Italian Design Firm Adorns Over a Hundred Upscale Residences in Singapore

04 Dec, 2023

Italian Design Firm Adorns Over a Hundred Upscale Residences in Singapore

At a time when most 10-year-olds were playing in their neighborhoods, Raffaele Saporiti traversed the globe alongside his father, Sergio Saporiti, the founder of Italy's famed furniture entity, Saporiti Italia, established in 1948. This extraordinary childhood laid the foundation for Raffaele's journey into the world of design and his current role as the company's chairman and CEO.

Raffaele's unconventional education involved immersing himself in diverse cultures and observing his father's interactions with suppliers and clients. One vivid memory recalls his visit to Saudi Arabia at the age of 13, where he witnessed a vast desert landscape in 1974, encapsulating a time of immense change.

Singapore holds a special place for Raffaele, particularly due to its fusion of eastern and western influences. His recent presence at FIND: Design Fair Asia held at Marina Bay Sands showcased Saporiti Italia's 75-year legacy in the architecture and design realms, commemorating 15 years of operations in Singapore.

The exhibition showcased iconic furniture designs representing the company's history. Notably, the Miamina chair and the Jumbo chair, the latter designed by Alberto Rosselli, a former creative director, showcased progressive designs and won prestigious awards, marking pivotal moments in the company's evolution.

Raffaele's reverence for his late father's legacy and entrepreneurial spirit remains evident. Sergio's journey from humble beginnings to creating his own laboratory after departing from a small furniture company reflects his audacity and foresight.

Saporiti Italia's collaborations with esteemed architects like Marti Guixe, Shin Takamatsu, Fuksas Architects, and John C Portman, along with their presence in renowned art museums globally, underscore their commitment to innovative design.

The company's visionary approach involved amalgamating American Modernism and Scandinavian design with Italian elegance, pioneering fabric imports from Switzerland and initiating partnerships with fashion brands like Missoni in the early '70s.

Saporiti Italia's groundbreaking initiatives, such as establishing monobrand showrooms worldwide and transitioning towards interior furnishing in the '70s, '80s, and beyond, positioned them as trendsetters in the design world.

Their Singapore portfolio boasts over 100 completed luxury residences, including projects in prestigious locales like Le Nouvel Ardmore Apartment, Gramercy Park, and Pearl Island Villas in Sentosa Cove, reflecting the company's versatility and attention to detail.

Raffaele's forward-thinking perspective emphasizes the importance of sustainability, evident in their innovative use of natural and recyclable materials in their designs.

Looking ahead, Saporiti Italia's evolution continues with a new collection showcasing technology-driven furniture that encapsulates cultural stories. Raffaele envisions a future where smart technology seamlessly integrates with furniture, representing a harmonious blend of functionality and style.