Experience the transporting charm of Promemoria's latest furniture collection, as it transports you from the heart of London to the enchanting shores of Lake Como. A continuation of their passion and affection.
The London Collection - Act II, a new collaboration between the renowned London-based David Collins Studio and the Italian artisan furniture brand Promemoria, is set to grace our homes from April 2025. This exciting collection, inspired by the essence of London's historic sophistication and the refined elegance of Promemoria's Italian heritage, notably from Lake Como, promises to be a testament to craftsmanship that evolves with each generation while remaining anchored in a deep reverence for place.
The inspiration behind the London Collection - Act II is a creative collaboration that blends the best of both worlds. It draws on London's rich design history and atmospheric interiors, as seen in David Collins Studio's other hospitality projects, while incorporating the natural beauty and relaxed luxury of Lake Como's environment. This dual inspiration results in furniture and pieces that are both classic and contemporary, with materials and details evoking London's heritage and the warmth and charm of Lake Como.
The collection is a testament to the dialogue between the two worlds - one steeped in Como's artisan heritage and the other shaped by British design. The encounter between the founders of the two brands, Romero Sozzi of Promemoria and David Collins, happened when Sozzi was dining at The Wolseley, designed by Collins in 2003. The subtle curves in the dining chair's backrest from The Wolseley have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the new collection.
Sozzi, the founder of Promemoria, studied painting at the Brera Academy and comes from a family with a rich history in craftsmanship. His grandfather ran a workshop restoring wooden carriages for the local aristocracy in the 1800s, and his father turned to fixing antique furniture when automobiles rendered horse-drawn transport obsolete. This background in art and craftsmanship is evident in Promemoria's work, which is renowned for producing furniture entirely by hand by a team of 100 craftspeople.
The new collection, which will be on show during Milan Design Week at Promemoria's showroom, Via Bagutta 13, Via Monte Napoleone, 8, includes the Chiswick modular sofa with curved oak armrests and integrated, suede-lined shelving, and the Fulham chaise longue with a square backrest and a cylindrical bolster. Art and furniture from Italian visionaries, such as Gio Ponti and Ico Parisi, can be found within the rooms of Villa Mapelli, a 17th-century manse purchased by Promemoria founder Romero Sozzi in 2001 and located in Varenna, a picturesque town on Lake Como's eastern shore.
Inside Villa Mapelli, the living room has three floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Como, and the bedrooms have meticulously carved millwork and oversized oak doors lined with dove-grey velvet. The villa, after restoration, features a lemon-yellow facade, towering cypress trees, umbrella pines, and a Japanese maple in its terraced garden. The dialogue between the two worlds - one steeped in Como's artisan heritage and the other shaped by British design - is a testament to craftsmanship as a living tradition.
In conclusion, the London Collection - Act II is a unique blend of two distinct design philosophies, creating a collection that is both timeless and contemporary. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of craftsmanship. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply looking to bring a touch of sophistication and elegance into your home, the London Collection - Act II promises to deliver.
- The London Collection - Act II is not only expected to enhance home interiors but also extends its influence to various aspects of lifestyle, such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and travel, drawing inspiration from the rich design history of London and the relaxed luxury of Lake Como.
- For those seeking to broaden their horizons beyond home improvements, Villa Mapelli, a 17th-century manse located on Lake Como's eastern shore, offers a glimpse into the world of art, fashion-and-beauty, and hospitality, where Italian visionaries like Gio Ponti and Ico Parisi share space with curated collections of furniture that trace the evolution of craftsmanship over generations.
