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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.

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 Cantù, 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.

MisuraEmme Company

Ability, persistence and enthusiasm. MisuraEmme could be described with these three words. 

The company, located in Italy, in Mariano Comense (CO), was founded in 1902 by Giovanni Mascheroni. Today it has a factory of 35,000 m2.

However, we asked manager Ottaviano Borgonovo to tell us something more about this company.

Born in 1987, since 2014, Ottaviano is passionately dedicated to the commercial and marketing aspects of the family business, demonstrating great competence and professionalism.

About 10 years at the head of the Company: which developments have you noticed over this period?

“As first, I have seen the evolution of many international markets in the furniture industry, which have become strategic to its success. This is why, we wanted the company to become more and more international, in order to adapt to the requirements of foreign markets, different from those of the Italian market.

A further consequence of the decision to invest in foreign markets was the reinforcement of the quality and international design of the products. We’ve also decided to invest more in raw material technology and in the industrial process.

As a result of these choices, sales have reversed from 80% in the Italian market to less than 20% in 2022.”

Customizing the product according to the individual’s needs is one of the strengths of MisuraEmme. What are the differences between Italian and international customers? Do needs change based on geography?

“Definitely. It’s not a secret that there are countries with a taste for minimal, such as northern Europe, while those of the Middle East prefer a sumptuous aesthetic, with a prevalence of bronzed metals and marble. Quite the opposite, the United States is focused on wood. However, each country has its own specific taste.

Anyway, a trend in the luxury market is developing recently, with an international taste that unites all geographical areas and combines elements of different styles.

But another significant difference between customer types concerns the way the market is conceived: design, in fact, plays a role of primary importance in the international arena, compared to the simple production of the product. The sale of a project is much more important than the sale of the product itself.”

In 2003, MisuraEmme was awarded the Acquaver label for the use of environmentally friendly painting systems. How attentive is today’s customer to the green theme?

“The green theme is becoming more and more relevant for all markets. In fact, the appreciation for using eco-sustainable materials and industrial solutions with a lower environmental impact is increasing.

Moreover, consumer awareness has increased not only towards the product, but also towards the sustainable attitude of the company that produces it.

Being a green company not only means using materials and solutions with a lower environmental impact, but also adopting a respectful approach to the environment in the daily management of the company itself

In other words we want sustainability to be a theme in all areas of the company’s work.”

Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023: what’s new at MisuraEmme?

“This year we brought two new boiserie systems to the Salone del Mobile: Puzzle and Palo Alto Wall. We designed these two systems to be integrated with all the day and night equipment and the finishes are completely customizable. So we have a range of furniture solutions that are potentially infinite and widely customizable, which is the quintessence of the sartorial attitude of MisuraEmme.”

Puzzle

Designed by CR&S MisuraEmme

Puzzle is an equipped and modular boiserie system for wall coverings, which includes a series of completely integrated elements: wooden containers, glass cases and shelves.

The idea starts from the concept of evolution of the composition, thanks to wall coverings that can be equipped with dedicated elements, which can be used both in the living area and in the sleeping area.

It consists of a system of uprights and transoms in aluminum to be fixed to the wall and a series of frame panels.

Puzzle is available in different finishes: wood, concrete, straw or thermoformed melamine.

Palo Alto Wall

Designed by Gianni Borgonovo

Palo Alto Wall is the wooden boiserie system which becomes the distinctive element of an exclusive and functional sleeping area, with the elegance of the unmistakable MisuraEmme style.

It is a floor-to-ceiling wall covering, which can be fully integrated with the Palo Alto Free and Palo Alto I-Box walk-in closet systems, which opens up an infinite range of furnishing possibilities, providing the designer with various opportunities.

Special tip: the prestige of wood and glass can be further enhanced by installing exclusive LED lights, thanks to the electrified rack structure.

In your opinion, which is the secret of MisuraEmme’s success?

“Certainly, the ability to understand customer needs and intercept market trends. The collaboration with architects of international caliber has also contributed to the success. Last but not least, the strategic vision and the belief of my family, which over the generations has always enthusiastically supported all the innovations in research and innovation in design and product.”

How do you imagine the future of the Company? What is your vision of MisuraEmme?

“The evolution will be crucial to face an increasingly competitive market.

Because of the presence of foreign industrial companies in the furniture sector, we should be able to intercept the needs of a market that is moving towards a demand for life style, as well as product, in order to compete internationally. To consolidate our presence in the most emerging markets, we’ll then face a series of international investments.

Finally, it will be essential to implement the latest technological innovations that in these years are revolutionizing the world of communication and beyond.”

Credits: Photographs courtesy of MisuraEmme.

Lighting is essential to create the right atmosphere in every room of the house. With the use of technology there are so many ways to light up your home intelligently.

Using technology for home lighting offers many benefits, including a more comfortable, safe and efficient experience.

In this video we talked about it with the Lighting Designer Filippo Cannata, who explained the importance of using technology for home lighting.

Home lighting technology

Technology has revolutionized the way we manage lighting in the home, providing numerous opportunities to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Thanks to the use of LED lamps, motion sensors and remote control systems, it is possible to create the perfect atmosphere in any room.

Energy saving

The use of home lighting technology generates great energy savings. LED lamps consume much less energy than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, smart lighting systems can be programmed to automatically turn off the lights when there are no people in a room, further reducing energy consumption.

Remote control

Another great advantage of using technology for home lighting is the ability to control the lights remotely.

For example, smart lighting systems allow you to control the lighting using a mobile application or voice assistant. With a simple touch you can turn on, adjust or turn off the lights in any room. This is especially useful when you’re away from home.

Personalization and importance of a well-lit environment

Home lighting is an important aspect of home comfort, influencing people’s mood, productivity and health.

With smart lighting systems you can customize the lighting of every room in your home according to your preferences. For example, you can choose between different color temperatures to create the right atmosphere at any time of day or according to the activity you are doing, such as reading, watching TV or relaxing. Plus, you can program the lights to turn on gradually in the morning, simulating the natural sunrise, to help you wake up naturally.

Safety

Using home lighting technology can increase the safety of your home. You can schedule lighting systems to turn on and off at regular intervals, giving the impression that someone is always home and reducing the risk of theft or break-ins. Additionally, some smart lighting systems can be integrated with security systems to automatically turn on lights when motion is detected on your property.

Benefits for you

Ultimately, using technology for home lighting offers many benefits, from saving energy to customizing the lighting to your preferences. Additionally, smart lighting systems can increase the safety of your home.

If you are looking for a way to improve the lighting in your home, the Cannata/Salbini partnership offers our customers the possibility of essentially relying on a “genius” who takes care of every detail of the lighting project.

Esadesign art and passion for design mirrors

Esadesign was born from the will and intuition of its founders to express their passion for glass through design

We talked about it with Luna Pavone, one of the founders and company manager.

“Passion supported by several years of experience for a raw material with a unique charm that they find in its malleability but at the same time resistance.”

The roots of Esadesign are deep and linked to the territory of Monza and Brianza, in Lombardy, where craftsmanship and tradition come together to give life to the typical excellence of Made in Italy.

Corporate values ​​of Esadesign

“Human value is certainly what we are closest to, it is a precious and indispensable contribution in all phases of the production processes.”

Another no less important value is the protection of the environment, that brings Esadesign to improve every day with the aim of achieving ever better sustainability standards.

What is the essential element in the design of a mirror?

“An essential element in a design mirror is the awareness of having to satisfy a need. Aesthetics in design will always have to meet functionality.”

Which collection are you most attached to and why?

“It’s difficult to answer, each collection brings with it elements and experiences that do not fade but remain and contribute to a personal and intellectual enrichment.”

Specular Collection

Specular comes to life thanks to the will of creating mirrors of absolute excellence gathering a secular tradition in glass processing.

The “Specular” collection is characterized by luxury finishes and contemporary lines. It has an incredible ability to adapt to different contexts thanks to its sinuous and seductive lines.

Can Esadesign also make customized mirrors?

Esadesign can make customized mirrors evaluating the needs of the customer.

Italy and Australia

“A professional synergy and a bond of mutual esteem and trust. A bond born thanks to the appreciation of the Italian tradition in this sector and the opening of Australian culture towards the aesthetics and lines of Italian design and beyond.”

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Esadesign.