ESCAPE

Opposite: Giorgio Collections

timeless Absolute sofa.
Right: Beautiful handcrafted
woodwork from Asnaghi
Interiors. Far right: Antonio
Citterios Exclusive-Le Gemme
cabinet demonstrates superior
craftsmanship. Below: Matteo
Brionis TerraTon textural
surfaces appeal to new-gen
urban creatives

Italys furniture exports to the UAE have grown steadily over

the past three years, says Ferdinando, up 12.3 per cent in 2012,
11 per cent in 2013 and 6.6 per cent last year, grossing
Dhs734,549,926, which makes Italy the second largest
supplier of furniture, after China. (Beijing Design Weeks
exhibition at Downtown Design did a good job of challenging
our preconceptions of the Made in China label.)
The Emirates has become an attractive destination for
Italian brands, of all sizes and legacies. While on a recent trip
to Italy, visiting the homes of heritage-rich brands such as
Angelo Cappellini, Elledue, Giorgio Collection, Asnaghi

Zaha Hadid
carved pleats
into the
surface of her
contemporary
Ridge wall relief
for CITCO

Interiors, Zucchetti.Kos, CITCO and Barovier&Toso, Bazaar

Interiors was inundated with praise for the region, with these
companies highlighting the UAE as a prime destination for
export and growth of their respective businesses.
Angelo Cappellini, founded in the manufacturing
stronghold of Brianza in 1886, exports 90 per cent of its wares
and counts the Middle East as one of its biggest markets.
Distributed through Casanova in Dubai, and Modern Design
in Qatar, the company has launched two new brands, Opera
Contemporary and Mediterraneo, designed with more modern
inclinations. All markets are linked to a specific style, says
brand manager Stefano Zecca, grandson of the founder.
Baroque is not popular in the Middle East, although a lot of
people would assume differently. Instead, they prefer straight
lines and darker fabrics.
Giorgio Collection finds the Middle East to be a more pliable
market because its contemporary Italianate designs no longer
suit the tastes of consumers in its home country. Sold at Interiors,
Dubai, it fuses art deco with geometric shapes and elegant lines,
in a modern marriage with the most refined avant-garde design,
comments Elisabetta Masolo, who established
the company in 1956. Dark woods are also
favoured, however, the company has
introduced a collection of lighter woods and
fabrics to appeal to a younger generation.
Asnaghi Interiors, another family-run, multigenerational company (as is typical of highend Italian furniture brands), has relied solely
on export trade for the last 30 years. While
Russia and China are its strongest markets, its
trade in the Gulf is strengthening, comments
art director Gianluca Asnaghi. The company
unveiled its new concept Asnaghi Interiors
Design at Milans Salone del Mobile to target
new markets.
As well as maintaining the high-quality,
artisanal characteristics Italian furniture is
resolutely synoymous with, manufacturers
from this country, fanatical about design,
know how to evolve and keep the discerning
consumer engaged even as their tastes
change and mature.
Harpers BAZAAR INTERIORS |109