Handmade appeal

These is not just lighting, but a body of artistic creations with a unique, one-off feel, combining stunning decorative elements with functional components. Barovier&Toso’s collections are testament to the craftsmanship that represents the brand’s beating heart. Founded in 1295, when the Barovier family opened the first furnace in Murano, the brand still makes every single product by hand, using the ancient technique of glass blowing, a craft that is international recognised and revered. “The artform of blown Murano glass cannot be reproduced with the same quality and manufacturing standards anywhere else,” explains Stefano Pranovi, the sales and marketing manager with Barovier&Toso. “The growing popularity of original, Italian artisanal products among Chinese professionals and consumers not only shows the expanding appreciation for our brand and our collections, but has also resulted in two-figure revenue growth.”

The Barovier&Toso collections are far-reaching, moving from the sophisticated classic spheres of traditional lighting to more contemporary products. This dual identity is encapsulated by Amsterdam, one of the models on display at Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai, a stunning chandelier (available with five, eight, ten, 14, 18 or 28 bulbs, or as a two-bulb wall light) adorned with gold, which reflects in the crystal cylinders incorporated into the arms.

“We’re definitely positioning ourselves in the luxury product market,” continues Pranovi. “In China, we’re developing this through partnerships with a select group of furniture showrooms who already work with other interior design brands from Italy and Europe. In this way, we ensure brand visibility and product exposure, supplying the market with consultancy, imports and installation services. That said, we’re always open to new collaborations with designers and architects, who we’re used to working closely with to develop bespoke lightings solutions for any setting: hospitality, public areas, commercial spaces and private residences. This goes for projects designed in China and others designed elsewhere in the world for installation in China, such as the Bulgari Hotels in Beijing and Shanghai.”

The brand has been undertaking a systematic, professional process of investment in the Chinese market for some time now, having obtained the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) mark for the majority of its collection ten years ago.