Italian design powerhouse Molteni&C have been pivotal in shaping the world of design. Founded in 1934 in Giussano, Italy, the brand has grown to become an internationally-recognised name in furniture, with pieces that are defined by their exceptional craftsmanship and superior functionality. Across their storied 90-year history, Molteni&C have maintained a steadfast commitment to quality, staying true to their beginnings as an artisanal workshop.

Today, Molteni&C are responsible for some of the most iconic and celebrated design pieces, and have built a legacy of award-winning furniture that leverages the authenticity of a family-owned brand, with the technological brilliance of a global leader. Through collaborations with renowned local and international designers, the group has won accolades and helped to shape the face of industrial design; pioneering design movements, overhauling manufacturing, shaping design communication strategies, and even helping to launch the first ever Salone de Mobile.

While Molteni&C continues to carry heritage close to its heart, they currently export their pieces to over 60 countries, giving people all over the world a chance to own a piece of quintessentially Italian design. Since the first Australian Flagship opened in Melbourne in 2023, local industry and design lovers have been able to access their collection, and whispers of a Sydney launch in 2025 is an exciting next step in both the Australasian retail expansion and a global growth plan.

Molteni Icons

Molteni&C are celebrating their 90 year legacy by elevating four of their pieces into “Molteni Icons.” Showcasing the unparalleled history and historical impact of the Molteni name, these pieces are the epitome of excellence, each one designed by collaborators which have gone on to shape the brand’s identity and the industry at  large.

ICON #1: GIO PONTI ‘LOVE SEAT’ D.154.2

The D.154.2, designed by Gio Ponti, is an iconic armchair with a curvy profile and a

polyurethane frame, originally created for Villa Planchart in Caracas. Ponti, an  influential Italian designer and architect, worked on the Villa for owners and collectors Anala and Armando Planchart, drawing on his travels across Latin America to create an all-encompassing work of design.

One of the pieces of the home, the D.154.2 was conceived for the split-level architecture, where multiple viewpoints inspired a chair that can be admired from afar and above. Here, aesthetic appeal is satisfied with the generous, curvy profile, while the (at the time) innovative use of a polyurethane frame with a soft, upholstered counter-frame ensures maximum comfort.

Recognised with awards like Wallpaper Design Awards and the Compasso D’Oro, the D.154.2 has an enduring appeal to architects and designers, bridging industrial design and architecture for an iconic piece of furniture composition.

ICON #2: THE ARC TABLE BY FOSTER+PARTNERS

The Arc Table is an expression of Cool Britannia; an architectural masterpiece that synthesises solidity and lightness, and transparency and volume. Designed by the sustainable architecture studio Foster+Partners, the table was inspired by London’s Millennium Dome and answers the call for durable, elegant furniture that is intricately sculptural while being functional to its core.

A structural base is made of ductal (a high-strength light concrete), while a tempered glass or marble table top creates a mesmerising juxtaposition. With a low environmental impact, the table is iconic for its innovative approach to sustainable design solutions with a cutting-edge design impact.

ICON #3: GIO PONTI D.151.4 ARMCHAIR

A manifesto of the idea of “Italianness”, the D.151.4 Armchair is chair originally created for Italian ocean liners. Designed by Gio Ponti, the armchair captures the craftsmanship and design synonymous with his home country, and offers comfort and style, suitable for both floating homes and contemporary spaces.

A solid canaletto walnut structure is upholstered in textile and leather from Molteni&C’s collection, with a base supported with elastic straps and a polyurethane cushion. Over the years, the armchair has been recognised for its demonstration of the Italian creative spirit, and has been a favourite since it was first produced in 1931, and reissued in 2017.

ICON #4: GRADUATE MODULAR BOOKSHELF BY JEAN NOUVEL

The revered French designer, Jean Nouvel, once said, “I think that design, and more specifically furniture, should be considered as true miniature architecture intended for interiors…”

And so it is that the Graduate Bookshelf came into being, a masterful architectural piece designed by Nouvel for Molteni&C. Inspired by reinforced concrete bridge slabs, the suspended piece is a celebration of simplicity and functionality, and appears to be floating while still being able to support a distributed weight of 125kg.

Together with the technical finesse of the Molteni Group, Nouvel has created a bookshelf of slender steel tie rods, which come together to support adjustable shelves crafted from wood and aluminium. Combining architectural principles with innovative design, the bookshelf has come to define truly iconic design.

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