Mr Paolo Agresti, tell our readers a bit about your company.
The company was founded in 1949, so we have been manufacturing interiors and lines for jewelers and watches for ladies and men for 64 years. In the past 10 years, we introduced what I would call a revolutionary idea – a wooden armoire with a real built-in face where you can store all of your jewelry. Some of our pieces also have watch winders that are made in Switzerland, by the same company that produces them for Rolex.
This armoir can be opened with a single movement. A very interesting feature is the biometric opening device which enables the owner to register himself as the master user to allow up to 100 entries. Just as easily, the owner of the master account may cancel all the entries.
What are the features of Agresti armoir?
Most of our items now have a safe that can be anchored to the wall in order to secure all the valuables that one may need to store. There are other elements as well: jewelry boxes, a secret compartment for documents, the new bar set, glasses, a refrigerator of wine, chips and cards.
It must have been a great challenge to combine what is a traditional element of what one needs to keep everything, but still make it look like a contemporary furniture piece. What is your design process?
Although we have an in house design studio, in the past few years we have consulted other professionals in order to broaden our offer in terms of design. Varying from a very contemporary look to art deco, classic style, there is an Agresti armoir suitable for each home.
What does the future hold for the company?
Even in the current economic client, rich people make more and more money and they have jewelry, watches, documents and other valuable things to secure. We offer a stylish alternative to a heavy, ugly looking safe, which I believe appeals to affluent people.
Is it a special order delivery?
In some places we have distributors, stores and, sometimes, very affluent people contact us privately. We have some booming markets at the moment in the Arabic countries and Russia.
What does a general piece cost?
Price is confidential. Let’s just say that it will be a fraction of the amount and value of jewelry or Louis Vuitton bags that will be placed in there. I can tell you, however, that in general one piece cost approximately 80,000 euros.
