Since its creation, Poltrona Frau has been synonymous with the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and luxurious furniture design. This brand has navigated through over a century of design evolution, becoming a beacon of elegance and quality in the furniture industry.
From its early days as a fledgling company to its status today as part of the prestigious Lifestyle Design Group, Poltrona Frau’s journey is a testament to its enduring legacy, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This article delves into the rich history, strategic expansions, and the brand’s commitment to combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, making Poltrona Frau a name celebrated across the globe for its luxurious furniture and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Over a century of timeless innovation
Founded in 1912 by the Sardinian visionary Renzo Frau, Poltrona Frau quickly established itself as a symbol of exquisite luxury in furniture design. Registered with the Turin Chamber of Commerce, the band embarked on a journey that would see it become a hallmark of quality and elegance in the furniture industry.
Over the years, Poltrona Frau experienced a series of evolutionary milestones, including a significant acquisition by the Nazareno Gabrielli group in 1962, which subsequently relocated the company to Tolentino a year later.
The transformation continued as the Poltrona Frau Group transitioned into the Lifestyle Design Group in 2019, incorporating esteemed companies like Ceccotti Collezioni, Janus et Cie, Luminaire, Karakter, Luxury Living Group, Interni, and Zanotta. This expansion not only reflected its growth but also its influence and standing in the global design community.
One brand, three souls
Since Poltrona Frau has iconic furniture they also need to take their game to another level. The brand divides its offerings into three main categories: residential and office, custom interiors, and interiors in motion.
Starting with its residential and office offerings, Poltrona Frau goes beyond just sofas and armchairs; they offer a wide range of home furnishings including bookcases, tables, beds, wardrobes, and other interior design pieces. Their collections embody a complete philosophy of living, aiming to create spaces that reflect the owner’s taste and style, much like a tailor-made outfit. Poltrona Frau homes are designed to be more than just visually appealing; they prioritize comfort and warmth, creating environments where people can gather, relax, and surround themselves with items that tell their personal stories.
On the custom interiors side of the brand, specializes in creating unique furniture for public spaces like museums, theaters, and hotels, working closely with architects worldwide. This unit excels in understanding and bringing to life the essence of each project, managing every stage from design to delivery. With a knack for satisfying demanding clients and bringing luxury to large venues, it maintains Poltrona Frau’s renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail. With over 5000 projects in 200 countries, 40 custom seat collections, and 1200 certifications, Poltrona Frau Custom Interiors is recognized globally for its exceptional contributions to interior spaces.
Lastly, its interior in motion division specializes in creating luxurious leather-wrapped products and custom leather seat covers for cars, aircraft, and yachts, yes YACHTS! With a highly skilled team, it offers personalized design services and relies on expert craftsmen who use advanced technologies and intricate artisan techniques to enhance the products. The team works closely with car manufacturers to develop new leathers that meet specific technical requirements and follow market trends ensuring the highest quality in product development and engineering through a direct and meticulous process.
Iconic designs, always
It has a portfolio of iconic designs that embody its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and lifestyle enhancement. Among its most celebrated pieces is the Vanity Fair armchair by Renzo Frau, a symbol of the brand’s design philosophy with a voluminous and emblematic configuration, widely regarded as a universal icon of Italian design. Similarly, the Chester armchair, another creation by Renzo Frau, is distinguished by its meticulously handcrafted pleated armrests and rich leather work.
Adding to the illustrious collection is the Albero, designed by Gianfranco Frattini, which captivates with its exquisite sculptural form designed for bespoke interior projects, and the Dezza, Gio Ponti’s contribution that combines comfort with a light, versatile design, reissued to highlight its unique style and formal beauty, and so much more.
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