Furniture Line, primarily involved in furniture retail and contract business, was established in 2009 in Beirut. Currently operating Natuzzi Italia and Calligaris mono-brand stores in Downtown Beirut, Furniture Line is expanding its portfolio with the opening of a new state-of-the-art showroom, introducing two new designer furniture brands: Bonaldo and Alf DaFre.
On Wednesday, June 12th 2019, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Naji & Karen Fatte welcomed clients, architects, and friends to the new store located at 1468 Allenby Street – Allenby Gate – Beirut Central District. Among the distinguished guests were the Italian ambassador H.E. Mr Massimo Marotti, as well as the brand founders Mr Alberto Bonaldo, Mrs Cristina Piovesana and Mr Flavio DaFre. The new 3-floor space, extending over 500 sqm, was designed by Mauro Lipparini, also present at the event, winner of the Good Design Global Award – the world’s most prestigious honor in design.
Bonaldo, a well-established Italian furniture brand, is all about passion, design, research and quality. Its collections are characterized by an eclectic, colorful, dynamic and unique style in furniture such as tables, chairs, accessories, sofas and beds. The contribution of various talents to the collections makes the brand stand out with highly distinctive elements. To date, Bonaldo’s most representative product, which has become an icon of style worldwide, is definitely the “Big Table”, designed by Alain Gilles in 2009. In over 80 years, Bonaldo has managed to create its unique style that is based on certain highly distinctive elements such as colour, harmony of forms and lines, functionality and comfort.
Alf DaFre is one of the most influential companies in the international furniture market. Established in the 50s by a group of highly skilled and experienced Italian craftsmen, and under the guidance of the Piovesana brothers, it quickly grew over time and now offers solutions special to living area furniture, as well as bedrooms and kitchens, with products reflecting a modern lifestyle and contemporary trends. The company provides cutting-edge services with outstanding flexibility and timing. Every Alf Group product is proudly made in Italy, bringing together creative talents, meticulous production and technological know-how, all while respecting its people and the environment.
Furniture Line Managing Director, Naji Fatte, says “we are proud to add yet two more distinguished Italian furniture brands to our portfolio, further enhancing the experience of fine Italian design in the Lebanese homes. We thrive to continue our business expansion in Lebanon and the Middle East with the aim to become the preferred source of affordable luxury furniture in the region.”
Bonaldo Managing Director, Alberto Bonaldo added: “The process of opening single-brand stores worldwide, after Asia, Europe and the United States, can boast now an important presence in such a promising market as Lebanon. We believe that Bonaldo brand can add a significant contribution to the world of design in the city of Beirut and we are proud to share this experience with Mr and Mrs Fatte, a reference point for this country’s high-level furnishing”
Alf DaFre President and CEO, Cristina Piovesana, added: “Thanks to the Beirut store and the experience of our local partners Naji and Karen Fatte we will be able to translate our products and concept into furnishing every room of the house, from modular kitchens to bedroom and living room furniture. Our different collections can be mixed and matched freely with a made to order offer.”
Mauro Lipparini, Architect, added: “For each brand, I created subtly distinct, individual expressions through different nuances of wall-paint colors that interplay with varied boiserie panels: for Bonaldo, cheerful, bright color schemes that contrast with an underground style reflected in the Alf DaFre display area’s mirror-finish false ceilings.”