Italian influence

A Piero Lissoni design, created for Porro.
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An emphasis on quality, innovation, style and creativity means that Italian brands are still at the very forefront of the design industry.

The Italians have always been known as the masters of design. The words ‘Made in Italy’ are synonymous with elegance, style, superior craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and an impressive design legacy that stretches back hundreds of years.

With such emphasis placed on quality and innovation, it’s little wonder that Italian products have been so wholeheartedly embraced by the Middle East interiors industry. Despite coming with a higher price tag attached, Italian brands have carved out a strong foothold in the high-end interiors sector, as consumers in the region have welcomed the sense of exclusivity and luxuriousness deemed inherent in an Italian-designed product.

Laurence Dehler, sales manager, UAE, Purity Gallery, which is responsible for bringing top-end Italian brands, including Ritmonio, Curvet, Boxart and Boffi, to the Middle East, highlighted why Italy remains at the forefront of the design industry. “Italians have been designing for thousands of years; they understand the genesis of design. They are bold and are clearly the leaders when it comes to modern-day design ethics. They understand the market and what people are craving. They stay true to their beliefs and know how to create beautiful, aspirational products – from fast cars, furniture, fashion and food. It’s a lifestyle that we all buy into.”

Antonio Cartanese, managing director of Duram, which is the exclusive distributor of Fantoni in the region, added: “Italy is known for its design, technology, its materials, its history, its heritage, and its craftsmanship – but most of all, for its passion.”

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Purity Gallery was launched to specifically target an elite, design-oriented consumer. Products in the gallery have been created by top-class Italian designers such as Antonio Cittero, Claudio Silverstrin and Piero Lissoni.

The popularity of Italian products is down to a combination of unquestionable quality and artistic heritage, Dehler continued. “Italian design is known for being a little more expensive, but then again you are buying original pieces that are crafted by very talented people. Italy has always been synonymous with the finest architecture and design.

“Products are created with great passion and in true symphony with form and function. You can rest assured that when you buy Italian design, you are also buying into the quality and a certain style that is synonymous with Italian design. It is unmistakably the finest there is on the market.”

With demand for Italian brands holding strong, Purity recently branched out into outdoor furniture, with the launch of a brand new range of products from Paola Lenti. The Milan-based company specialises in rugs and seating for outdoor environments, and is famous for textile innovation, and for using specially treated materials such as metal and wood.

“True to Italian quality standards, these outdoor furniture and rug items can withstand humidity and water, as well as the harsh rays of the sun,” said Dehler. “You can be assured that this furniture will see many beautiful seasons outdoors and create a luxury environment throughout the year.”

Another brand reporting growing demand for its ‘Made in Italy’ products is La Murrina, which produces lighting designs and glass objects made from famous Murano glass. The company also offers limited editions, or signed pieces, the result of collaborations between famous Italian artists and talented master glassblowers. All products are handmade works of art that come from the island of Murano.

“Italian designers have always been known for offering the most prestigious and high quality products,” explained Deepa Bhambhani, brand manager, La Murrina. “Italians have an inherent eye for good design.

“Italian design is about the importance given to aesthetics, shapes and colours, and innovation in technology. New trends come from Italy because there is a strong sensibility towards beauty and design, and a passion for the home. That’s what sets Italian design apart – its quality and class.”

La Murrina recently introduced its ‘New Classic’ lighting collection, which brings a contemporary flair to the classic shapes of the past through use of bold colouring and updated styling. The innovative light pieces are created by master glass blowers in single or multiple tiers, to suit any project size. These statement light pieces are intended for use in a modern, streamlined interior space.

According to Bhambhani, the new collection has been very well received in this part of the world.

“This region is always ready to appreciate and get acquainted with anything new, even if the customers still appreciate classic shapes and colours.

“The market here is becoming more accustomed to accepting quality and innovation. This is where we find a place for our one-of-a-kind products.”