New Design Via Milano Italy showroom showcases Italian iconic design expertise

From left: Ugo Santharossa – MHF, Rodolfo Zanotti – Cooperativa Ceramica d›Imola, Francesco Pittureri – mmLampadari, Dhilip Vedamanikkam – MHF, Narmada Muller – Design Via Milano Italy (front), Giampaolo Calisti – Scarabeo (behind), Fabrizio Calisti – Scarabeo, Icaro Pasini – Pasini, Valeria Flegoni – Pasini, Antonio Scavuzzo – MisuraEmme and Mohamed Hamzil Thowfeek – Design Via Milano Italy

For the first time in Sri Lanka an exclusive showroom dedicated to refined Italian living concepts, Design Via Milano Italy, was launched at R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 4. 

The plush showroom showcases a complete array of living solutions under one roof. The products on display consist of flooring, bathrooms, furniture, special effect paints and lighting across 14 diverse Italian brands, produced exclusively in Europe. The venture is spearheaded by local partner Design Via Milano in collaboration with Italian developer MHF. Representatives from the global brands were also present on the occasion. 

Design Via Milano Managing Director Narmada Muller commented at the exclusive showroom opening: “Over the past few years, we are seeing the evolution of living spaces as design masterpieces and with this, increasingly sophisticated requirements by Sri Lankan consumers. This is where Design Via Milano can really augment the scope of possibilities in Sri Lanka – with high performing brands that are considered among the best in the world.

“Many of the products at Design Via Milano are found in the most exclusive homes and hotels in the world. Sri Lankans are becoming increasingly quality conscious, which makes the opening of this our showroom very timely. Our brands will add flair to the luxury condominiums, hotels and deluxe homes flourishing in Sri Lanka.”

Having worked with reputed European architects such as Luca Trazzi, Lorenzo Bellini and Simone Micheli, MHF Director Dhilip Vedamanikkam has a discerning eye for quality and has personally curated Europe’s finest fittings and furnishings.  “We noticed a gap in the local market for luxury lifestyle furnishings. Although there are large scale projects being carried out in Sri Lanka today, premium products are not readily available here. Until now, Sri Lankans had to source luxury fittings from abroad. It means a lot to me to be able to ensure the best products, of brands I work so closely with, are available in my country. We are confident that our expertise in refined Italian living will infuse immense value in the local luxury segment.”  MHF also produces furniture custom fitted to any requirement. This includes indoor and outdoor furniture including poolside furniture known for durability and style. Amongst the reputed Italian companies introduced is Cooperativa Ceramica d›Imola, one of the oldest manufacturers of ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware in the world with a rich history spanning 156 years. Its tiles are known for durability and found in high footfall areas such as the Tokyo and Frankfurt airports along with Armani hotels and the Vatican Museum to name a few. A portfolio of premium to super luxury brands include Imola, Lafaenza, Leonardo which are a refreshingly cost-effective. It is also a leading manufacturer of tile producing machinery generating EUR 3,000 Mln turnover annually.

Another famed brand, Gattoni which translates to ‘Water in love’ specialises in high end sanitary taps made with premium quality components. A third generation family company, its products are conceptualized by renowned designers such as Marco Piva, Luca Scacchetti and Pietro Gaeta, whose work is showcased at the store.

Scarabeo›s elegant yet functional designs make the washbasin the focal point of the bathroom, conveying the remarkable personalities of its illustrious team of designers. They are available in a varied range for an increasingly demanding market, suitable for both high end and modest domestic spaces.

Another amongst the renowned brands is Linea Fabbrica, specialising in the design and manufacture of sleek and stylish multifunctional chairs for over three decades. Committed to product excellence, they host a series of reliable space saving furniture to the beauty, wellness and office sectors.

mmlampadari Murano Lighting, after the city of Murano’s legendary crystal, produces exquisite luxury decorative lighting. MisuraEmme, also amongst the brands offered by Design Via Milano, produces luxury custom fitted living room and bedroom furniture. 

Also launched at the event was Calibe, specialists in shower cubicles of high quality and design standards, while CTS Luxury Fabric manufactures divine curtain and furnishing fabrics for designer brands such as Versace, Armani and D&G also made its official debut in Sri Lanka. 

Founded by Italian brothers Giuseppe and Florido in the 1960s, Pasini offers classic luxury door handles and locks with a guarantee up to 20 years. Pasini’s authentic and elegant products offer styles that can complement a variety of spaces.

Italian brand Hafro Geromin presents an assortment of spectacular spas, steam generators, Turkish baths, outdoor mini pools and bathtubs combining contemporary design and high quality material to redefine a new total living concept of bathroom. Design Via Milano too offers Kaldewei, a German brand amongst the lineup of Italian brands, founded in 1918 and distinguished for its brand excellence. Kaldewei is the only bathroom manufacturer worldwide to develop a special enamel to a proprietary formula in its own melting furnaces and guarantees quality and durable products.

Products of worldwide leader of luxury mosaics, Sicis was also presented by Design Via Milano. Known for reinterpreting the antique mosaic art and merging it with furniture and their fabric collection, Sicis offers innovative and exquisite products ready for the Sri Lankan market.

Pietre Santafiora featured its stunning natural stone found exclusively at its 100 acre site in Tuscany which graces the world’s most famous churches, mosques, hotels and super luxury real estate projects. 

OIKOS paints adorned the showroom walls adding a perfect finish and demonstrating the ability to enrich interiors by adding texture to walls. With 150 different textures and effects available, the brand carries the broadest range of paint and finishing techniques for interiors and exterior walls. 

Already well received by the industry, Design Via Milano offers a total solution for luxury living spaces. The concept supports Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing construction sector which is seeing a marked shift towards luxury living.