INSTANT CLASSIC
The elegant Connery seating system, part of the 2020 Collection from MINOTTI, is a captivating blend of refined details, sophisticated manufacturing, and modern Italian design
THE SMALL-SCALE Italian artisan furniture workshop known as Minotti was first established by Alberto Minotti back in 1948. Over the intervening decades, this prestige brand has grown considerably on the international stage. However, despite its impressive growth the company itself has always remained within the family. Alberto’s sons Renato and Roberto took over the Minotti reins in 1991, and now the third generation – led by Alessio, Alessandro, Susanna, and Leonardo – is ushering the company into the 21st Century.
Another constant within Minotti universe has been the creative vision of the esteemed architect Rodolfo Dordoni, who has, since 1998, been assigned the strategic role of art director and coordinator of all of the company’s collections. One of Rodolfo’s most recent masterpieces is the Connery seating system, which debuted last year – neatly coinciding with the launch of the 2020 Collection.
A strong statement piece in any home, the Connery is contemporary seating system that exhibits not only the distinctive, pure lines reminiscent of the Mid-century modern design, but also an effortlessly luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic that instantly catches the eye. It’s also an extremely versatile seating system, in terms of both geometric composition and the unique combination of top-tier materials used in its construction.
The wealth of refined detailing throughout the piece adds an aura of haute couture to the overall design. The Connery’s padded, structural base, for instance, is raised from the ground on thin blades – crafted in extruded aluminium – which are positioned at the front and finished with a sumptuous brandy polished varnish. These blades, in turn, gives the piece an airy, almost “floating” appearance, while also referencing the metal embellishments of vintage trunks and suitcases. As for the appearance of the wraparound base, it can be customised with an attractive fabric covering, or with an outer surface made up of strips of leather, all executed using the same technique found in fine leather luggagecrafting. Interestingly, this high-end leather goods concept is also referenced in the Connery’s freely adjustable headrests.
The firmness of the aforementioned base contrasts nicely with the plush softness of the seat, which has been conceived as a single cushion; covered in channeled goose down padding and punctuated by light stitching. The stitch defines the width of the seat – whether 83cm or 68cm – while the backrest and armrest form a single volume, with a 45-degree split in the corner.
The delightful C-shaped flap shelves add to the Connery a charming mix of flair and functionality that seamlessly blends into the other seating elements. On one hand these playful platforms reiterate the strip design of the structural base, and on the other they perform a purely practical service, offering sturdy surfaces on which to rest one’s book, or gently place one’s apéritif. With the choice of either a smooth leather covering, or a sleek Moka ash veneer, these angled accents work harmoniously
with the horizontal lines, as well as the textural element of the fine upholstery.
Viewed from any angle, the Connery is an elegant furniture piece with an animated composition that gives it an alluring rhythmic sway. It boldly reaffirms the core values of Minotti, with its combination of high-end manufacturing techniques, sartorial savoir faire, and contemporary elegance. This well-structured, customisable range also has the advantage of offering homeowners many different compositional iterations, making it a versatile addition to any room’s interior design concept. In addition to longer square chaise-lounges, it also includes circular elements that can be positioned near the sofa as atolls.
Central to Minotti’s identity is their strong ‘Made in Italy’ heritage – a deeply rooted constant that features in every collection and is a quintessential part of the company’s DNA. Rodolfo’s latest creations for the brand continue to follow the key principle of “innovation in the spirit of continuity”, once again establishing Minotti’s latest offerings as instant classics.