Legendary Italian furniture brand, De Padova is now available in SA at the furniture store Generation in Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg. Generation’s owner Julia Day says De Padova’s pieces are timeless with their understated comfort, ease and essence of true design. SA Home Owner spoke to Julia about what inspired her to bring this irresistible brand into the country.
What is the history behind the De Padova brand?
A renowned design brand steeped in the essence of the intellectual elite of the 50s, De Padova first made a name for itself producing the most qualified American collection of house and office furniture, Herman Miller, designed by Charles Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard.
By the 1960s it was a launch pad for then emerging designers, such as Ingo Maurer. By the 70s, Vico Magistretti had begun collaborating with the company and by the 80s it had started producing its own furniture collection in collaboration with iconic designers such as Magistretti, Achille Castiglioni and Dieter Rams.
Today this prestigious international brand is recognised for its commitment to using design as an instrument for the diffusion of emotion.
What interested you in bringing the De Padova brand to South Africa?
De Padova’s pieces remain an expression of living culture that is neither coerced by nor adherent to fashion or formal and technological innovations, but simply the pleasure of enjoying an environment inspired by those who choose De Padova products. We are hugely honoured to be collaborating with this incredible brand in South Africa. As a designer, it is the ultimate pleasure to be working with products that are unrivaled in quality, meaning and beauty.
How has the South African market reacted to the brand?
De Padova definitely has a following in South Africa but it has never been available here. We are the agency for De Padova in South Africa and look forward to a long collaboration with the brand. We’re especially excited to be able to supply architects, designers and our clients with these superb products.
Which is your favourite De Padova piece?
De Padova is the first design company to bring about the focus on lifestyle as opposed to individual pieces, the interrelationships between the pieces whether designed 20 or two years ago is what makes this brand the ultimate in luxury and quality. So for me to say a piece is my favourite would not really describe De Padova. What I can say is that all the pieces designed by the famous Vico Magistretti are to me the essence of great design and quality.
Generation has an extensive selection of De Padova pieces in store. Its lifestyle display features the brand’s living and dining pieces while a separate corporate display showcases De Padova’s trademark office furniture.
CONTACT:
Generation – Shop 14, Hyde Park Shopping Corner, Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and 6th Street, Hyde Park, (011) 325 – 5415
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