7 family-led design brands you should know

From the age of eleven, Francesco Molon dedicated at least twelve hours of his day to carpentry. He was enamoured by the process of carving exquisite pieces out of wood. As he grew older and established his own company, he worked alongside the most innovative craftsmen he could find. Since then, the company has expanded to Saudi Arabia and the United States. 

Roberto Molon and Christian Molon now follow in their father’s footsteps, preserving the complex art of furniture that spans generations. Now, they showcase the most intricate chairs, cabinets, desks and other furniture pieces that would blend seamlessly with the most decadent aesthetics. At the same time, they have created a contemporary collection that aligns their regal tradition with modern tastes. 

In 1921, Giovanni Alessi and his brother founded a workshop called Fratelli Alessi Omegna, where they created exquisite pieces out of copper, brass and nickel silver. Giovanni Alessi’s son Carlo joined the company, creating iconic designs for the brand. Over the brand’s nearly 100 years, they have adapted to the demands of the era. 

Giovanni Alessi’s grandson Alberto Alessi joined the company in 1970. He developed such designs as trays, baskets and a modular table service system, eventually turning the company into a ‘Factory of Design’. Now, Alessi continues to encourage young designers to engage in groundbreaking research, exploring unique design forms while pushing the boundaries of self-expression. 

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One of the most iconic designers of the 20th century is Pierre Paulin, whose creations sit at the intersection of innovation and aesthetics. In the 1960s, Paulin emerged with compelling organic creations such as the Mushroom Chair, the Ribbon Chair and the Tongue Chair. His furniture prioritised ergonomic comfort without sacrificing his distinctive style. Another one of his most distinctive creations was the Dune Sofa, which features curves that evoke images of a desert landscape. 

Now, Paulin’s son, Benjamin Paulin, has taken over the company—with a laser focus. “I grew up with rejected pieces all over my house,” he shares with Tatler. “Prototypes that couldn’t make it; dreams that never came true–those pieces were the best to me growing up.” 

These projects, drafted through the late 1960s to the 1980s, are now coming to life under Paulin’s watchful eye. Now, celebrities such as Kanye West and Frank Ocean proudly display their Paulin pieces. “I don't see what we are doing as a brand,” he emphasises. “I am seeing it more as membership in a club.” 

The Italian architect and furniture designer Paolo Orlandini started working with designer Roberto Lucci in 1968. Together, they created award-winning products for major companies such as Velca and Knoll. The team created the VIP coat tree and umbrella stand in 1970, starting a partnership spanning four decades. In 2009, Orlandini joined the Orlandini Design Studio with his son Folco Orlandini and Gianno Martelli. 

At the Orlandini Design Studio, the team focuses on furniture pieces that add a tangible positive impact to people’s lives. Balancing pragmatism with accessibility, the Orlandini design team continues to create geometric pieces in a playful range of colours, suitable to any home or office setup. 

Piero Lissoni is one of the most iconic contemporary designers today, with a career in global architecture, landscaping and interior design that spans three decades. He also serves as the art director for companies such as Boffi and Porro. He has also designed for Alessi, B&B Italia, Fendi Casa and Kartell among other brands. 

His son, Francesco Lissoni is the current co-head of Lissoni and Partners’ Design Department and has been a partner of the firm since 2019. He is especially interested in robotics and game design, as well as developing art projects in his spare time. 

At a family-run workshop in Cantù, an Italian city in the region of Como, Nino Romano began producing solid classic wood furniture. After the war, Mario Riva took over from his father, learning the intricacies of creating custom cabinets in the Brianza style. 

Eventually, brothers Maurizio and Davide Riva took over from their father to keep Riva 1920 running. Maurizio Riva took a trip to New York and was fascinated by the usage of reforested wood, creating solid cherry wood furniture of his own. 

“I’ve always considered myself just a carpenter who has been working for 55 years,” says Maurizio Riva upon receiving the prestigious Compasso d’Oro for Lifetime Achievement for his contributions to Italian woodworking. Now, Riva 1920 collaborates with internationally renowned designers to create sustainable yet functional furniture.  

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