Dream Dada

Andrea Molteni, MD and CEO of Dada, talks about the Armanidada collection and benefits of being a thirdgeneration member of the family-owned business

Describe Dada’s brand philosophy.

Dada is a brand within the Molteni group (including Molteni & C, Unifor and Citterio), which focuses on the kitchen environment. I’m glad to say that we are celebrating our 80th anniversary this year. Our philsophy is to create the most excellent design and to pay attention to all the details that comprise the products we bring to the market.

How did you come to be a part of the family business?

I never really felt any pressure from my family to join the business even though I am the eldest of the third generation within the company, I joined because I’ve always had a very strong fascination with technical details and industrial design. It also helped that I grew up around my father and uncles who were all in the furniture industry, so it was natural for me to follow in their footsteps.

One of the highlights from Dada’s latest projects is the Armanidada kitchen collection. What was it like working with Giorgio Armani?

The collaboration started a while back after it was initiated by Giorgio Armani’s team. As one of the most iconic and recognised designers in the fashion industry, Armani’s style is his key signature and what sets him apart from other designers. He is a forwardthinking designer and his creations paved the way for many new trends in fashion as well as other areas of design. Armani had been dabbling in the furniture industry a decade ago, way before other fashion brands dared to venture into the new genre.

What was the inspiration behind the Armanidada collection?

For Armani, he has a very distinct, clean and sleek style. It was essential for us to achieve that iconic look. The vision that Armani set for the collection was a kitchen that is as minimalist in form as his fashion creations. All the clutter should be out of sight once the cooking has been completed.

What is the most outstanding feature in the Armanidada kitchen?

We came up with this iconic U-shaped island piece that is both elegant and useful; the U-shape makes for more interactive mealtimes, while the hidden storage space within the island hides the clutter. So for the Armanidada collaboration, you’re stepping into the Armani experience – a world the taste and finishes are distinctly Armani, but complemented with the technicalities of a Dada kitchen. The Armanidada kitchen is thought of as a social experience; it’s a place where you congregate with your friends in a magical atmosphere.