Reference point for the design of the Molteni&C Flagship Store. in Greece | Marie Claire
THE company AVAX SA strengthens and renews its collaboration with the Italian company Molteni&C. with the opening of the Flagship Store on Kifisias Avenue in Chalandri. The building designed by the architect Alexandros Topazis is characterized by the high windows that allow sunlight to flood the space. The collections of Molteni&C. exposed on two floors, areas of 280 sq.m. carefully designed with the aim of highlighting the evolving innovative and contemporary design of the Italian house.
Upon entering the store’s impressive ground floor, the cities find themselves in a multi-functional, warm and bright space where the textures of wood and marble are enhanced by natural sunlight. There, the VVD kitchen, designed by Molteni&C creative director Vincent Van Duysen, Dordoni’s Chelsea chairs, the Hector bookcase and the Marteen sofa dominate the foreground. The entire composition in the space is framed by pieces from the Gio Ponti Heritage collection: The D.754.1 rug and two of the iconic D.154.5 Round and D.154.2 armchairs.
On the first floor, the living area features the Surf sofa, the small table by Yabu Pushelberg and two Margou armchairs by Vincent Van Duysen, while the successful high-tech kitchen Intersection, the Half a Square table and the Devon chairs captivate the eye. The Paul sofa, the two Elain armchairs, together with the 45° Grado coffee tables by Ron Gilad and the Attico by Nicola Gallizi and the Palette rug, an extra comfortable living space. The large and versatile composition of the 505 UP series is impressive, which is perfectly combined with the Piccadilly armchairs, creating a welcoming lounge area.
The visit, characterized by a sense of high quality, culminates in the night area of the bedroom with the bedroom, the Hector wardrobe system, the Palette rug by Nicola Gallizia and the iconic D.847.1 desk by Gio Ponti.
The exhibition space AVAX Molteni&C is a benchmark for Italian design, the innovative design in furniture, high tech kitchens and functional ones closets since everything is located in a constant dialogue between innovation, aesthetics and tradition.
During the opening of the store we had a short but essential and highly interesting conversation with the Milanese architect and designer Nicola Gallizia who has been working with Molteni&C since 1999. not only as a designer but mainly as a manager and consultant for the image and promotion of the company’s products, constructions and cases at important exhibitions.
Marie Claire: Your collaboration with Molteni&C. “counts” 23 years. What are the important criteria for such a machine of long-term professional relationship?
Nicola Gallizia:
Certainly a shared vision without end. To always be curious and sensitive to what surrounds us but also to always be ready to respond to the needs of modern times. Also be bold and generous.
Marie Claire:
Multi-functionality and versatility seem to have conquered an important role in today’s design. Do you think that these conditions will provide the necessary solutions to the functional needs of small or large spaces, apartments, houses?
Nikola Galizia:
Today, more than ever, the home is becoming a residential space characterized by elegance, style and quality, while spaces that require flexibility and cannot be configured according to daily use. The same room can simultaneously be a living room and an office with the same concept of a dining room, for example, it can become a large workplace and in the evening it can be used for dinner. The same can happen with a bedroom that can be turned into a more private office but also a space equipped for physical exercise, where a large screen can be the tool for business meetings and also attend a Pilates class.
The kitchen is once again a focal space in the home, designed for informal relationships such as cooking, eating, studying and even receiving guests in an intimate way. Here too, a screen can be used to follow a cooking recipe online, take the kids to school and take online classes, or take part in video calls while cooking or share a drink remotely.
The completeness of the day-kitchen-night systems with advanced technological solutions make it possible to design the multifunctional countries in perfect harmony with the refined MolteniDada style. The transversal and contemporary color palette of finishing materials/fabrics is a tool for interpreting Molteni’s contemporary aesthetic to make a custom-made suit.
A mentality perfectly adapted to the needs and arrangements of today’s daily life/present. A knowledge that draws its sources from collaborations with great masters of design.
Multi-functional spaces connected/separated by movable walls, which therefore become private spaces or work spaces and open spaces for pleasant and social living. The stylistic coherence that embraces the whole house means that every space is connected and coexists harmoniously with all the others.
Marie Claire:
The concept of comfort and protection are the basic criteria for a modern home, but at the same time the spaces in which we live and work can trigger emotions and release the senses.
Nikola Galizia:
Home has once again become the focus of our lives.
More and more we want it to match our style and needs. Stylish and comfortable like a well-tailored suit tailored to ours.
Therefore, home is seen as a welcoming place to live our life but also as a socializing place where we can wish moments with our loved ones.
The Molteni style is contemporary in a very special way, it knows how to interpret our desires and represent us.
The feeling is behind the door.
Marie Claire:
The use of different materials in the Molteni & C./Dada collections such as wood, marble, metal, etc. transforms the final result into an appearance that is not only elegant but also provocative. How is this excellent balance achieved?
Nikola Galizia:
One of the fundamental characteristics of the Molteni project lies in the great work behind the scenes of researching materials and combining them with each other.
I think true elegance consists of sobriety with a surprising touch of personality.
A mark, a color, an unexpected piece can be that challenging element that will speak the most about us.
Marie Claire:
Forever Contemporary is actually Molteni&C’s timeless modern concept. This concept exists through the Heritage collection – furniture designs since 1934 – but also through the new collections. Do you agree?
The modern timelessness is distinguished not only in the contemporary designs/pieces but also in the fact that this beautiful Heritage collection, exuding a hint of history and culture is like a red thread that runs through the history of the Molteni Dada Group.
Designs from the most iconic masters of the 20th century such as Giò Ponti, Scarpa, Ignazio Gardella and Werner Blaser in perfect harmony with the most modern collections.
They become characteristic elements that bring culture and exclusivity to the Molteni house.
The collections of Molteni&C. they become protagonists not only from the signatures of famous designers but also for the wealth of functional solutions and also for the enormous possibilities of choices in materials, finishes and colors that will give visual coherence to the final result.
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