A Dialogue in Design

We discuss the intersections of Italian and Singaporean design with His Excellency Dante Brandi, the Italian Ambassador to Singapore

- Asih Jenie

From their deep-rooted craftsmanship to cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, Italian furniture brands continue to set trends that resonate with Singapore’ design-savvy and contemporary audience.

In fact, Italian furniture holds an impressive 32.8 per cent market share in Singapore's youth furniture segment, with exports to Singapore increasing by 14.4 per cent in 2023. We spoke with Dante Brandi, the Italian Ambassador to Singapore, during Singapore Design Week and ahead of the Find - Design Fair Asia event last year on the reasons why Italian designs thrive in this market, and what the future holds for Singaporean designers looking to expand internationally.

What makes Italian furniture so popular in Singapore?

Singapore is a trendsetter in design, often ahead of global tastes. The market here was particularly responsive during the pandemic, when people realised the importance of surrounding themselves with well-designed, high-quality furniture.

Singapore's affluence and position as a regional hub make it an ideal showcase for the latest trends. Italian furniture, with its craftsmanship and heritage, resonates with our appreciation for quality and innovation.

How do Italian furniture brands balance craftsmanship with a sense of innovation?