: Furniture