THE FABRIC OF STYLE

With a distinctive look that's recognisable worldwide, Minotti is synonymous with some of the sleekest and most sartorially sophisticated furniture to come out of Italy. At the core of the company's "Made in Italy" roots lies an uncompromising approach to pure lines, superlative craftsmanship and innovative, quality materials.

- FRANÇOIS OOSTHUIZEN

In Meda, a town in the Brianza district in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, 22km north of Milan, a family-run business has been making furniture under the Minotti name for three-quarters of a century, cultivating its own kind of elegance. In an exclusive interview with Prestige, Alessio Minotti - a third-generation member of the famous family who revels in his role as research and development manager of Minotti S.p.A. - sheds light on the critical function of the materials used in the company's sought-after furniture whether it be for indoor or open-air use.

As the third generation of the Minotti family, is there a lot of pressure on you to continue the proud legacy of your family?

We have been a family-owned company since 1948. Today, the third generation works alongside the second generation; everyone has their own role, but all are open to constant dialogue. Continuing the legacy of a brand that bears the name of our family is certainly a challenge, requiring care, passion and determination. Along with that goes a deep knowledge of the origins and history [of Minotti], as well as respect for the people who have dedicated time and resources to the building of a vision, which makes me very proud. For us, the family plays a key role, and our ability to stay close to the values of the family unit and our local territory guarantees consistency of style and the high quality of our products.

How would you sum up your core responsibilities as research and development manager?