Growing the family tree with Antonio Marinoni, Sales Director of Porro

From the founders planting roots in Italy to their descendants branching out across the globe in Malaysia, contemporary wooden furniture leader Porro spreads its “simplicity above all else” philosophy all around, and here to speak more about its past, present and future is Antonio Marinoni, Sales Director of Porro.

Words by Monisha Sivanesan | Images courtesy of Bonnie Yap Photography

The history of a brand can say a whole lot about the calibre of people involved, of the products created and of the events that followed—the same goes for one of the most internationally renowned Made-in-Italy furniture companies, which after nearly a century, remains family-run. Founded in 1925 by brothers Giulio and Stefano Porro in the heart of Italy’s furniture-making tradition known as Brianza, Porro started off dedicated to the production of old-style pieces of furniture for the newborn Milanese bourgeoisie. When passed to the second generation in the 1950s, it embraced Modernism with the help of architect Giulio Moscatelli and gained recognition through its participation in the first Salone del Mobile di Milano where it remains involved till today. During this period, Porro became known for its impeccable craftsmanship, its reputation further solidified by collaborations with leading designers such as Bruno Munari who also brought the label’s iconic logo to life in 1966, where the two Os in the name look like screws to symbolise its strong woodworking heritage.

In the mid-1980s, with the third generation in charge, design became a core focus, the driving force, if you will. This era was marked by the pivotal partnership with contemporary design extraordinaire Piero Lissoni, who still enthusiastically serves as the company’s innovative art director. A jump into modular systems for living and sleeping areas, which now make up 70% of Porro’s production, occurred during the 90s, reflecting its architectural vision for space. In addition, the attendance at the Furniture Exhibition of Cologne, the cooperation with German designers like Wolfgang Tolk and Werner Aisslinger as well as the entrance into the German market during this decade were the first steps of internationalisation which only strengthened over time, as proven by the brand’s current partnership with over 600 retailers across the globe—including Malaysia’s the Plan.

Crossing into the new millennium, new achievements were unlocked, most notably the opening of the first mono-brand shop in Milan in 2004. New collaborations with renowned designers such as Christophe Pillet, Jean-Marie Massaud, Front, Alessandro Mendini, GamFratesi, Gabriele and Oscar Buratti, Nicola Gallizia and Nao Tamura were forged, allowing plenty of diverse styles to be introduced to Porro’s universe, all while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic centred on refined simplicity that appeals to a wide range of clients and meets the most demanding of requirements altogether. Today, the fourth generation led by Maria Porro, who was also appointed as president of Salone del Mobile in 2020, continues to honour the company’s legacy, while propelling it into the distant future with a prioritised attention to sustainable development. Since 2017, three years after Maria joined the fold, Porro is a valued partner of Fondazione Altagamma, the institution that gathers high-end, cultural and creative Italian companies that are recognised globally as authentic ambassadors of Italian excellence, uniqueness and lifestyle.

From this short summary, it is clear that sowing the seeds, nurturing the plants and growing the garden of Porro continues to prove a fruitful endeavour almost a century later. In a nutshell, Porro has come a long way to earn its description as a global leader in contemporary, high-quality architectural furniture systems—beds, storage solutions, bookcases, chairs, tables and accessories—, defined by a meticulous focus on finishes, clean lines and exquisite details. Celebrated for its expertise in wood craftsmanship, it offers a vast range of finishes and revives traditional wood finishing techniques using the latest manufacturing and information technologies in a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility. In celebration of its launch in Malaysia with the Plan, Sales Director Antonio Marinoni touches on the brand’s most iconic pieces, as well as dishes on what’s been going on and what’s coming up in the next exciting chapter of Porro.

Three keywords to describe Porro?

Purity. Quality. Sustainability. To be more specific, the brand is distinguished by its unwavering focus on three key elements: aesthetic purity in design, exceptional quality in products, projects and processes as well as a commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

In celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary next year, what can you tell us about the upcoming special collections or pieces in the works?

2025 promises to be a milestone year for Porro as we approach our centennial celebration. We’ve already begun marking this occasion with exciting global openings in our favourite cities, including Kuala Lumpur and soon, New York. As we celebrate our heritage, we will continue to focus on creativity, forge new collaborations and look forward to the future. Stay tuned for what’s next!

One Porro item that every first-time customer in Malaysia should have?

I would recommend choosing a Porro table such as the sculptural Ferro or Metallico, or the charming Materic, which are not only distinctive but also designed to stand the test of time, ensuring lasting value. Available in larger dimensions, they are ideal for gathering family and friends, enjoying meals and providing ample space for work or other activities.

Your favourite piece?

Porro’s wardrobes are a world unto themselves, so I’d go for the Storage system designed by Piero Lissoni which embodies the pinnacle of elegance and customisation. It offers tailored solutions for every storage requirement, transforming the act of storing and displaying clothes, accessories and personal items into an art form. With a sleek design and endless configuration possibilities, the Storage system becomes more than just functional; it’s a true showcase of style and sophistication, perfectly blending form and function.

Porro’s key message to our Malaysian audience?

Experience Italian craftsmanship and Porro’s century of expertise in furniture making in your future home. Transform your space with our distinctive quality, tailored to your unique needs and desires, and bring your personal vision to life with our timeless designs.

Final words about the brand’s partnership with the Plan in Malaysia?

At Porro, we go beyond selling individual products; we specialise in crafting fully customised spaces and providing impeccable service. Finding the right collaboration is essential to us, which is why we are excited to work with The Plan. They are the perfect project and operational partner, ensuring that our brand’s high standards of design quality are maintained throughout every stage of the process—from initial design and delivery to comprehensive after-sales support.

For more information, head to

Porro | www.porro.com

the Plan | www.theplan.com.my