For the past few years, Molteni&C has been quietly working on a radical digital revolution, which culminated in recent initiatives such as a virtual experience of their Giussano showroom, the Off the Record series of design webinars connecting with its design community, and the Molteni @ Home digital design service. Now the Italian furniture company takes this further with a new e-commerce platform, debuting in the US this week before being rolled out globally in 2021.
The timely retail venture features iconic Gio Ponti designs (previously available online through a partnership with 1stDibs), as well as new pieces by the company’s creative director, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, and designers such as Rodolfo Dordoni and Michael Anastassiades. Milan-based curator Caroline Corbetta (a long-term collaborator of the company) has selected a series of contemporary artworks and sculptures from emerging Italian artists, placing the furniture collections at the centre of an ecosystem where design, interiors and culture collide. The project offers white glove delivery and installation and is supported by Molteni’s vast US retail network to offer localised customer service.
Vincent Van Duysen's Octave modular sofa, available on the new e-commerce platform
‘We chose a hybrid mix, with ready-to-buy products from stock as well as a catalogue of pieces that can be configured and made to order,’ says Giulia Molteni. The platform will offer a fully customisable collection, with modular configurations and hundreds of variants of textiles, leathers and finishes available thanks to a especially-developed 3D configurator. An online consultation service will act as a real-time buying guide, with the option of scheduling an interior design consultation.
‘More than ever, we believe that the digitalisation of our processes is a fundamental way to reach our global customers. Smart, dynamic and flexible initiatives allow us to refine and accelerate our dialogue and guarantee quality and functionality – two core elements of our business,’ Giulia Molteni continues. ‘Our company has always looked to the future with an innovative approach; this is one of our main assets and the reason why we set this process of digitalization in motion. Molteni&C considers innovation as our main resource, and with this in mind we have become more and more digitally-minded, to be able to approach our customers’ needs more efficiently.’
Michael Anastassiades Half A Square table in marble and aluminium
The D.153.1 chairs by Gio Ponti, here upholstered in velvet as part of Molteni&C extensive customization offer
As part of the new e-commerce offering is a selection of artworks curated by long-term collaborator Caroline Corbetta and including pieces by Italian artist Matteo Nasini, pictured here
A pair of Gio Ponti's D.151.4
A table by Gio Ponti, which was re-issued by Molteni&C in 2018
A piece by Italian artist Gianluca Concialdi, especially selected by curator Caroline Corbetta for the e-commerce
The e-commerce platform also includes the company's bed offer, such as the Ribbon by Vincent Van Duysen, pictured here
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