‘From the beginning, we tried to bring a contemporary interpretation of an Italian Villa to LA,’ says Molteni&C’s creative director, Vincent Van Duysen of the furniture brand’s new Californian showroom that opens its doors today. Settled within the design district of West Hollywood, the 7,600 sq ft space melds the Antwerp-based architect’s purist flair with the warm Californian energy of midcentury history.
Rubbing shoulders with fashion boutiques like Stella McCartney, and design players RH Modern and Ligne Roset, the new Molteni&C flagship is an understated addition to Robertson Boulevard – ‘the showroom does not reveal much on the street side,’ Van Duysen tells Wallpaper*, when describing the discreet and muted tones on the storefront. ‘The discovery mainly happens when you enter the store and the first encounter is a living space with a fireplace as focal point.’
Inside, a balanced villa-style arrangement is made using the Italian brand’s wares, which Van Duysen describes as a mix of ‘introvert and intimate spaces.’ Hallmarks of Italian 20th-century architecture and allure invite the visitor into the Molteni&C world, as with many of its flagships, with highlights including the Slide Armani Dada kitchen and the Master Dressing system that together elevate the charming west coast environment.
Textures like the raw complexion of travertine marble and black oak create the foundations, allowing for collections by the likes of Rodolfo Dordoni, Ron Gilad, Foster+Partners, Jean Nouvel and Patricia Urquiola to thrive. Framing the space are Molteni&C’s historical pieces by Gio Ponti – a motif across many of its showrooms. ‘The same DNA of Molteni&C has been applied in terms of colours, materials and structure. There is always a reference present to the company’s Italian heritage, translated in an architectural way,’ Van Duysen explains.
Walking along the boulevard and into the flagship, you can’t miss that conceptual ebullience that infiltrates Moteni&C spaces – ‘[they have the] same red thread everywhere,’ Van Duysen describes the empire of Molteni&C stores that now harbour in New York, Singapore and beyond.
ADDRESS
147 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood
CA
90048
-
Tiffany & Co nods to its theatrical history with a surreal new campaignTiffany & Co campaign ‘With Love, Since 1837’ sees Dan Tobin Smith and set designer Rachel Thomas create an offbeat set
-
Celine’s new fragrance Zou Zou is inspired by 1960s heroinesCeline debuts a new fragrance, Zou Zou, inspired by Hedi Slimane’s obsession with 1960s youth culture
-
Bar Spero, in Washington DC, nods to the playful nature of Spanish cuisineBar Spero is a Spanish seafood bar and grill designed by Streetsense and led by chef Johnny Spero
-
Nendo’s collaborations with Kyoto artisans go on view in New York‘Nendo sees Kyoto’ is on view at Friedman Benda (until 15 October 2022), showcasing the design studio's collaboration with six artisans specialised in ancient Japanese crafts
-
Italian craftsmanship comes to Los Angeles in this eclectic Venice Canals apartmentBoffi Los Angeles celebrates a juxtaposition of texture throughout a waterside bolthole
-
Design Miami/Basel 2022 explores the Golden AgeDesign Miami/Basel 2022, led by curatorial director Maria Cristina Didero, offers a positive spin after the unprecedented times of the pandemic, and looks at the history and spirit of design
-
Kvadrat’s flagship New York showrooms encompass colourful design codesIndustrial designer Jonathan Olivares and architect Vincent Van Duysen have worked with Danish textile brand Kvadrat on the vast new space, also featuring furniture by Moroso
-
What to see at New York Design Week 2022Discover Wallpaper’s highlights from New York Design Week 2022 (10 – 20 May 2022): the fairs, exhibitions and design openings to discover
-
Colour defines LA ceramics studio and showroom of Bari ZipersteinStep inside the multifunctional ceramics studio, office and showroom of designer and artist Bari Ziperstein, designed by local firm Foss Hildreth
-
Design for Ukraine: Bocci and Design Miami join forces to raise fundsThe online sale of iconic Bocci pieces will benefit GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, providing urgently needed humanitarian aid
-
The Future Perfect celebrates materiality in new Los Angeles exhibitionCoinciding with Frieze LA, a new exhibition titled ‘Momentary Pause’ (17 February – 18 March 2022) explores material-based practices that inspire change
