Textiles are materials made of natural fibers, such as animal products. They are combined by using different techniques such as weaving, crocheting, knitting, or pressing. Traditionally, weaving is the form used to create textiles. In more recent times, artificial fibers and machines that press them together are often used to create textiles.

Textiles are used to make clothes, curtains, tablecloths, and towels. Handkerchiefs, bags, and even carpets can be made from textiles. Italian textiles are known for their high quality, natural materials, and rich colors.

Wearing art

Clothes were once very basic. They were created from whole pieces of clothes that weren’t sewed or dyed. As techniques improved, clothes became more elaborate. Each country began to develop its own style, some more fanciful than others.

Weaving brocade, velvet, and silk became an important skill. Designs were weaved into the material to make them unique to sell to royalty and nobles. This same technique was transferred to other items as well.

Renaissance Textiles

During the height of its popularity, art in Italy was expressed in many different mediums.  Weaving as an art form was seen in silks, velvet, and brocade fabrics. They became beautiful wall coverings, tablecloths, throw rugs, and bedspreads. They were in demand for throne rooms, bedchambers, drawing rooms, and altars.

Some of these products can even be seen today. Art collectors, historians, and clothing enthusiasts spend a great deal of money on these items. Many are hanging in museums.

Some textiles were used to create furniture. The Baroque style consists of heavy woven fabrics, and dark furniture. These fabrics have ornate patterns, such as flowers, animals, and grotesque human-like creatures. They continue the taste and style that started in Italy during the Renaissance.

Unique Italian Characteristics

There are some unique Italian textile manufacturer characteristics not seen in other countries. One unique aspect is the number of small and medium-size firms in the country. Many countries have some large businesses as well as small-medium size countries.  Italy, however, has mostly small and medium medium-sized businesses.

Although the companies in Italy are smaller, they still produce top brands and are top sellers in the world. Italy has the most small to medium businesses that have well-known brands. Some of the most popular brands in the world are from these smaller companies.

Those companies that don’t have well-known brands of their own produce material for larger companies. Companies such as Gucci and Prada use small manufacturers to create their material and some of the special product lines.

Italian textile manufacturers often specialize in one aspect of production. These companies then ship the material to other manufacturing plants in Italy, or ship them to other countries. Businesses around the world prefer Italian textiles because of their quality.

Italian textiles aren’t just for clothes. They have been an art form, a distinct line of clothing for nobles, and a line of furniture that has remained popular for centuries. Their unique production processes make Italian textiles in high demand by businesses in other countries. Italy is a country of quality, innovation, and creativity, and their textiles are no exception.

Designed for comfort
The main idea behind Italian shoes is that they are made to be worn. The manufacturers understand the human foot and design shoes built to the contours of the feet. They are comfortable and mold to the person’s foot. People do not need to break in the shoe in order to get used to them. Instead, the material adapts so that the shoe gets used to the person.

This makes Italian shoes comfortable to wear. Women can spend all day in Italian high heels without feeling as if their feet are about to fall off. Men can wear Italian dress shoes for work without growing calluses or blisters because of hard soles or cheap materials.

These shoes are also made to breathe. People’s feet don’t sweat in these shoes, causing embarrassing odor. The best material is used and the most innovative technology to make them comfortable, durable and wearable.

When older is better

The best leather is used to create these shoes, and the top tanning processes remain in place today. Italian shoe manufacturers use calf or ostrich leather, and they still use only first cut leather for their shoes, instead of piecing together leftover leather.

They still use hand stitching and make sure that the seams hold. There are craftsmen who have knowledge passed down for generations, as well as artisans who are involved in the manufacturing process. The result is that fewer shoes are made, but they are high quality.

They are also high priced. It is not common to find Italian shoes in a standard shoe store. They are usually found in special boutiques and can cost as much as $800 depending on the type of shoe and the brand name. Some design houses have their own lines of shoes, but they are made by dedicated shoe manufacturers instead of the same manufacturers that make their clothing. They do this because they understand the special techniques used are superior to standard processes.

Special requests

There are Italian shoe manufacturers that create custom-made shoes. However, many of the shoe manufacturers that are based in Italy are famous because of their specialties. Because of the dedication and techniques used, many times a shoe manufacturer will specialize in a specific type of shoe.

Simod is a company that specializes in Italian sportswear. They have clothing that is sought after by many athletes. They also have a line of athletic shoes. These include training, running, and European football boots. There are other sportswear companies, whose shoes are famous with athletes from around the world.

Capezio is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dancewear. This includes custom-made dance shoes. These special shoes have been worn by some of the world’s most famous dancers.

Pompei creates costumes and shoes for filmmakers. They are known for their ability to create period pieces for historic films that are as authentic as the originals. Since the 1930’s, they have been the producers of shoes for some of the most famous films. These include Shakespeare in Love, Amadeus, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Gravati shoes are completely hand made. Their manufacturing plant is staffed by specialists and artisans. They only use the best leather and are hand cut and hand stitched. Even the patterns for the different shoes are made and cut by hand. Gravati also doesn’t maintain any inventory. When retailers order shoes, they give the company specifications on color, styles, and amounts. Gravati then will fill each order by creating the specified footwear at that time.

When manufacturers from other countries use automation and mass production, Italy’s manufacturing companies often stick to the basics. The majority of manufacturing companies are still family owned in Italy and is small in comparison to other plants. Their techniques produce superior quality; a factor that other companies believe can be sacrificed for high volume and price.

Customers seem to differ. Italian shoe manufacturers have kept to traditional techniques and remain among the top shoe manufacturers in the world. While it is true that not everyone can afford Italian shoes, they are eagerly sought after. In some cases, they are a status symbol, as they are often worn by the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Owning a pair of Italian shoes is a thing of pride, but it also shows that people prefer comfort to just fashion.

Italian handbags never seem to go out of style. They are sleek, luxurious, and beautiful. Fashionistas love them as a showpiece of style. Working women show them off as status symbols. Women who can’t afford them want them as the ultimate way to pamper themselves. Nevertheless, cost isn’t everything. Italian manufacturers take pride and care in everything that they make, including their handbags.

A matter of tradition

For Italians, looks are everything. People in Italy believe appearance matters, and first impressions are everything. They take care with every detail of their appearance, including accessories. A woman in Italy wouldn’t take the time to choose the perfect dress, the perfect jewelry, and the right shoes only to pick a bag that is cheap or worn. Because of their cultural influence of caring about appearance, Italian manufacturers take care when creating apparel.

They also take pride in their work. If they make something, they want it to last, and they want the person who bought it to be happy they purchased the item. This pride makes them insist on using techniques that are more traditional.

The materials they use are also the best. They use genuine leather, preferably lambskin, or calfskin. The leather they chose is full grain, high quality, and first cut. The result is a product that doesn’t become dull or worn with age. Instead, Italian leather handbags develop a sheen over time, and they continue to look new even twenty years after purchase.

Genuine leather absorbs dyes better than the fake leather used by most modern manufacturers. This allows Italian handbags to keep a vibrant, fresh look years later. The shoulder straps and zippers are carefully sewn to the bag by hand and even the buckles used are high quality.

This gives buyers a bag that will last for years, if they are cared for properly.

Proper handbag maintenance

It doesn’t make sense to buy such an expensive item and then not care for it properly. Italian handbags need to be stored, cleaned, and protected the right way to make sure they last for many years. It is important to understand that lambskin and calfskin bags are cared for in different ways.

For calfskin bags, they should be protected from the elements using a water-resistant spray. Leather conditioner is available to keep the bag looking its best. If the bag is stained, special cleaners can be used to remove the stain without harming the bag.

For lambskin bags, they should be cleaned using warm water and a soft cloth. Always clean the bag in a circular motion and don’t scrub. If the bag gets wet, let it dry naturally and try not to let the purse be exposed to hairspray or cologne as they can create a film on the bag.

For both types of leather Italian handbags, storage is an important consideration when the bag isn’t being used. A dust protective fabric bag is needed to keep the handbag in when it is being stored. It should be packed carefully and not crammed. Because leather stretches and contracts with time, tissue paper placed in the handbag will make sure it maintains its original shape.

Using these techniques will make sure that the handbag that cost so much money lasts and stays as beautiful as the day it was purchased.

Creating a new style

Italian handbags never seem to go out of style. The fact that it is Italian makes it a desirable item even thirty years after purchase. This helps offset the issue of cost, as few people can afford to spend a lot of money on an item only to have it go out of style in a few months. Italian designers constantly strive to create trends instead of follow them.

The top designers for handbags have always been in the forefront of style. Farrago has maintained its popularity since the 1920’s. Gucci has been influential in the fashion world for its clothing line and accessories. Prada and Fendei have combined tradition with modern twists, including their more recent collections. Prada’s new lines are filled with bright, multi-colored handbags that continue to appeal to the modern working woman. Fendei combines colors with neutral tones and combines different textures to create a new look.

Italian handbags are a fashion item, not just an accessory. They are sought after by those who desire the latest style, and those who buy luxury items as a symbol of wealth. They keep their appeal decades after purchase and never go out of style.  These handbags are high class and a woman who owns one is making a statement about their taste for quality and the latest style.

Because of its natural resources, Italy was one of the popular ancient tile manufacturers that included Spain and Portugal. The clay that could be found in Tuscany, in particular, could be fired into an excellent ceramic tile.

Types of tile

There are many different types of tiles. Terracotta tiles are clay or ceramic tiles. They are created by firing clay in a kiln to harden it. Modern techniques use press-powdered tile. In this case, machine techniques are superior to hand made tiles. With pressed dust, the tighter the dust is packed the more durable the tile becomes. Extruded, or machine made tile, is superior to handmade tiles because machines can press harder than humans can.

Glazed tiles are popular because they can be painted to add design and color to the look of the floor or wall. Metal oxide glazed tile was created long ago in the Middle East and quickly adopted by Italy. Italian manufacturers developed their own techniques and spread the popularity of this tile throughout Europe.

Smalti or glass tiles can be clear or opaque. Italian designers have also created metallic or gold varieties by threading different metals in the glass. Colored glass tiles are often used in mosaics and other designs.

Porcelain tile became popular because of Italian artisans. Many of the raw materials found in Italy helped to produce durable and beautiful porcelain tiles. While porcelain transferred to other mediums, tiles made from porcelain are popular to this day.

Marble tiles are the ultimate in elegance and stile. Carrara tile is expensive and hard to find because it is one of the world’s greatest lines of marble tile.

Tile as art

Mosaics may have been the first known forms of tile as an art form. During the Renaissance, Italy became known for their hand-painted tiles. Tuscany in particular produced and perfected this art because of its fine clays. Hand-painted tiles were seen in churches, fountains, and bathhouses throughout Europe.

After the Renaissance, the popularity of this art dwindled for a time. Then Art Nouveau and Art Deco revived this unique craft. The popularity continues to this day, and special designers are hired to paint the tiles.

Modern painted tiles are seen in more than just fountains and churches. They are in pools, museums and even in some homes. People can pay thousands of dollars to have them specially designed.

Modern innovation

In addition to painted tile and improved pressing techniques, there have been other innovations developed by Italian tile manufacturers. One company, by the name of Fiandre, has made great strides in tile manufacturing.

One type of tile that this company creates is antibacterial tile. This is often used in hospitals, offices, and spas. It reduces the number of germs in an environment to make it healthier and uses green technologies.

Eco tile uses earth friendly techniques to reduce chemicals used, and the amount of pollution generated. These eco tiles are in demand by individuals and businesses around the world. Their popularity grows as they perfect their techniques.

Geo tiles are the epitome of art and function. They are decorated in various geometric designs and come in many different colors. They are usually used for walls but can be used in flooring as well.



Other types of tile that they create are designed to reduce slipping and are extra thick. They work great in swimming pools, health spas and anywhere that water can spill onto the floor. They come in many different colors and are used to form mosaics.

Italian tile manufacturers create beautiful and innovative tiles for many different uses. Painted tiles can beautify a home, and mosaics create intricate designs. Antibacterial tile can be used to prevent people from getting sick, and specially designed tiles can keep people from falling. As technology improves, tile manufacturers continue to find innovative ways to use tile. And for centuries, Italy has been one of the leaders blazing the trail for others to follow.

One hundred years of innovation

Some of the best bike manufacturers have been in existence for over a century. There are Italian companies that were founded in the 1800’s and are still around today. Other Italian manufacturers of racing bikes are new, but still well known. Whether racing enthusiasts are talking about Bianchi, Sintesi, Scapin, Carrow, or Pinarello, they say these names with respect. These companies are known for their quality, style, and bold technological innovations.

Bianchi Road Bikes is an Italian bicycle manufacture that has been around for over two hundred years. It is not only the oldest bicycle manufacture in Italy; it is one of the oldest in the world.  And during that time, it has been at the forefront of technology and implementing new designs.

There was a time when bicycles looked very different. They had large front wheels with a smaller back wheel. The tires were not rubber, but instead they were made of metal. Bianchi helped change that. In the mid 1800’s they made bikes where the front and back tires were the same size, and they were the first to use rubber tires.

That innovation is still apparent today. They manufacture several different lines of bikes, including carbon and titanium. They were also one of the innovators that used aluminum to make lighter bikes. Bianchi makes Alu-Carbon bikes as well, depending on a rider’s preference.

Bikes that are lightweight increase speed and maneuverability to give cyclists an edge. This is what allows them to win races.  They also strive to make racing bikes more comfortable for long races.  European racing bikes are known for their comfortable rides for tours that can last several days for a complete circuit.

In addition, bikes need to be durable to endure cross country races or downhill tours where the path isn’t paved. Bike manufacturers in Italy continue to find new ways to create bikes that are tough enough to take a pounding.

A Winning Combination

The Italian bicycle manufacturers must be doing something right, because they are the top choice for racers. Downhill racing, cross-country racing and mountain racing bikes that win competitions often were manufactured in Italy. America, Canada, and Italy are the tree countries that produce racing bikes that are in demand by professional cyclists. Racers like Italian bikes because of the comfort and design.

In the Tour De France, many winners rode Bianchi Road Bikes to the finish line. After these winners increased the popularity of the Bianchi brand, the company decided to sponsor cyclists. Over the years, many popular cyclists were sponsored by Bianchi. Costanto Girardengo and Marco Pantani are just two cyclists known in the racing world that were sponsored by Bianchi.

The Pinarello Bicycle Company is another Italian bicycle manufacturer that produces winning racing bikes. They are known for their titanium and F5 carbon lines and producing touring bikes that have won the Tour De France. Miguel Indurian is just one famous cyclist who won the Tour De France on a Pinarello bike.

Many cycling teams only ride one brand of bike. The Banesto Spanish cycling team is famous for the number of races that they have won, and every member of that team rides a Pinarello bicycle.

Quality has its price

These bicycles are very expensive. Some professional cyclists have switched to mass produced bikes because of the cost. However, discriminating cyclists still prefer bicycle manufacturers who produce smaller lines but focus on quality. These cyclists still prefer the Italian name.

Most Italian bikes aren’t available at for sale at major bicycle shops. Because of their cost and unique design, only specialty shops will carry them. If a person has the money to spend and is looking for the best, these stores will special order Italian bikes for a customer.

Some companies will build a custom frame for cyclists. Dario Pegoretti is a famous manufacturer that specializes in producing quality frames. If cyclists want a custom design, this manufacturer will create one. They better be prepared for a long wait, however, because this company is so popular that there is a waiting list.

Italian bicycle manufacturers still use quality materials to produce their products. They take time and care for every bike they make to ensure that it is the best. While they may not be able to compete against larger manufacturers based on price, their quality is their competitive advantage that has allowed them to maintain their popularity.

Italian leather goods

Italy has a wide array for leather products. They manufacture leather furniture briefcases, wallets, and handbags. They also create leather jackets and shoes, as well as accessories. Well-known Italian designers such as Prada, Gucci, and Armani have leather collections. Other houses, like Fozieri, Pierotucci, and Tony Perotti are also known for their leather goods.

Italian designers take pride in the quality items they produce. They are known as being fashionable, and expensive, and they have earned this reputation with products that are innovative and well crafted. Italian products are an investment, and the buyer knows their product will last.

A country of tradition

One reason why Italian leather goods are of such high quality is that manufacturers use the same tanning and production techniques that have been around for generations. In the modern word of high-tech manufacturing and artificial materials, the businesses in Italy still implement hand crafting and real components to create their goods.

Many manufacturing businesses are still family owned in Italy. Techniques are kept in the family and passed on from generation to generation. This may mean that fewer products are created, but the ones that are exported from Italy are of better quality than goods from any other nation.

The best techniques

The creation of Italian leather goods is a part of their culture. They still use calf and ostrich hide for their leather. They make sure that the leather is full grain so that it doesn’t have to be sanded like other leather.

The leather used to create Italian products is also first cut, or the main pattern for that piece of leather. Some manufacturers use patchwork leather. These are left over pieces from other products that are put together to make the product.

One way to tell the difference between quality leather and its deficient counterparts is how it ages. Fine leather becomes soft over time and develops a sheen. Imitation and poor-quality leather becomes dull and worn as it ages. The next step to quality leather items is how it is stitched together.

The wallet, briefcase, jacket, or other item is stitched together by hand. A real Italian product can be differentiated from a counterfeit by looking at the stich work. Italian stich work is tight, neat and designed to hold. Imposters use sloppy stitches that will most likely unravel in a short period.

Real or fake?

There are other ways to distinguish real leather goods. The best Italian design houses, such as Prada, Armani, and Gucci, don’t make their leather products in their main factories. Instead, they use smaller Italian manufacturers who use traditional processes. They do this because they know these family-run companies produce the best product, and they only sell the best.

Another way to tell if a product is true Italian is to look at the label. Some products are assembled in other countries to take advantage of cheap labor. A label that says Italy on it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is Italian. People need to look for a tag that says Italian leather and Made in Italy. This will mean that not only was Italian leather used in the product, but that it was also manufactured only in Italy.

Another way to tell if a product is high quality, Italian is to look for Vera Pelle certification. A consortium of Italian leather manufacturers has formed to help ensure the production level of Italian leather goods. Vera Pelle certification means that the item was produced by a member of this consortium. This guarantees that the product was manufactured in Tuscany, that traditional methods were used, and that an environmentally safe process was used during tanning. This helps reassure not only buyers who prefer the best, but also those who care about the environment.

Italian leather goods are at the height of fashion and quality. People who wear Italian leather find it comfortable and durable. Many buyers have become distressed because cheap imitations are often replacing real Italian goods, and they are conned into buying something that is poor quality. In addition to price and checking the quality, reading the label will help ensure that people are buying the legitimate Italian article.

Why Italian shoes?

Men do not often spend a lot of time worrying about shoes. They are usually more worried about whether or not the shoes will fit, or if they will last a long time. They don’t care for shopping in general and shoe shopping in particular, as it is a seemingly endless and boring chore. Italian shoes may help in this area.

Italian products are known for their quality, style, and durability; and Italian shoes are no exception. They are made from leather and suede, not synthetic materials. They still use traditional techniques, including hand stitching. Italian shoes for men are handcrafted so that each pair is made with expertise and care.

This has many benefits. One benefit of Italian shoes is that the leather will stretch when they are worn. Those with wider feet know how difficult it is to find shoes that fit. Even sizes that claim to be wide are tight when a person tries them on. With real leather, the shoe will shape more to the person’s foot, so it doesn’t feel like they are crammed into  the shoe.

These shoes are also comfortable to wear. Women have a hard time finding heels that don’t kill their feet after wearing them all day. Men have the same issue with dress shoes. Dress shoes often have hard soles, and a day at work is as painful for men as it is for women. Shoes from Italy are designed with the shape of the foot in mind, and created to be comfortable for all day use.

Work and play

There are many different styles of Italian shoes for men, including Oxford, full boot, mid-calf boot, loafer, and even sandals. There are shoes suitable for the office, special occasions, going out with friends or casual weekend wear. No matter what the occasion or taste, an Italian shoe will make any man happy.

For those who are looking for everyday office wear, there are Oxfords available in black or brown. There are different styles, including lace-ups and slip-ons. They even come in brown calf leather and cost between $300-$500. For those who are looking for executive office wear, prestigious and exclusive Forzieri brown cap toe dress shoes are great for important business meetings and dinner parties for around $500.

For men who like boots, Brunori strap boots are hand-designed, black leather that sell for about $400. Moreover, for men who like a more casual style, Pakerson Today comes in the latest styles and are made with the same traditional techniques.

Looking for style

There are men who strive to dress for success or those who like the latest styles. Italian shoes for men are a great choice for the trendsetter and the upwardly mobile. In addition to the Brunori, Pakerson Today, and Forzieri brands of shoes, some famous clothes designers have their own lines. Prada, Gucci, and Tod’s each have their own collections of shoes that they sell in their boutiques.


Because Italy is well known for its fashion, shoe designers in this country strive to create designs that are innovative and unique. Men who like to be known for wearing the latest fashion can’t go wrong with Italian shoes. Shopping in exclusive boutiques may even guarantee that trend-setting males are the only ones in their social circle with these fantastic shoes.

Italian shoes for men can help fill many different needs. For the men who prefer quality shoes, the handcrafted traditions and real leather of these shoes make sure they last. For men who need to look great at work, Italian shoe’s fit this qualification and are still comfortable. For those who like to be dressed in the latest styles, Italian shoes make sure that those who wear them stand out in a crowd. In addition, wearing Italian shoes just may make the women in their life jealous for a change.

Ferrari

The Dark Side of Italian Suits

Italian suits weren’t always considered the height of fashion. There was a time when people thought that the only people who wore suits from Italy were mafia dons and drug dealers. They were flashy, loud and made from material that wasn’t suitable for business meetings or weddings.

This was because Italian designers have always been trendsetters and likes to give the public what they want. When they decided to streamline their image, they changed their materials, but many of the traditional elements that are essential to Italian suits have remained the same.

Why Italian Suits?

What is it that makes these suits so popular? It is more than just the fact that some of the most famous designers in the world make them. It is also because of the way the feel, the way the look, and the way they are made.

Some of the most popular ladies’ fashions are uncomfortable to wear. A woman has to be careful how they move and may even fear a wardrobe malfunction. With Italian suits, they are always comfortable to wear.  Although wool is one of the more popular fabrics to use for suits, there are other fabrics used so that they aren’t as hot or stifling in the warm weather.

Also unlike women’s fashions, men’s suits from Italy are made to accentuate the good points of an individual’s body and hide the bad. Let’s face it, not everyone is a runway model, and most people have some feature of their body they would like to make less noticeable. With Italian suits, they are altered to make you look your best. You are not altered to accentuate them.

Only the best fabrics are used when creating these clothes, so that they are durable as well as comfortable. The stitching, the lining, the buttons, and the zipper, are all designed to last and attention is paid to the smallest detail. So while these suits may be expensive, they are made to be worn several years after you purchase one.

For generations, each suit was handmade. While this is no longer possible, many manufacturers of suits in Italy are family owned, and the tradition is still there. The skill and techniques of suit making are passed down from family member to family member for generations, so while the manufacturing process may have changed to accommodate global production, the techniques and details have stayed the same.

A Suit for any Occasion

Italian suits come in many different styles, and are suitable for weddings, business meetings, and other special events. For dress suits, they come in black or the well-known white suit. White suits are a famous Italian trademark, seen in the movies like Scarface, where it was worn by Al Pacino.


While white suits may not be worn just by Mafia dons, it does take a special type of man to pull off wearing a white Italian suit. Since you are the center of attention, you must be comfortable in the spotlight. You need to be able to exhibit confidence and grace as people will tend to follow your movements throughout the event.  Perhaps this is why Hollywood portrays those in the Mafia in white suites, because they have the machismo to pull them off.

These expensive suits come in more traditional colors as well. Black, charcoal, tan, olive and pinstripe suits are everywhere in the Italian lines. You can find the formal three-piece suit for your daughter’s wedding, or the two-piece suit for that important business meeting. With the timeless look of Italian suits, you can rest assured that, no matter what the occasion, you are always in style.

Suits are an important part of a man’s wardrobe. Men are paying more attention to their appearance, especially in the business world, where fashion equates success in many circles. Purchasing Italian suits is not just a fashion statement; it is an investment in yourself and your appearance that will last the rest of your life.

Renaissance Style

Like its namesake, the Renaissance style is ornate, creative and every piece is a work of art. Carved with birds, rich materials, and paintings that could be considered a masterpiece in its own right, this furniture tends to dominate a room. Because these pieces tend to be large and heavy, they aren’t for small rooms, or rooms with little natural light.

Tuscany

Tuscany is lighter, warm and welcoming. Where the Renaissance is formal, Tuscany is meant to be used, and has the feel of the Italian countryside. This style is great for airy rooms and country kitchens with its warm colors and rustic looks.

Modern

This style actually covers a portion of the 20^th century from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. This type of furniture may have an art-deco look (1920’s), the open warmth of the 1950’s, known as mid-century, or the more humble Scandinavian look of the 70’s.

Le Corbusier is the epitome of 20^th century design. Named after Swiss architect Jeanneret, this line of armchairs and chaises have distinctive names such as LC1 or LC3. This line of furniture is sold exclusively by Cassina, who bought the rights from Jeanneret himself in 1964.

Contemporary

The contemporary look is simple and minimalistic. Famous brands like Edra and Poltrona Frau contrast greatly with more modern designs like Poliform, Flexform and Zanotta. They are sleeker and devoid of the heavy look and whimsical designs of the Renaissance style, and lack the warmth of Tuscany. Despite the stark nature of this furniture, it is very popular with the wealthy and the famous throughout the world.

Natuzzi

Natuzzi is one of the Italian furniture manufacturers who has a more modern style. Their Italsofa brand is known for its quality and durability. They make leather sofas, and Italian leather is famous for its quality. They also carry a range of armchairs, tables and other accessories to help create a complete look.

The founder of the company, Pasquale Natuzzi, was only 19 years old when he began making furniture in 1959. Coming from a long line of cabinet makers, Pasquale sold armchairs and end tables to local Italian customers.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Natuzzi began to export his furniture, and he didn’t market to the US until the 1980s. At that time, his first piece to be sold in America went for about $1,000, and his popularity in the states grew rapidly.  His Italsofa brand is very popular in the United States, as well as the rest of the world.

Cassina

Cassina didn’t have to wait as long to become popular as Natuzzi. Created by two brothers in 1927, they created custom pieces for cruise lines and hotel chains early in their careers, allowing them to earn a reputation for quality. The sale of the rights of the Le Corbusier line was in recognition for their dedication to taste and creativity. This reputation has continued over time, and they continue to work with well-known designers around the world. Vico Magistretti and Gaetano Pesce are just two of the many top designers who have worked with Cassina.


Italy is known for its taste and opulent products. Whether it is cars, wine, furniture or clothes, if it is Italian made it is a status symbol of wealth and taste. This appeal goes beyond design, and extends to quality. Many manufacturing companies in Italy are family owned, and the way they make their products today, stems from knowledge that has been passed down through the generations.

There are types of furniture out there that are expensive but not comfortable or durable. Italian furniture manufacturers such as Natuzzi and Cassina use quality products and pay attention to details to make a product that will last. So, whether your style is Renaissance, Tuscany or the modern flair of Le Corbusier, look to Italian furniture to give you the look and comfort that is meant to be used.