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    • People

    We explore iconic brands that have catwalked all the way from the runway into our residences

    DEC 20, 2019 | By Anamika Butalia
    CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT The Owen dining table, paired with the Ofelia chair; Oyster, a book shaped table lamp rests on the Oliver dining table behind the Link tables; Coral silk chemisier dress with a satin and nappa belt and a rabbit hair basque; Oyster, a book shaped table lamp rests on the Oliver dining table behind the Link tables; Olimpia bookcase in leather, brass and canaletto walnut next to the Osvaldo armchair in tobacco leather.
    CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Ombra screen in canaletto walnut; Link, a trio of hexagonal tables in canaletto walnut and brass; Striped jacket in silk blend duchesse with a woven handbag and a rabbit hair basque; Odalisca box in sea blue resin; Ofelia chair in red lacquer and odaware fabric.
    CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT A portrait of Giorgio Armani by SGP Stefano Guindani Photo; Oliver dining table in dark green lacquer and brass; Owen dining table in red drafted stucco and brass; Ornella table lamp in brass with waves in golden lacquer.

    Circa 1982, the first ever decor accessory made by Giorgio Armani—the Logo lamp—was introduced at the brand’s office in Italy. But it wasn’t until 2000 that Armani/Casa came into being and opened its flagship store in Milan, the fashion and furnishings capital of the world. Seeing how well received the concept was, within a year, outlets were launched in Paris, New York and Los Angeles. Since then, the brand’s offerings have included a number of bespoke residences (including the Lodha Group’s World Towers in Mumbai), hotels, eateries, collaborations with reputed home furnishing brands, and development of several collections of furniture and furnishings. As of today, this Italian atelier has a network of 41 outlets across 29 countries.

    THE USP Armani/Casa delivers simple lines, sophisticated materials and workmanship of the highest quality. Aesthetics and functionality are inextricably linked together, ensuring the environment in which one lives in is in sync with its user.THE INTERSECTION The Lyon fabric’s texture is inspired by an embroidered evening dress. It has been entirely redesigned by hand to obtain an artisanal effect, and for the geometric design to offset the embroidered effect of the silk jacquard. To imitate the apparel, the fabric plays with different tensions created by the rigid matte cotton and glossy acetate wefts, combined with the typical elasticity of the silk warp.
    THE LATEST
    At this year’s Salone del Mobile, the brand launched two series: Nature and the East, and The Challenge, a retrospective on the works of architect extraordinaire Tadao Ando. From furniture to textiles, each piece is inspired by Japanese elements such as the obi (sash worn with kimonos), onsen (hot springs) and tsuba (sword guard). It also includes fabrics from Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli, wallpapers, furniture, tableware and accessories, lamps and even a screen. Captured from nature, muted pink, apple green and light blue are paired with red, forest green and petrol blue. Meanwhile, the material palette ranges from Murano glass to precious embroideries, leather to wood, and resin to synthetic woven textiles.