To identify the new opportunities offered by change, to grasp a new course of development in shifting markets and trends. Formenti’s attitude and response to the ever changing dynamics of this sector has been one of effervescent resourcefulness. Manufacturing flexibility and corporate vitality are the tools it has adopted to give a new boost, and consequently new prospects, to the business. Formenti was actually founded in ’72 as a company specialized in the production of modern upholstered furniture.
The opening of new potential markets with different tastes and furnishing requirements has led the second generation – now at the company helm – to rethink its manufacturing philosophy: design has been softened and finishes are more refined. This restyling has produced collections which flirt with classicism and its stylistic precepts: pleating, visible stitching, deep-button upholstery, the use of gold, bronze and Swarovski trims. All of which is strictly fruit of a hand-crafted workmanship.
The creation of the Lumière line emblemizes this shift in trend (being presented this year in Hall 6 of the Salone del Mobile on a stand designed specifically for this purpose): sofas, armchairs and furnishing accessories add up to interiors of refined taste with a classic aura, but defined in clean-cut, linear forms. In the same wake of refinement and elegance comes the most recent Prince collection, in this case characterized by more generous volumes and forms that are square-shaped and more austere.
«Artisanal workmanship, attention to detail and flexibility are our prerogatives – explains Simone Formenti – combined with a particular focus on design and select materials. We only use leather coming from Germany and metal parts are made from grade 316 steel, the same as that used on ships. This is because we want to offer top quality products». So, an authentic design revolution has flung open the doors of the company to new spheres of activity, the residential contract business primarily. «Thanks to our new product lines and their artisanal manufacturing processes, we have managed to penetrate this luxury segment, offering great scope for product customization, among other things: we offer a complete interior decoration service backed up by a vast network of external professionals».
The living room design determines the style of the entire furnishing project, comprising marble finishes, wall panels, lighting fixtures, stairs and even frescoes. We have realized projects all over the world: China, Japan, America, Angola, Morocco, Ghana, just to mention a few, as well as in the homes of Italian and international sports champions and show business celebrities.
In conclusion, behind an image of upholstery product manufacturer, this company reveals a much wider and diversified business activity, one which has been reinvented while remaining faithful to its original spirit.
Watch also the video of the interview with Simone Formenti.
